{"scale":"human","events":[{"text":{"headline":"Bible - Aldi Manutii (2000.043) 1667<\/a>","text":"27

Aldi Manutii de Metris Horatianis Tractatus[?], [n.p.: n.p., n.d. (Ca. 1800s?),
\ntitle page missingJ . [Inscribed in pen on back flyleaf: \"John Whytt.\" Contains
\nPelham Historical Society Museum Collection Accession No. 2000.43.;464 page leather bound book titled \"Aidi Manutii\" printed in Roterdam in 1667<\/a><\/p>","headline-date":"This is 27"},"media":{"url":"","thumbnail":"","credit":"","caption":"<\/a><\/em>"},"display_date":"","0":"Array\n(\n [year] => 1667\n)\n-Array\n(\n [year] => 1667\n)\n","start_date":{"year":1667},"end_date":{"year":1667}},{"text":{"headline":"Book - Theological primer (2000.064) 1696<\/a>","text":"27

Turrettino, Francisco, Institutio Theologiae Elenctica<\/u>... [n.p. : n.p, 1696].
\n[Inscribed on title page: \"Ex Libris R. Abercrombie, 1737.\" (This appears to be
\nin Rev. Robert Abercrombie's handwriting-RLK) Contains Pelham Historical
\nSociety Museum Collection Accession No. 2000.64. No back cover.];Lating book called Theologiae Elencticae.<\/a><\/p>","headline-date":"This is 27"},"media":{"url":"","thumbnail":"","credit":"","caption":"<\/a><\/em>"},"display_date":"","0":"Array\n(\n [year] => 1696\n)\n-Array\n(\n [year] => 1696\n)\n","start_date":{"year":1696},"end_date":{"year":1696}},{"text":{"headline":"Bible (2000.041) circa 1719<\/a>","text":"27

Theophili Goln Grammatica Graeca, Sive Educatio Puerilis Linguae Graecae<\/u>... ,
\n[Amsterdam: Joannem Wolters, n.d. (ca. 1700s?)]. [Inscribed on back flyleaf:
\n\"William Alstonj.] 16th March 1719\" and \"W.W. Abercrombie.\" Contains Pelham
\nHistorical Society Museum Collection Accession No. 2000.41.];Leather bound book written in Latin - 348 pages long.;Listed on RLK Inventory Box 2 but located in\u00a0Box 1\u00a0<\/a><\/p>","headline-date":"This is 27"},"media":{"url":"","thumbnail":"","credit":"","caption":"<\/a><\/em>"},"display_date":"","0":"Array\n(\n [year] => 1719\n)\n-Array\n(\n [year] => 1719\n)\n","start_date":{"year":1719},"end_date":{"year":1719}},{"text":{"headline":"Nail (2000.134.004) circa 1749<\/a>","text":"27

one of six handmade nails with square heads found in Pelham Meeting house.<\/a><\/p>","headline-date":"This is 27"},"media":{"url":"https:\/\/pelhamhistory.org\/pa\/media\/collectiveaccess\/images\/1\/34024_ca_object_representations_media_177_small.jpg","thumbnail":"https:\/\/pelhamhistory.org\/pa\/media\/collectiveaccess\/images\/1\/69503_ca_object_representations_media_177_icon.jpg","credit":"","caption":"<\/a><\/em>"},"display_date":"","0":"Array\n(\n [year] => 1749\n)\n-Array\n(\n [year] => 1749\n)\n","start_date":{"year":1749},"end_date":{"year":1749}},{"text":{"headline":"Nail (2000.134.005) circa 1749<\/a>","text":"27

one of six handmade nails with square heads found in Pelham Meeting house.<\/a><\/p>","headline-date":"This is 27"},"media":{"url":"","thumbnail":"","credit":"","caption":"<\/a><\/em>"},"display_date":"","0":"Array\n(\n [year] => 1749\n)\n-Array\n(\n [year] => 1749\n)\n","start_date":{"year":1749},"end_date":{"year":1749}},{"text":{"headline":"Conkey's Tavern Fireplace Lintel: \"1764 pp\" (2001.083) circa 1764<\/a>","text":"27

\"1764 pp\"
\nFrom Conkie's Tavern, which stood in Pelham Hollow.\u00a0 Here, in 1786-87, Capt. Daniel Shays and his fellow Pelham citizens met to consider issues culminating in Shays' Rebellion.\u00a0 The Lintel is made of Pelham granite.<\/a><\/p>","headline-date":"This is 27"},"media":{"url":"https:\/\/pelhamhistory.org\/pa\/media\/collectiveaccess\/images\/1\/9\/32243_ca_object_representations_media_1940_small.jpg","thumbnail":"https:\/\/pelhamhistory.org\/pa\/media\/collectiveaccess\/images\/1\/9\/93266_ca_object_representations_media_1940_icon.jpg","credit":"","caption":"<\/a><\/em>"},"display_date":"","0":"Array\n(\n [year] => 1764\n)\n-Array\n(\n [year] => 1764\n)\n","start_date":{"year":1764},"end_date":{"year":1764}},{"text":{"headline":"Conkey's Tavern Fireplace Lintel - \"William Conkey 1776\" (2001.084) circa 1776<\/a>","text":"27

\"William Conkey 1776\"
\nFrom Conkie's Tavern, which stood in Pelham Hollow.\u00a0 Here, in 1786-87, Capt. Daniel Shays and his fellow Pelham citizens met to consider issues culminating in Shays' Rebellion.\u00a0 The Lintel is made of Pelham granite.<\/a><\/p>","headline-date":"This is 27"},"media":{"url":"https:\/\/pelhamhistory.org\/pa\/media\/collectiveaccess\/images\/9\/24871_ca_object_representations_media_914_small.jpg","thumbnail":"https:\/\/pelhamhistory.org\/pa\/media\/collectiveaccess\/images\/9\/93707_ca_object_representations_media_914_icon.jpg","credit":"","caption":"<\/a><\/em>"},"display_date":"","0":"Array\n(\n [year] => 1776\n)\n-Array\n(\n [year] => 1776\n)\n","start_date":{"year":1776},"end_date":{"year":1776}},{"text":{"headline":"Book - primer teaching Hebrew (2000.055) 1779<\/a>","text":"27

Early Date: MDCLXXIX - Late Date:;Made: Elizabethe Flesher;The translatation and teachings of Hebrew, starting from Latin<\/a><\/p>","headline-date":"This is 27"},"media":{"url":"","thumbnail":"","credit":"","caption":"<\/a><\/em>"},"display_date":"","0":"Array\n(\n [year] => 1779\n)\n-Array\n(\n [year] => 1779\n)\n","start_date":{"year":1779},"end_date":{"year":1779}},{"text":{"headline":"Chair, Child's (2000.238) circa 1780 \u2013 1800<\/a>","text":"27

Black oval child's chair with seven holes where spindles had once been, raised on four tapered round legs and two stretchers all worn. One board seat - painted black.<\/a><\/p>","headline-date":"This is 27"},"media":{"url":"https:\/\/pelhamhistory.org\/pa\/media\/collectiveaccess\/images\/6\/91039_ca_object_representations_media_618_small.jpg","thumbnail":"https:\/\/pelhamhistory.org\/pa\/media\/collectiveaccess\/images\/6\/34519_ca_object_representations_media_618_icon.jpg","credit":"","caption":"<\/a><\/em>"},"display_date":"","0":"Array\n(\n [year] => 1780\n [month] => 1\n [day] => 1\n)\n-Array\n(\n [year] => 1800\n [month] => 12\n [day] => 31\n)\n","start_date":{"year":1780,"month":1,"day":1},"end_date":{"year":1800,"month":12,"day":31}},{"text":{"headline":"Book -a select century of lordeius collequies (2000.047) 1798<\/a>","text":"27

Clarke, John, Corderii Colloguioru M Centuria Selecta: A Select Century of
\nCorderius's Colloguies: With an English Translation, as Liberal as Possible;
\nDesigned for the Use of Beginners in the Latin Tongue,<\/u> [London: C. Dilly, G.G.
\nand J. Robinson, et al, 1798]. [Inscribed in pen: \"[crossed out] 1803... Bacon
\nAdademy[,] William King[,] Colchester. ..\" Inscribed on inner flyleaf in pen:
\n\"William King's his Book Ware].]\" Inscribed on title page in pen: \"David
\nRaymond's Libr-[.]\" Inscribed on back flyleaf in pen: \"D. Thatcher\" and \"Mrs.
\nMary White[.]\"Contains Pelham Historical Society Museum Collection
\nAccession No. 2000.47.];Burlap covered book on the teachings of Latin asking question in Latin then in another column the English translation.<\/a><\/p>","headline-date":"This is 27"},"media":{"url":"","thumbnail":"","credit":"","caption":"<\/a><\/em>"},"display_date":"","0":"Array\n(\n [year] => 1798\n)\n-Array\n(\n [year] => 1798\n)\n","start_date":{"year":1798},"end_date":{"year":1798}},{"text":{"headline":"Book: Memoirs of Stephen Burroughs (1969.001) circa 1798<\/a>","text":"27

<\/a><\/p>","headline-date":"This is 27"},"media":{"url":"","thumbnail":"","credit":"","caption":"<\/a><\/em>"},"display_date":"","0":"Array\n(\n [year] => 1798\n)\n-Array\n(\n [year] => 1798\n)\n","start_date":{"year":1798},"end_date":{"year":1798}},{"text":{"headline":"Book - Commatum Diatribea (2000.057) 1800s<\/a>","text":"27

De Dei Existentia[<\/u>?], [n .p.: n.p. , n .d. (ca. 1800s?), title page missing].
\n[Contains Pelham Historical Society Museum Collection Accession No.
\n2000.57.];Square book with leather cover titled Commaum Diatribea. Written in Latin<\/a><\/p>","headline-date":"This is 27"},"media":{"url":"","thumbnail":"","credit":"","caption":"<\/a><\/em>"},"display_date":"","0":"Array\n(\n [year] => 1800\n [month] => 1\n [day] => 1\n)\n-Array\n(\n [year] => 1809\n [month] => 12\n [day] => 31\n)\n","start_date":{"year":1800,"month":1,"day":1},"end_date":{"year":1809,"month":12,"day":31}},{"text":{"headline":"Communion Token (2001.043) circa 1800<\/a>","text":"27

Square lead Token with \"P\" stamped in front side.<\/a><\/p>","headline-date":"This is 27"},"media":{"url":"https:\/\/pelhamhistory.org\/pa\/media\/collectiveaccess\/images\/9\/17132_ca_object_representations_media_986_small.jpg","thumbnail":"https:\/\/pelhamhistory.org\/pa\/media\/collectiveaccess\/images\/9\/1805_ca_object_representations_media_986_icon.jpg","credit":"","caption":"<\/a><\/em>"},"display_date":"","0":"Array\n(\n [year] => 1800\n)\n-Array\n(\n [year] => 1800\n)\n","start_date":{"year":1800},"end_date":{"year":1800}},{"text":{"headline":"Book - Lexicon Latin and French primer (2000.054) 1807<\/a>","text":"27

Paris primer in French, Latin and Greek. With three rows per page, this is much like a translation dictionary;Not on RLK inventory of Abercrombie Box 2<\/a><\/p>","headline-date":"This is 27"},"media":{"url":"","thumbnail":"","credit":"","caption":"<\/a><\/em>"},"display_date":"","0":"Array\n(\n [year] => 1807\n)\n-Array\n(\n [year] => 1807\n)\n","start_date":{"year":1807},"end_date":{"year":1807}},{"text":{"headline":"Bench (2000.249) circa 1810 \u2013 1850<\/a>","text":"27

Windsor type one board seat bench with arms and 18 spindles in back. round tapered legs, (three sets). Painted gray.<\/a><\/p>","headline-date":"This is 27"},"media":{"url":"","thumbnail":"","credit":"","caption":"<\/a><\/em>"},"display_date":"","0":"Array\n(\n [year] => 1810\n [month] => 1\n [day] => 1\n)\n-Array\n(\n [year] => 1850\n [month] => 12\n [day] => 31\n)\n","start_date":{"year":1810,"month":1,"day":1},"end_date":{"year":1850,"month":12,"day":31}},{"text":{"headline":"Book - The rise and progress of religion in the soul (2000.049) 1818<\/a>","text":"27

Doddridge, Philip, D.O., The Rise and Progress of Religion in the Soul;
\nIllustrated in a Course of Serious and Practical Addressed, Suited to Persons
\nof Every Character and Circumstance, With a Devout Meditation and Prayer
\nAdded to Each Chapter. To which is subjoined, A Sermon on the Care of the
\nSoul,<\/u> [Boston: James Loring, 1818]. [Contains Pelham Historical Society
\nMuseum Collection Accession No. 2000.49.];Leather bound book about the rise of religion in the soul \" an index of subjects which are discussed or alluded to in Dr. Doddridges rise and progress of religion in the soul<\/a><\/p>","headline-date":"This is 27"},"media":{"url":"","thumbnail":"","credit":"","caption":"<\/a><\/em>"},"display_date":"","0":"Array\n(\n [year] => 1818\n)\n-Array\n(\n [year] => 1818\n)\n","start_date":{"year":1818},"end_date":{"year":1818}},{"text":{"headline":"Book - H Kaine Testamentum - bible (2000.051) 1818<\/a>","text":"27

New Testament<\/u> [Title in Greek], [Worcester: Isaac Thomas, Jr., 1800].
\n[Inscribed in pen: \"William H. Abercrombies Libr].]\" Inscribed in pencil: \"Bill
\nAbercrombie's Book.\" Inscribed on back flyleaf in pen: \"William H.
\nAbercrombie Ejus Libr (1806)[.]\" Contains Pelham Historical Society Museum
\nCollection Accession No. 2000.51.];Made: Osaoas Thomas;Leather bound book written in Wigorniae, Massachusetts, this might be written in greek.<\/a><\/p>","headline-date":"This is 27"},"media":{"url":"","thumbnail":"","credit":"","caption":"<\/a><\/em>"},"display_date":"","0":"Array\n(\n [year] => 1818\n)\n-Array\n(\n [year] => 1818\n)\n","start_date":{"year":1818},"end_date":{"year":1818}},{"text":{"headline":"Ceramic Platter (2000.126) circa 1820<\/a>","text":"27

Rectangular shaped platter with cobalt decorated feather edge.      <\/a><\/p>","headline-date":"This is 27"},"media":{"url":"https:\/\/pelhamhistory.org\/pa\/media\/collectiveaccess\/images\/1\/3\/97991_ca_object_representations_media_1331_small.jpg","thumbnail":"https:\/\/pelhamhistory.org\/pa\/media\/collectiveaccess\/images\/1\/3\/94686_ca_object_representations_media_1331_icon.jpg","credit":"","caption":"<\/a><\/em>"},"display_date":"","0":"Array\n(\n [year] => 1820\n)\n-Array\n(\n [year] => 1820\n)\n","start_date":{"year":1820},"end_date":{"year":1820}},{"text":{"headline":"Box, Cheese (2000.251A-B) circa 1820 \u2013 1840<\/a>","text":"27

Round wooden box and cover with wire handle and inscribed H.D. Allen on top. also called a fesken for butter.<\/a><\/p>","headline-date":"This is 27"},"media":{"url":"","thumbnail":"","credit":"","caption":"<\/a><\/em>"},"display_date":"","0":"Array\n(\n [year] => 1820\n [month] => 1\n [day] => 1\n)\n-Array\n(\n [year] => 1840\n [month] => 12\n [day] => 31\n)\n","start_date":{"year":1820,"month":1,"day":1},"end_date":{"year":1840,"month":12,"day":31}},{"text":{"headline":"Plane, Fore (2000.273.001) 1824 \u2013 1833<\/a>","text":"27

<\/a><\/p>","headline-date":"This is 27"},"media":{"url":"https:\/\/pelhamhistory.org\/pa\/media\/collectiveaccess\/images\/1\/58339_ca_object_representations_media_167_small.jpg","thumbnail":"https:\/\/pelhamhistory.org\/pa\/media\/collectiveaccess\/images\/1\/30177_ca_object_representations_media_167_icon.jpg","credit":"","caption":"<\/a><\/em>"},"display_date":"","0":"Array\n(\n [year] => 1824\n [month] => 1\n [day] => 1\n)\n-Array\n(\n [year] => 1833\n [month] => 12\n [day] => 31\n)\n","start_date":{"year":1824,"month":1,"day":1},"end_date":{"year":1833,"month":12,"day":31}},{"text":{"headline":"Book - Bible - David H. Wellington (2000.089) circa 1829<\/a>","text":"27

Leather bound edition of the Holy Bible with the family records between the old and new testaments<\/a><\/p>","headline-date":"This is 27"},"media":{"url":"","thumbnail":"","credit":"","caption":"<\/a><\/em>"},"display_date":"","0":"Array\n(\n [year] => 1829\n)\n-Array\n(\n [year] => 1829\n)\n","start_date":{"year":1829},"end_date":{"year":1829}},{"text":{"headline":"Dress Hoop (1976.010) circa 1836<\/a>","text":"27

<\/a><\/p>","headline-date":"This is 27"},"media":{"url":"","thumbnail":"","credit":"","caption":"<\/a><\/em>"},"display_date":"","0":"Array\n(\n [year] => 1836\n)\n-Array\n(\n [year] => 1836\n)\n","start_date":{"year":1836},"end_date":{"year":1836}},{"text":{"headline":"Kettle (1966.019) circa 1840;1966<\/a>","text":"27

circular brass kettle with iron handle. handmade<\/a><\/p>","headline-date":"This is 27"},"media":{"url":"https:\/\/pelhamhistory.org\/pa\/media\/collectiveaccess\/images\/7\/3390_ca_object_representations_media_713_small.jpg","thumbnail":"https:\/\/pelhamhistory.org\/pa\/media\/collectiveaccess\/images\/7\/13052_ca_object_representations_media_713_icon.jpg","credit":"","caption":"<\/a><\/em>"},"display_date":"","0":"Array\n(\n [year] => 1840\n)\n-Array\n(\n [year] => 1840\n)\n","start_date":{"year":1840},"end_date":{"year":1840}},{"text":{"headline":"Book - Thomas's Town Officer (1977.004) 1856;April 1 1977<\/a>","text":"27

A digest of the laws of Massachusetts in relation to the powers, duties, and liabilities of the town and of the officers.<\/a><\/p>","headline-date":"This is 27"},"media":{"url":"","thumbnail":"","credit":"","caption":"<\/a><\/em>"},"display_date":"","0":"Array\n(\n [year] => 1856\n)\n-Array\n(\n [year] => 1856\n)\n","start_date":{"year":1856},"end_date":{"year":1856}},{"text":{"headline":"Map (2000.255) 1856<\/a>","text":"27

Hand colored map of the eastern edge of Hampshire Co. including Pelham, Prescott, Greenwich, Enfield, and Ware in 1856.<\/a><\/p>","headline-date":"This is 27"},"media":{"url":"","thumbnail":"","credit":"","caption":"<\/a><\/em>"},"display_date":"","0":"Array\n(\n [year] => 1856\n)\n-Array\n(\n [year] => 1856\n)\n","start_date":{"year":1856},"end_date":{"year":1856}},{"text":{"headline":"Warren Gibbs Headstone (2001.085) 1860<\/a>","text":"27

The burial stone of Warren Gibbs called the Poison Oyster Stone. William Gibbs feels that Warren's wife Mary Felton Gibbs purposively poisoned her husband with the oysters to kill him off. The headstone relates the story.;WARREN GIBBS\r\ndied by arsenic poison\r\nMar. 23, 1860\r\nAE. 36 yrs. 5 mos.\r\n23 dys.\r\nThink my friends when you see\r\nHow my wife hath dealt by me\r\nShe in some oysters did prepare\r\nSome poison for my lot and share\r\nThen of the same I did partake\r\nAnd nature yielded to its fate\r\nBefore she my wife became\r\nMary Felton was her name.\r\nErected by his Brother\r\nW.M. GIBBS.<\/a><\/p>","headline-date":"This is 27"},"media":{"url":"https:\/\/pelhamhistory.org\/pa\/media\/collectiveaccess\/images\/1\/4\/34544_ca_object_representations_media_1414_small.jpg","thumbnail":"https:\/\/pelhamhistory.org\/pa\/media\/collectiveaccess\/images\/1\/4\/80900_ca_object_representations_media_1414_icon.jpg","credit":"","caption":"<\/a><\/em>"},"display_date":"","0":"Array\n(\n [year] => 1860\n)\n-Array\n(\n [year] => 1860\n)\n","start_date":{"year":1860},"end_date":{"year":1860}},{"text":{"headline":"Map of Hampshire County (1966.022) 1860<\/a>","text":"27

Large mape of the county of Hamphire listing all of the towns from 1860 including Engiled, Greenwich and Presscott. At that time Pelham was much samller. the small sections even says the names of the home owners.<\/a><\/p>","headline-date":"This is 27"},"media":{"url":"","thumbnail":"","credit":"","caption":"<\/a><\/em>"},"display_date":"","0":"Array\n(\n [year] => 1860\n)\n-Array\n(\n [year] => 1860\n)\n","start_date":{"year":1860},"end_date":{"year":1860}},{"text":{"headline":"Candlestick (1966.015.002) circa 1860<\/a>","text":"27

one of a pair brass plated on tin candlesticks. baluster shaped with top and bottom notch cone shaped bobache.<\/a><\/p>","headline-date":"This is 27"},"media":{"url":"","thumbnail":"","credit":"","caption":"<\/a><\/em>"},"display_date":"","0":"Array\n(\n [year] => 1860\n)\n-Array\n(\n [year] => 1860\n)\n","start_date":{"year":1860},"end_date":{"year":1860}},{"text":{"headline":"Washtub (1976.022) circa 1860<\/a>","text":"27

half moon shaped washtub made of tin and raised on four rectangular splayed legs. Painted red.<\/a><\/p>","headline-date":"This is 27"},"media":{"url":"","thumbnail":"","credit":"","caption":"<\/a><\/em>"},"display_date":"","0":"Array\n(\n [year] => 1860\n)\n-Array\n(\n [year] => 1860\n)\n","start_date":{"year":1860},"end_date":{"year":1860}},{"text":{"headline":"Candlestick (1966.015.001) circa 1860<\/a>","text":"27

one of a pair brass plated on tin candlesticks. baluster shaped with top and bottom notch cone shaped bobache.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0

\nSmall Brass Candle Stick<\/a><\/p>","headline-date":"This is 27"},"media":{"url":"","thumbnail":"","credit":"","caption":"<\/a><\/em>"},"display_date":"","0":"Array\n(\n [year] => 1860\n)\n-Array\n(\n [year] => 1860\n)\n","start_date":{"year":1860},"end_date":{"year":1860}},{"text":{"headline":"Book: Song Book - The Victory (2000.088) 1869<\/a>","text":"27

Rectangular song book titled \"the Victory\" about a new collection of church music.<\/a><\/p>","headline-date":"This is 27"},"media":{"url":"https:\/\/pelhamhistory.org\/pa\/media\/collectiveaccess\/images\/6\/82584_ca_object_representations_media_603_small.jpg","thumbnail":"https:\/\/pelhamhistory.org\/pa\/media\/collectiveaccess\/images\/6\/90117_ca_object_representations_media_603_icon.jpg","credit":"","caption":"<\/a><\/em>"},"display_date":"","0":"Array\n(\n [year] => 1869\n)\n-Array\n(\n [year] => 1869\n)\n","start_date":{"year":1869},"end_date":{"year":1869}},{"text":{"headline":"Apron (1959.002) circa 1875<\/a>","text":"27

White muslin cotton apron with long ties, the ties are actually longer than the length of the apron. Bottom edge with zig zag shaped crotched area. about 5.5\" wide.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/a><\/p>","headline-date":"This is 27"},"media":{"url":"","thumbnail":"","credit":"","caption":"<\/a><\/em>"},"display_date":"","0":"Array\n(\n [year] => 1875\n)\n-Array\n(\n [year] => 1875\n)\n","start_date":{"year":1875},"end_date":{"year":1875}},{"text":{"headline":"Game: Sliced Nations (2001.039) circa 1875;circa 1875<\/a>","text":"27

Game in Box with Sliced images to reassemble<\/a><\/p>","headline-date":"This is 27"},"media":{"url":"","thumbnail":"","credit":"","caption":"<\/a><\/em>"},"display_date":"","0":"Array\n(\n [year] => 1875\n)\n-Array\n(\n [year] => 1875\n)\n","start_date":{"year":1875},"end_date":{"year":1875}},{"text":{"headline":"Open vegitable dish (2000.182) circa 1880<\/a>","text":"27

<\/a><\/p>","headline-date":"This is 27"},"media":{"url":"https:\/\/pelhamhistory.org\/pa\/media\/collectiveaccess\/images\/0\/91071_ca_object_representations_media_56_small.jpg","thumbnail":"https:\/\/pelhamhistory.org\/pa\/media\/collectiveaccess\/images\/0\/46636_ca_object_representations_media_56_icon.jpg","credit":"","caption":"<\/a><\/em>"},"display_date":"","0":"Array\n(\n [year] => 1880\n)\n-Array\n(\n [year] => 1880\n)\n","start_date":{"year":1880},"end_date":{"year":1880}},{"text":{"headline":"Lithograph (1966.016) circa 1880;1966<\/a>","text":"27

Framed colored lithograph of the ten commandments and the lords paryer in the center. Carved burl frame.<\/a><\/p>","headline-date":"This is 27"},"media":{"url":"https:\/\/pelhamhistory.org\/pa\/media\/collectiveaccess\/images\/1\/8\/60245_ca_object_representations_media_1886_small.jpg","thumbnail":"https:\/\/pelhamhistory.org\/pa\/media\/collectiveaccess\/images\/1\/8\/34499_ca_object_representations_media_1886_icon.jpg","credit":"","caption":"<\/a><\/em>"},"display_date":"","0":"Array\n(\n [year] => 1880\n)\n-Array\n(\n [year] => 1880\n)\n","start_date":{"year":1880},"end_date":{"year":1880}},{"text":{"headline":"Metal pie remover (2000.143) circa 1880<\/a>","text":"27

Early Date: c. 1880 - Late Date:<\/a><\/p>","headline-date":"This is 27"},"media":{"url":"","thumbnail":"","credit":"","caption":"<\/a><\/em>"},"display_date":"","0":"Array\n(\n [year] => 1880\n)\n-Array\n(\n [year] => 1880\n)\n","start_date":{"year":1880},"end_date":{"year":1880}},{"text":{"headline":"Dress, Wedding (L2000.287) circa 1880<\/a>","text":"27

Collis Wedding Dress<\/a><\/p>","headline-date":"This is 27"},"media":{"url":"","thumbnail":"","credit":"","caption":"<\/a><\/em>"},"display_date":"","0":"Array\n(\n [year] => 1880\n)\n-Array\n(\n [year] => 1880\n)\n","start_date":{"year":1880},"end_date":{"year":1880}},{"text":{"headline":"Dress (2000.115.001) circa 1880<\/a>","text":"27

Brown linen window pane design dress with banding on cuffs and collar. seperate belt. pulled lace fringe at collar, buttons sewn in blue over wood.<\/a><\/p>","headline-date":"This is 27"},"media":{"url":"","thumbnail":"","credit":"","caption":"<\/a><\/em>"},"display_date":"","0":"Array\n(\n [year] => 1880\n)\n-Array\n(\n [year] => 1880\n)\n","start_date":{"year":1880},"end_date":{"year":1880}},{"text":{"headline":"C. 1880 hand pieced signature calilo quilt (2001.115) 1976;circa 1880<\/a>","text":"27

calico cotton quilt ca. 1880. unidentified pattern with center signatures on each square. Belchertown,\u00a0 Enfield, Packarville. American hand pieced\u00a0<\/a><\/p>","headline-date":"This is 27"},"media":{"url":"","thumbnail":"","credit":"","caption":"<\/a><\/em>"},"display_date":"","0":"Array\n(\n [year] => 1880\n)\n-Array\n(\n [year] => 1880\n)\n","start_date":{"year":1880},"end_date":{"year":1880}},{"text":{"headline":"Stretcher, Fence (2000.103) circa 1882<\/a>","text":"27

Iron crank with rope and hook, barb wire fence maker. Crank used to take slack out of fence. link chain, this is also called a fence winch.<\/a><\/p>","headline-date":"This is 27"},"media":{"url":"","thumbnail":"","credit":"","caption":"<\/a><\/em>"},"display_date":"","0":"Array\n(\n [year] => 1882\n)\n-Array\n(\n [year] => 1882\n)\n","start_date":{"year":1882},"end_date":{"year":1882}},{"text":{"headline":"Wool and Cotton Rug (1976.016) 1888<\/a>","text":"27

Purchased in 1888<\/a><\/p>","headline-date":"This is 27"},"media":{"url":"","thumbnail":"","credit":"","caption":"<\/a><\/em>"},"display_date":"","0":"Array\n(\n [year] => 1888\n)\n-Array\n(\n [year] => 1888\n)\n","start_date":{"year":1888},"end_date":{"year":1888}},{"text":{"headline":"Organ (1966.017) May 1888<\/a>","text":"27

Mahogany shaped organ with two rug covered peddles. Set of ivory keys and pulls each labeled in italiante letters. Victorian taste in scalloped carving and reeding in decoration.
Estey Organ Company
\nNo 198047
\nMay '88<\/em><\/strong><\/a><\/p>","headline-date":"This is 27"},"media":{"url":"","thumbnail":"","credit":"","caption":"<\/a><\/em>"},"display_date":"","0":"Array\n(\n [year] => 1888\n [month] => 5\n)\n-Array\n(\n [year] => 1888\n [month] => 5\n)\n","start_date":{"year":1888,"month":5},"end_date":{"year":1888,"month":5}},{"text":{"headline":"gray felt overshoe (2001.101.002) circa 1890;July 12 1981<\/a>","text":"27

gray felt button up overshoe with leather trap that goes under shoe and buckles to make it tight. side ring shaped buttons.<\/a><\/p>","headline-date":"This is 27"},"media":{"url":"","thumbnail":"","credit":"","caption":"<\/a><\/em>"},"display_date":"","0":"Array\n(\n [year] => 1890\n)\n-Array\n(\n [year] => 1890\n)\n","start_date":{"year":1890},"end_date":{"year":1890}},{"text":{"headline":"Doll (2001.100) circa 1890 \u2013 1910<\/a>","text":"27

Composite faced doll with composite head and arms the rest of the body is made from stuffed cotton. She is wearing cotton socks three petticoats and a spencer top with attached shawl with trim<\/a><\/p>","headline-date":"This is 27"},"media":{"url":"","thumbnail":"","credit":"","caption":"<\/a><\/em>"},"display_date":"","0":"Array\n(\n [year] => 1890\n [month] => 1\n [day] => 1\n)\n-Array\n(\n [year] => 1910\n [month] => 12\n [day] => 31\n)\n","start_date":{"year":1890,"month":1,"day":1},"end_date":{"year":1910,"month":12,"day":31}},{"text":{"headline":"reticulated knop hat pin (2001.021.003) circa 1890 \u2013 1920;July 21 1981<\/a>","text":"27

<\/a><\/p>","headline-date":"This is 27"},"media":{"url":"","thumbnail":"","credit":"","caption":"<\/a><\/em>"},"display_date":"","0":"Array\n(\n [year] => 1890\n [month] => 1\n [day] => 1\n)\n-Array\n(\n [year] => 1920\n [month] => 12\n [day] => 31\n)\n","start_date":{"year":1890,"month":1,"day":1},"end_date":{"year":1920,"month":12,"day":31}},{"text":{"headline":"Dish (2012.005) March 28 2012;1891 \u2013 1912<\/a>","text":"27

Small square dish with brown transfer decoration on two sides. marked WT Adams, England called the Princess pattern.
\nEarly Date: 1891 - Late Date: 1912<\/a><\/p>","headline-date":"This is 27"},"media":{"url":"","thumbnail":"","credit":"","caption":"<\/a><\/em>"},"display_date":"","0":"Array\n(\n [year] => 1891\n [month] => 1\n [day] => 1\n)\n-Array\n(\n [year] => 1912\n [month] => 12\n [day] => 31\n)\n","start_date":{"year":1891,"month":1,"day":1},"end_date":{"year":1912,"month":12,"day":31}},{"text":{"headline":"Plate (2000.181.001) circa 1891 \u2013 1912<\/a>","text":"27

English earthenware transferprinted plate with brown printed decoration on rim and somewhat into the well of the plate of flowers on a white ground.                                                                                                         <\/a><\/p>","headline-date":"This is 27"},"media":{"url":"","thumbnail":"","credit":"","caption":"<\/a><\/em>"},"display_date":"","0":"Array\n(\n [year] => 1891\n [month] => 1\n [day] => 1\n)\n-Array\n(\n [year] => 1912\n [month] => 12\n [day] => 31\n)\n","start_date":{"year":1891,"month":1,"day":1},"end_date":{"year":1912,"month":12,"day":31}},{"text":{"headline":"Covered Vegetable Dish (2000.183A&B) circa 1891 \u2013 1912<\/a>","text":"27

Marked?: Yes;English earthenware covered vegetable dish, rectangular form with domed cover which has a strap handle. A - Dish, B- Cover.<\/a><\/p>","headline-date":"This is 27"},"media":{"url":"https:\/\/pelhamhistory.org\/pa\/media\/collectiveaccess\/images\/1\/12449_ca_object_representations_media_124_small.jpg","thumbnail":"https:\/\/pelhamhistory.org\/pa\/media\/collectiveaccess\/images\/1\/15995_ca_object_representations_media_124_icon.jpg","credit":"","caption":"<\/a><\/em>"},"display_date":"","0":"Array\n(\n [year] => 1891\n [month] => 1\n [day] => 1\n)\n-Array\n(\n [year] => 1912\n [month] => 12\n [day] => 31\n)\n","start_date":{"year":1891,"month":1,"day":1},"end_date":{"year":1912,"month":12,"day":31}},{"text":{"headline":"Jug (2000.141.003) circa 1891 \u2013 1912<\/a>","text":"27

Small milk jug or pitcher  round form with pulled strap handle.<\/a><\/p>","headline-date":"This is 27"},"media":{"url":"","thumbnail":"","credit":"","caption":"<\/a><\/em>"},"display_date":"","0":"Array\n(\n [year] => 1891\n [month] => 1\n [day] => 1\n)\n-Array\n(\n [year] => 1912\n [month] => 12\n [day] => 31\n)\n","start_date":{"year":1891,"month":1,"day":1},"end_date":{"year":1912,"month":12,"day":31}},{"text":{"headline":"Pitcher (2000.141.007) circa 1891 \u2013 1912<\/a>","text":"27

Pitcher;(duplicate Item No:X2000.141.007 sugar bowl)
\n\u00a0<\/a><\/p>","headline-date":"This is 27"},"media":{"url":"https:\/\/pelhamhistory.org\/pa\/media\/collectiveaccess\/images\/6\/76987_ca_object_representations_media_651_small.jpg","thumbnail":"https:\/\/pelhamhistory.org\/pa\/media\/collectiveaccess\/images\/6\/55932_ca_object_representations_media_651_icon.jpg","credit":"","caption":"<\/a><\/em>"},"display_date":"","0":"Array\n(\n [year] => 1891\n [month] => 1\n [day] => 1\n)\n-Array\n(\n [year] => 1912\n [month] => 12\n [day] => 31\n)\n","start_date":{"year":1891,"month":1,"day":1},"end_date":{"year":1912,"month":12,"day":31}},{"text":{"headline":"Holder, Hat Pin (2001.020) circa 1891 \u2013 1912;July 12 1981<\/a>","text":"27

Doric shaped German porcelain hat pin holder. transfer printed decoration of roses on the front and back in famille rose colors.<\/a><\/p>","headline-date":"This is 27"},"media":{"url":"","thumbnail":"","credit":"","caption":"<\/a><\/em>"},"display_date":"","0":"Array\n(\n [year] => 1891\n [month] => 1\n [day] => 1\n)\n-Array\n(\n [year] => 1912\n [month] => 12\n [day] => 31\n)\n","start_date":{"year":1891,"month":1,"day":1},"end_date":{"year":1912,"month":12,"day":31}},{"text":{"headline":"Peoples Common Sense Medical Advisor (1971.030) 1895;July 23 1971<\/a>","text":"27

medical book on such topics as Psyciology, Hygene and Deases<\/a><\/p>","headline-date":"This is 27"},"media":{"url":"","thumbnail":"","credit":"","caption":"<\/a><\/em>"},"display_date":"","0":"Array\n(\n [year] => 1895\n)\n-Array\n(\n [year] => 1895\n)\n","start_date":{"year":1895},"end_date":{"year":1895}},{"text":{"headline":"Photo: Mr. & Mrs Phill Page (A2016.002.013) 1898<\/a>","text":"24

Photo: Mr. & Mrs Phill Page<\/a><\/p>","headline-date":"This is 24"},"media":{"url":"https:\/\/pelhamhistory.org\/pa\/media\/collectiveaccess\/images\/8\/97573_ca_object_representations_media_898_small.jpg","thumbnail":"https:\/\/pelhamhistory.org\/pa\/media\/collectiveaccess\/images\/8\/96152_ca_object_representations_media_898_icon.jpg","credit":"","caption":"<\/a><\/em>"},"display_date":"","0":"Array\n(\n [year] => 1898\n)\n-Array\n(\n [year] => 1898\n)\n","start_date":{"year":1898},"end_date":{"year":1898}},{"text":{"headline":"Wedding Dress (1966.014A-B) circa 1899<\/a>","text":"27

Spencer and skirt wedding outfit. Spencer has high neck, long sleeves and back closure decorated with white beads at arm cuff, neck and down the front center of the skirt. Skirt is short in front with a oval train in back, with cording and two rows of la<\/a><\/p>","headline-date":"This is 27"},"media":{"url":"","thumbnail":"","credit":"","caption":"<\/a><\/em>"},"display_date":"","0":"Array\n(\n [year] => 1899\n)\n-Array\n(\n [year] => 1899\n)\n","start_date":{"year":1899},"end_date":{"year":1899}},{"text":{"headline":"Glass Soda Bottle (2000.129) 20th century<\/a>","text":"27

Soda glass bottle; ovoid shape with long neck in green\/blue. large flange on rim, mold made.
\nFound in the ashes of old fireplace of Captain Daniel Shay's home in East Pelham later Prescott<\/a><\/p>","headline-date":"This is 27"},"media":{"url":"","thumbnail":"","credit":"","caption":"<\/a><\/em>"},"display_date":"","0":"Array\n(\n [year] => 1900\n [month] => 1\n [day] => 1\n)\n-Array\n(\n [year] => 1999\n [month] => 12\n [day] => 31\n)\n","start_date":{"year":1900,"month":1,"day":1},"end_date":{"year":1999,"month":12,"day":31}},{"text":{"headline":"Coat (2001.098) 20th century<\/a>","text":"27

Brown fur coat with black cotton lining. Double breasted design with two sets of sets of brass buttons. The buttons have bears on them and are not visible when coat is buttoned up. Brown velvet peter pan collar.<\/a><\/p>","headline-date":"This is 27"},"media":{"url":"","thumbnail":"","credit":"","caption":"<\/a><\/em>"},"display_date":"","0":"Array\n(\n [year] => 1900\n [month] => 1\n [day] => 1\n)\n-Array\n(\n [year] => 1999\n [month] => 12\n [day] => 31\n)\n","start_date":{"year":1900,"month":1,"day":1},"end_date":{"year":1999,"month":12,"day":31}},{"text":{"headline":"Salt Cellar (2000.136.003) 20th century<\/a>","text":"27

Round glass salt cellar with no pattern clear glass<\/a><\/p>","headline-date":"This is 27"},"media":{"url":"","thumbnail":"","credit":"","caption":"<\/a><\/em>"},"display_date":"","0":"Array\n(\n [year] => 1900\n [month] => 1\n [day] => 1\n)\n-Array\n(\n [year] => 1999\n [month] => 12\n [day] => 31\n)\n","start_date":{"year":1900,"month":1,"day":1},"end_date":{"year":1999,"month":12,"day":31}},{"text":{"headline":"Mug: The Orient House 1861-1881 - Pelham Lions Club - 2nd Edition (2000.140.004) 20th century<\/a>","text":"27

Drum shaped mug with The Orient House on side and information on sides of mug, transfer printed in black on a white ground. with 1861-1882<\/a><\/p>","headline-date":"This is 27"},"media":{"url":"https:\/\/pelhamhistory.org\/pa\/media\/collectiveaccess\/images\/1\/6\/68951_ca_object_representations_media_1605_small.jpg","thumbnail":"https:\/\/pelhamhistory.org\/pa\/media\/collectiveaccess\/images\/1\/6\/72617_ca_object_representations_media_1605_icon.jpg","credit":"","caption":"<\/a><\/em>"},"display_date":"","0":"Array\n(\n [year] => 1900\n [month] => 1\n [day] => 1\n)\n-Array\n(\n [year] => 1999\n [month] => 12\n [day] => 31\n)\n","start_date":{"year":1900,"month":1,"day":1},"end_date":{"year":1999,"month":12,"day":31}},{"text":{"headline":"Glass Water Bottle, Orient Springs (U2017.002) 20th century<\/a>","text":"27

<\/a><\/p>","headline-date":"This is 27"},"media":{"url":"","thumbnail":"","credit":"","caption":"<\/a><\/em>"},"display_date":"","0":"Array\n(\n [year] => 1900\n [month] => 1\n [day] => 1\n)\n-Array\n(\n [year] => 1999\n [month] => 12\n [day] => 31\n)\n","start_date":{"year":1900,"month":1,"day":1},"end_date":{"year":1999,"month":12,"day":31}},{"text":{"headline":"Fork (U2017.003) 20th century<\/a>","text":"27

Fork, 3 tyne, steel with wooden handle<\/a><\/p>","headline-date":"This is 27"},"media":{"url":"","thumbnail":"","credit":"","caption":"<\/a><\/em>"},"display_date":"","0":"Array\n(\n [year] => 1900\n [month] => 1\n [day] => 1\n)\n-Array\n(\n [year] => 1999\n [month] => 12\n [day] => 31\n)\n","start_date":{"year":1900,"month":1,"day":1},"end_date":{"year":1999,"month":12,"day":31}},{"text":{"headline":"Bonnet (1971.020.003) circa 1900;July 23 1971<\/a>","text":"27

Circular woven straw bonnett with green velvet banding and ties. Pink silk interior. Woven silk flowers attatched with wire to exterior of bonnet<\/a><\/p>","headline-date":"This is 27"},"media":{"url":"","thumbnail":"","credit":"","caption":"<\/a><\/em>"},"display_date":"","0":"Array\n(\n [year] => 1900\n)\n-Array\n(\n [year] => 1900\n)\n","start_date":{"year":1900},"end_date":{"year":1900}},{"text":{"headline":"Hat: Woven Palm Leaf (2001.091) circa 1900;July 12 1981<\/a>","text":"27

soft white palm leaf woven women's hat with eige silk interior and black silk band around hat.<\/a><\/p>","headline-date":"This is 27"},"media":{"url":"https:\/\/pelhamhistory.org\/pa\/media\/collectiveaccess\/images\/1\/6\/19113_ca_object_representations_media_1640_small.jpg","thumbnail":"https:\/\/pelhamhistory.org\/pa\/media\/collectiveaccess\/images\/1\/6\/11950_ca_object_representations_media_1640_icon.jpg","credit":"","caption":"<\/a><\/em>"},"display_date":"","0":"Array\n(\n [year] => 1900\n)\n-Array\n(\n [year] => 1900\n)\n","start_date":{"year":1900},"end_date":{"year":1900}},{"text":{"headline":"Photograph: Valley School Interior n.d., ca. 1904 (A2007.001.001) circa 1904;July 18 2007<\/a>","text":"24

VALLEY SCHOOL INTERIOR, PHOTOGRAPH, n.d., ca. 1904

\r\nThis photograph is purportedly the interior of Valley School, dating to ca. 1904. The photograph was given to the History Room on July 17, 2007 by Grace Osborn, 701 Wedgewood Ave., Zebulon, N.C. 27597-2223. Grace received the photograph from the second wife of former West Pelham Methodist Church minister, Rev. William Osborn [b. 1883], who resided on Prince Edward Island.

\r\nAccording to Grace, three individuals in the photograph were identified and one partly identified. They are: Amaziah Willson Robinson [1825-1904], Alfreda [Freda] Gladys Robinson [b. 1887], possibly Ella Mary Robinson Ross [b.1883], and \"a sister of Alfreda and Ella's.\"

\r\nThe gentleman standing to the extreme right of the photograph looks to me to be Eugene Prentice Bartlett [1853-1925]. - ( but is labeled on back as Gene Aldrich )

\r\nRobert Lord Keyes July 18, 2007<\/a><\/p>","headline-date":"This is 24"},"media":{"url":"https:\/\/pelhamhistory.org\/pa\/media\/collectiveaccess\/images\/1\/2\/61894_ca_object_representations_media_1250_small.jpg","thumbnail":"https:\/\/pelhamhistory.org\/pa\/media\/collectiveaccess\/images\/1\/2\/38122_ca_object_representations_media_1250_icon.jpg","credit":"","caption":"<\/a><\/em>"},"display_date":"","0":"Array\n(\n [year] => 1904\n)\n-Array\n(\n [year] => 1904\n)\n","start_date":{"year":1904},"end_date":{"year":1904}},{"text":{"headline":"Photo: Homer Eugene Bartlet Age 16, 1907 (A2016.002.001) 1907<\/a>","text":"24

Photo of Homer Eugene Bartlet, age 16, 1907.<\/a><\/p>","headline-date":"This is 24"},"media":{"url":"https:\/\/pelhamhistory.org\/pa\/media\/collectiveaccess\/images\/8\/87561_ca_object_representations_media_866_small.jpg","thumbnail":"https:\/\/pelhamhistory.org\/pa\/media\/collectiveaccess\/images\/8\/45623_ca_object_representations_media_866_icon.jpg","credit":"","caption":"<\/a><\/em>"},"display_date":"","0":"Array\n(\n [year] => 1907\n)\n-Array\n(\n [year] => 1907\n)\n","start_date":{"year":1907},"end_date":{"year":1907}},{"text":{"headline":"Figurine, Group (2000.092) circa 1907<\/a>","text":"27

Large rectangular shadow box filled with 19 different birds all with plastic foliage.<\/a><\/p>","headline-date":"This is 27"},"media":{"url":"","thumbnail":"","credit":"","caption":"<\/a><\/em>"},"display_date":"","0":"Array\n(\n [year] => 1907\n)\n-Array\n(\n [year] => 1907\n)\n","start_date":{"year":1907},"end_date":{"year":1907}},{"text":{"headline":"Hat (2001.092) circa 1910;July 12 1981<\/a>","text":"27

black silk damask boller shaped hat with velvet attached roses and velvet fringed flowers<\/a><\/p>","headline-date":"This is 27"},"media":{"url":"","thumbnail":"","credit":"","caption":"<\/a><\/em>"},"display_date":"","0":"Array\n(\n [year] => 1910\n)\n-Array\n(\n [year] => 1910\n)\n","start_date":{"year":1910},"end_date":{"year":1910}},{"text":{"headline":"Diploma: Helen Alice Ward - Pelham Public Schools - 1913 (L2023.001) 1913<\/a>","text":"27

Pelham Public Schools Diploma: This Certifies that Helen Alice Ward having honorably completed the Course of Study as prescribed for the Pelham Public Schools and merited approval for diligent, excellence in scholarship and department, is entitled to this Diploma. In Witness Whereof, we have hereunto subscribed our signatures at Pelham, Massachusetts this Twentieth day of June, 1913. Cornelia Kast Teacher. John H. Hubbard, Chairman of School Committee. H. L. Hardy Superintendent.<\/a><\/p>","headline-date":"This is 27"},"media":{"url":"https:\/\/pelhamhistory.org\/pa\/media\/collectiveaccess\/images\/2\/1\/7513_ca_object_representations_media_2191_small.jpg","thumbnail":"https:\/\/pelhamhistory.org\/pa\/media\/collectiveaccess\/images\/2\/1\/87416_ca_object_representations_media_2191_icon.jpg","credit":"","caption":"<\/a><\/em>"},"display_date":"","0":"Array\n(\n [year] => 1913\n)\n-Array\n(\n [year] => 1913\n)\n","start_date":{"year":1913},"end_date":{"year":1913}},{"text":{"headline":"Telephone (2000.250) circa 1913<\/a>","text":"27

Metal standing telephone. chandlestick shaped with cricular top and trumpet shaped hearing piece in black and metal colored.<\/a><\/p>","headline-date":"This is 27"},"media":{"url":"https:\/\/pelhamhistory.org\/pa\/media\/collectiveaccess\/images\/7\/78980_ca_object_representations_media_707_small.jpg","thumbnail":"https:\/\/pelhamhistory.org\/pa\/media\/collectiveaccess\/images\/7\/45516_ca_object_representations_media_707_icon.jpg","credit":"","caption":"<\/a><\/em>"},"display_date":"","0":"Array\n(\n [year] => 1913\n)\n-Array\n(\n [year] => 1913\n)\n","start_date":{"year":1913},"end_date":{"year":1913}},{"text":{"headline":"\"A Fire Broke Out Saturday morning on Mt. Lincoln\" Northampton Daily Herald, Monday April 28, 1913 (A2023.001.001) April 28 1913<\/a>","text":"31

Northampton Daily Herald, Monday April 28, 1913 \n\nA fire broke out Saturday morning on Mt. Lincoln in Pelham about two miles southeast of the Pelham church. Between 50 and 100 men from Pelham, Amherst, and Belchertown fought the fire. hTe (sic) fire followed a path along the mountain and thence, in the direction of Pelham village, burning over a territory, two miles wide and several miles long. The land was mostly pine, birch, oak and young sprout, and owned by George Cadwell and Mr. Mead, both of Pelham.<\/a><\/p>","headline-date":"This is 31"},"media":{"url":"https:\/\/pelhamhistory.org\/pa\/media\/collectiveaccess\/images\/2\/2\/12594_ca_object_representations_media_2210_small.jpg","thumbnail":"https:\/\/pelhamhistory.org\/pa\/media\/collectiveaccess\/images\/2\/2\/38092_ca_object_representations_media_2210_icon.jpg","credit":"","caption":"<\/a><\/em>"},"display_date":"","0":"Array\n(\n [year] => 1913\n [month] => 4\n [day] => 28\n)\n-Array\n(\n [year] => 1913\n [month] => 4\n [day] => 28\n)\n","start_date":{"year":1913,"month":4,"day":28},"end_date":{"year":1913,"month":4,"day":28}},{"text":{"headline":"Glass Bottle (2000.254.001) circa 1920<\/a>","text":"27

One quart size glass bottle with Tait Brothers, Springfield in raised letters on bottle.<\/a><\/p>","headline-date":"This is 27"},"media":{"url":"https:\/\/pelhamhistory.org\/pa\/media\/collectiveaccess\/images\/6\/6482_ca_object_representations_media_632_small.jpg","thumbnail":"https:\/\/pelhamhistory.org\/pa\/media\/collectiveaccess\/images\/6\/37652_ca_object_representations_media_632_icon.jpg","credit":"","caption":"<\/a><\/em>"},"display_date":"","0":"Array\n(\n [year] => 1920\n)\n-Array\n(\n [year] => 1920\n)\n","start_date":{"year":1920},"end_date":{"year":1920}},{"text":{"headline":"Bottle Cover, Hot Water (Rabbit) (1976.014) circa 1920<\/a>","text":"27

Felt head with two ears in white, light blue body and arms white felt legs. Hot water bottle to fit inside body.;This hot water bottle cover belonged to the baby Carleton.<\/a><\/p>","headline-date":"This is 27"},"media":{"url":"","thumbnail":"","credit":"","caption":"<\/a><\/em>"},"display_date":"","0":"Array\n(\n [year] => 1920\n)\n-Array\n(\n [year] => 1920\n)\n","start_date":{"year":1920},"end_date":{"year":1920}},{"text":{"headline":"Machine, Sewing (2000.253) circa 1920<\/a>","text":"27

Metal sewing machine small size, painted black with gilt detailing and Black Lacquer<\/a><\/p>","headline-date":"This is 27"},"media":{"url":"","thumbnail":"","credit":"","caption":"<\/a><\/em>"},"display_date":"","0":"Array\n(\n [year] => 1920\n)\n-Array\n(\n [year] => 1920\n)\n","start_date":{"year":1920},"end_date":{"year":1920}},{"text":{"headline":"Glass Bottle (2000.254.002) circa 1920<\/a>","text":"27

Glass bottle quart size from Forest Farms Dairy in Amherst, Ma\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/a><\/p>","headline-date":"This is 27"},"media":{"url":"https:\/\/pelhamhistory.org\/pa\/media\/collectiveaccess\/images\/6\/69178_ca_object_representations_media_627_small.jpg","thumbnail":"https:\/\/pelhamhistory.org\/pa\/media\/collectiveaccess\/images\/6\/15178_ca_object_representations_media_627_icon.jpg","credit":"","caption":"<\/a><\/em>"},"display_date":"","0":"Array\n(\n [year] => 1920\n)\n-Array\n(\n [year] => 1920\n)\n","start_date":{"year":1920},"end_date":{"year":1920}},{"text":{"headline":"Photograph: Interior of the Pelham Fish Rod Factory c 1920? (A2016.008) circa 1920<\/a>","text":"24

Interior of the Pelham Fish Rod Factory c 1920?
\nBack - 2nd from left: Doris Ward
\nBack - 4th from left: Ruth Hamilton<\/a><\/p>","headline-date":"This is 24"},"media":{"url":"https:\/\/pelhamhistory.org\/pa\/media\/collectiveaccess\/images\/9\/3077_ca_object_representations_media_922_small.jpg","thumbnail":"https:\/\/pelhamhistory.org\/pa\/media\/collectiveaccess\/images\/9\/11748_ca_object_representations_media_922_icon.jpg","credit":"","caption":"<\/a><\/em>"},"display_date":"","0":"Array\n(\n [year] => 1920\n)\n-Array\n(\n [year] => 1920\n)\n","start_date":{"year":1920},"end_date":{"year":1920}},{"text":{"headline":"Gown (2001.102) circa 1920<\/a>","text":"27

infants cotton baptismal gown - white the chest has seven vertical rows of pin tucking with horizontal gather and central puffed embroidery. Same decoration on the sleeve and cuffs and similiar on the hem line. Long sleeves Eyelit embroidery on hemline a<\/a><\/p>","headline-date":"This is 27"},"media":{"url":"","thumbnail":"","credit":"","caption":"<\/a><\/em>"},"display_date":"","0":"Array\n(\n [year] => 1920\n)\n-Array\n(\n [year] => 1920\n)\n","start_date":{"year":1920},"end_date":{"year":1920}},{"text":{"headline":"Holyoke Street Railway Co. Time Table (2001.106) 1924;2000<\/a>","text":"27

Holyoke Street Railway Co.\u00a0Amherst & Sunderland Division,\u00a0
\nWEER DAY TIME. TABLE\u00a0
\nSUNDAY TIME TABLE

\nIn effect May 18, 1924. W. W. INGALLS , Div. Supt.;Amherst for Bay Road,
\nAmherst for Holyoke,
\nHolyoke for Amherst,
\nBay Road S. Amherst for Amherst,
\nAmherst for N. Amherst and Sund'r'd,
\nN. Amherst for Sund'r'd,
\nSunderland for Amherst,
\nN. Amherst for Amherst,
\nAmherst for East St. and Pelham,
\nPelham for East St. and Amherst.<\/a><\/p>","headline-date":"This is 27"},"media":{"url":"https:\/\/pelhamhistory.org\/pa\/media\/collectiveaccess\/images\/7\/25172_ca_object_representations_media_750_small.jpg","thumbnail":"https:\/\/pelhamhistory.org\/pa\/media\/collectiveaccess\/images\/7\/81428_ca_object_representations_media_750_icon.jpg","credit":"","caption":"<\/a><\/em>"},"display_date":"","0":"Array\n(\n [year] => 1924\n)\n-Array\n(\n [year] => 1924\n)\n","start_date":{"year":1924},"end_date":{"year":1924}},{"text":{"headline":"Sterling Loving Cup (2023.001.001) July 8 1924<\/a>","text":"27

Sterling silver loving cup presented to Eugene P. Bartlett.

\nThe inscription reads: \"Presented to Mr & Mrs Eugent P. Bartlett at 50th Anniversary July 8, 1924 by Employees of M.C. Rod Co. Pelham, Mass<\/em>.\"<\/a><\/p>","headline-date":"This is 27"},"media":{"url":"https:\/\/pelhamhistory.org\/pa\/media\/collectiveaccess\/images\/2\/1\/10440_ca_object_representations_media_2179_small.jpg","thumbnail":"https:\/\/pelhamhistory.org\/pa\/media\/collectiveaccess\/images\/2\/1\/8429_ca_object_representations_media_2179_icon.jpg","credit":"","caption":"<\/a><\/em>"},"display_date":"","0":"Array\n(\n [year] => 1924\n [month] => 7\n [day] => 8\n)\n-Array\n(\n [year] => 1924\n [month] => 7\n [day] => 8\n)\n","start_date":{"year":1924,"month":7,"day":8},"end_date":{"year":1924,"month":7,"day":8}},{"text":{"headline":"Photo: Olive Boyden Graduation 1926 (A2016.002.002) 1926<\/a>","text":"24

Photo: Olive Boyden - Graduation 1926<\/a><\/p>","headline-date":"This is 24"},"media":{"url":"https:\/\/pelhamhistory.org\/pa\/media\/collectiveaccess\/images\/8\/77858_ca_object_representations_media_867_small.jpg","thumbnail":"https:\/\/pelhamhistory.org\/pa\/media\/collectiveaccess\/images\/8\/44861_ca_object_representations_media_867_icon.jpg","credit":"","caption":"<\/a><\/em>"},"display_date":"","0":"Array\n(\n [year] => 1926\n)\n-Array\n(\n [year] => 1926\n)\n","start_date":{"year":1926},"end_date":{"year":1926}},{"text":{"headline":"Rod, Fishing (2013.001.022) circa 1928 \u2013 1930<\/a>","text":"27


\nMontague bamboo casting rod with Spiral Ribbon under the wraps. Reel seat is a typical high-end Montague patented locking band style. In rough shape, probably stored in a damp place. Approx. build date 1928-1930.
\n\u00a0<\/a><\/p>","headline-date":"This is 27"},"media":{"url":"\/pa\/support\/icons\/videoIcon120.jpg","thumbnail":"\/pa\/support\/icons\/videoIcon72.jpg","credit":"","caption":"<\/a><\/em>"},"display_date":"","0":"Array\n(\n [year] => 1928\n [month] => 1\n [day] => 1\n)\n-Array\n(\n [year] => 1930\n [month] => 12\n [day] => 31\n)\n","start_date":{"year":1928,"month":1,"day":1},"end_date":{"year":1930,"month":12,"day":31}},{"text":{"headline":"The Pelham Song 1935 by Jessica B. Chaffee (A????.???.??1) 1935<\/a>","text":"31

Pelham has shining highways where busy traffic flows,
\nPelham has shady byways where pink arbutus grows,
\nVistas of purple mountains the far horizons o'er.
\nAnd then a bower of roses , close by a cottage door.
\n---
\nPelham has kindly people and little friendly bands.
\nWho meet to sing and study and work with heart and hands.
\nFor we must give our children all of the best \u00b7that's new.
\nChoosing from ancient story all that is good and true.
\n---
\nPelham has given water that thirsty folks may live.
\nWater to distant cities from our clear streams we give.
\nA toast to our dear 'old Pelham! In water drink it down.
\nTo thee may we be faithful -Pelham- \" The Friendly Town.\"<\/a><\/p>","headline-date":"This is 31"},"media":{"url":"https:\/\/pelhamhistory.org\/pa\/media\/collectiveaccess\/images\/7\/46636_ca_object_representations_media_753_small.jpg","thumbnail":"https:\/\/pelhamhistory.org\/pa\/media\/collectiveaccess\/images\/7\/23991_ca_object_representations_media_753_icon.jpg","credit":"","caption":"<\/a><\/em>"},"display_date":"","0":"Array\n(\n [year] => 1935\n)\n-Array\n(\n [year] => 1935\n)\n","start_date":{"year":1935},"end_date":{"year":1935}},{"text":{"headline":"Quabbin Map (1966.026) circa 1936 \u2013 1940<\/a>","text":"27

<\/a><\/p>","headline-date":"This is 27"},"media":{"url":"","thumbnail":"","credit":"","caption":"<\/a><\/em>"},"display_date":"","0":"Array\n(\n [year] => 1936\n [month] => 1\n [day] => 1\n)\n-Array\n(\n [year] => 1940\n [month] => 12\n [day] => 31\n)\n","start_date":{"year":1936,"month":1,"day":1},"end_date":{"year":1940,"month":12,"day":31}},{"text":{"headline":"Cap Gun (2016.005.001) circa 1940<\/a>","text":"27

A Hubley Winner<\/a>\u00a0Cap Gun, made in or around 1940. The metal is worn and the gun has broken into 2 pieces. \u00a0Other parts are missing.<\/a><\/p>","headline-date":"This is 27"},"media":{"url":"https:\/\/pelhamhistory.org\/pa\/media\/collectiveaccess\/images\/9\/62321_ca_object_representations_media_905_small.jpg","thumbnail":"https:\/\/pelhamhistory.org\/pa\/media\/collectiveaccess\/images\/9\/42608_ca_object_representations_media_905_icon.jpg","credit":"","caption":"<\/a><\/em>"},"display_date":"","0":"Array\n(\n [year] => 1940\n)\n-Array\n(\n [year] => 1940\n)\n","start_date":{"year":1940},"end_date":{"year":1940}},{"text":{"headline":"Rod, Fishing (2012.003.001) circa 1947 \u2013 1952<\/a>","text":"27


\n8'6\" Bamboo fly rod made by the Amherst Fly Rod Co. - The Pelham model, built sometime between 1947-1952
\n\u00a0<\/a><\/p>","headline-date":"This is 27"},"media":{"url":"https:\/\/pelhamhistory.org\/pa\/media\/collectiveaccess\/images\/1\/16494_ca_object_representations_media_180_small.jpg","thumbnail":"https:\/\/pelhamhistory.org\/pa\/media\/collectiveaccess\/images\/1\/71802_ca_object_representations_media_180_icon.jpg","credit":"","caption":"<\/a><\/em>"},"display_date":"","0":"Array\n(\n [year] => 1947\n [month] => 1\n [day] => 1\n)\n-Array\n(\n [year] => 1952\n [month] => 12\n [day] => 31\n)\n","start_date":{"year":1947,"month":1,"day":1},"end_date":{"year":1952,"month":12,"day":31}},{"text":{"headline":"Photo: H.B. White & Mrs. White (A2016.002.022) June 8 1953<\/a>","text":"24

Photo: H.B. White & Mrs. White
\nJune 8th, 1953<\/a><\/p>","headline-date":"This is 24"},"media":{"url":"https:\/\/pelhamhistory.org\/pa\/media\/collectiveaccess\/images\/9\/67663_ca_object_representations_media_933_small.jpg","thumbnail":"https:\/\/pelhamhistory.org\/pa\/media\/collectiveaccess\/images\/9\/8468_ca_object_representations_media_933_icon.jpg","credit":"","caption":"<\/a><\/em>"},"display_date":"","0":"Array\n(\n [year] => 1953\n [month] => 6\n [day] => 8\n)\n-Array\n(\n [year] => 1953\n [month] => 6\n [day] => 8\n)\n","start_date":{"year":1953,"month":6,"day":8},"end_date":{"year":1953,"month":6,"day":8}},{"text":{"headline":"Photo: 14 People - June 8th 1953 (A2016.002.023) June 9 1953<\/a>","text":"24

Photo:
\r\nBack Row:
\r\nHoward B. White with Hebron, his son.  Stevey? White. Bob Church and David White & son.
\r\nCenter Row:
\r\nMr. & Mrs. H.B. White. Francis Church & daw.? Biecy?
\r\nFront Row: Mrs. David White & son, Harold B. White III. and Hubart Barton White sons of Howard White Jr.
\r\n
\r\nThis picture was taken June 8th 1953 at Francis' Home in Michigan.<\/a><\/p>","headline-date":"This is 24"},"media":{"url":"https:\/\/pelhamhistory.org\/pa\/media\/collectiveaccess\/images\/9\/51714_ca_object_representations_media_935_small.jpg","thumbnail":"https:\/\/pelhamhistory.org\/pa\/media\/collectiveaccess\/images\/9\/90800_ca_object_representations_media_935_icon.jpg","credit":"","caption":"<\/a><\/em>"},"display_date":"","0":"Array\n(\n [year] => 1953\n [month] => 6\n [day] => 9\n)\n-Array\n(\n [year] => 1953\n [month] => 6\n [day] => 9\n)\n","start_date":{"year":1953,"month":6,"day":9},"end_date":{"year":1953,"month":6,"day":9}},{"text":{"headline":"Cardboard Dress Form (1978.001) 1955<\/a>","text":"27

<\/a><\/p>","headline-date":"This is 27"},"media":{"url":"","thumbnail":"","credit":"","caption":"<\/a><\/em>"},"display_date":"","0":"Array\n(\n [year] => 1955\n)\n-Array\n(\n [year] => 1955\n)\n","start_date":{"year":1955},"end_date":{"year":1955}},{"text":{"headline":"test3 title 3 (test3id) January 1 1776;January 2 2022;November 18 2023;May 1 1955<\/a>","text":"27

description one;description two and...<\/a><\/p>","headline-date":"This is 27"},"media":{"url":"https:\/\/pelhamhistory.org\/pa\/media\/collectiveaccess\/images\/1\/2\/56134_ca_object_representations_media_1217_small.jpg","thumbnail":"https:\/\/pelhamhistory.org\/pa\/media\/collectiveaccess\/images\/1\/2\/7386_ca_object_representations_media_1217_icon.jpg","credit":"","caption":"<\/a><\/em>"},"display_date":"","0":"Array\n(\n [year] => 1776\n [month] => 1\n [day] => 1\n)\n-Array\n(\n [year] => 1776\n [month] => 1\n [day] => 1\n)\n","start_date":{"year":1776,"month":1,"day":1},"end_date":{"year":1776,"month":1,"day":1}},{"text":{"headline":"Bronze Medallion (2004.002.001) 1968;2001<\/a>","text":"27

Circular bronze medallion enclosed in fob which would hang from a necklace for display. One side depicts Oldest Town Meeting House in New England in Continuous use and other side has a ballad about Daniel Shays which says: \"My name is Shays, in former d<\/a><\/p>","headline-date":"This is 27"},"media":{"url":"","thumbnail":"","credit":"","caption":"<\/a><\/em>"},"display_date":"","0":"Array\n(\n [year] => 1968\n)\n-Array\n(\n [year] => 1968\n)\n","start_date":{"year":1968},"end_date":{"year":1968}},{"text":{"headline":"Bookplate (2000.124.038) 1970<\/a>","text":"27

Bookplate - Sigillvm Vniversitatis Californiensis MDCCCLXVIII - Ex Libris - School of Jvrisprvdence Law Students' Library Fvnd<\/a><\/p>","headline-date":"This is 27"},"media":{"url":"https:\/\/pelhamhistory.org\/pa\/media\/collectiveaccess\/images\/5\/97284_ca_object_representations_media_546_small.jpg","thumbnail":"https:\/\/pelhamhistory.org\/pa\/media\/collectiveaccess\/images\/5\/27330_ca_object_representations_media_546_icon.jpg","credit":"","caption":"<\/a><\/em>"},"display_date":"","0":"Array\n(\n [year] => 1970\n)\n-Array\n(\n [year] => 1970\n)\n","start_date":{"year":1970},"end_date":{"year":1970}},{"text":{"headline":"Place Names of Pelham Mass - Carlene Riccelli (A????.???.???) May 20 1970<\/a>","text":"31

<\/a><\/p>","headline-date":"This is 31"},"media":{"url":"https:\/\/pelhamhistory.org\/pa\/media\/collectiveaccess\/images\/4\/65045_ca_object_representations_media_496_small.jpg","thumbnail":"https:\/\/pelhamhistory.org\/pa\/media\/collectiveaccess\/images\/4\/50766_ca_object_representations_media_496_icon.jpg","credit":"","caption":"<\/a><\/em>"},"display_date":"","0":"Array\n(\n [year] => 1970\n [month] => 5\n [day] => 20\n)\n-Array\n(\n [year] => 1970\n [month] => 5\n [day] => 20\n)\n","start_date":{"year":1970,"month":5,"day":20},"end_date":{"year":1970,"month":5,"day":20}},{"text":{"headline":"Clipping, Newspaper (2000.279.001) August 20 1975<\/a>","text":"27

Amherst record from August 20, 1975, clipping from the auction of fireplace lintels from the Conkey Tavern.<\/a><\/p>","headline-date":"This is 27"},"media":{"url":"","thumbnail":"","credit":"","caption":"<\/a><\/em>"},"display_date":"","0":"Array\n(\n [year] => 1975\n [month] => 8\n [day] => 20\n)\n-Array\n(\n [year] => 1975\n [month] => 8\n [day] => 20\n)\n","start_date":{"year":1975,"month":8,"day":20},"end_date":{"year":1975,"month":8,"day":20}},{"text":{"headline":"Postal Cancellation Ink-Pad Stamp (2000.223.001) 1986<\/a>","text":"27

USPS Cancellation Stamp 1986: Shay's Rebellion
\nThis stamp was used by the U.S. Postal Service to cancel commemorative envelopes for the Shays' Rebellion Bicentennial in 1986.
\nThis stamp is an official Pelham postmark. This is very unusual because there has not been a post office in Pelham since before World War I.<\/a><\/p>","headline-date":"This is 27"},"media":{"url":"https:\/\/pelhamhistory.org\/pa\/media\/collectiveaccess\/images\/9\/63781_ca_object_representations_media_988_small.jpg","thumbnail":"https:\/\/pelhamhistory.org\/pa\/media\/collectiveaccess\/images\/9\/34451_ca_object_representations_media_988_icon.jpg","credit":"","caption":"<\/a><\/em>"},"display_date":"","0":"Array\n(\n [year] => 1986\n)\n-Array\n(\n [year] => 1986\n)\n","start_date":{"year":1986},"end_date":{"year":1986}},{"text":{"headline":"Mug: Shays' Rebellion 1786-1787 -- 1986-1987 - Pelham Lions Club (2000.140.002) 1987<\/a>","text":"27

Earthenware mug with medallion of Shays rebellion from Pelham, Ma 1786 -1787 - 1986 -1987<\/a><\/p>","headline-date":"This is 27"},"media":{"url":"https:\/\/pelhamhistory.org\/pa\/media\/collectiveaccess\/images\/1\/6\/33693_ca_object_representations_media_1601_small.jpg","thumbnail":"https:\/\/pelhamhistory.org\/pa\/media\/collectiveaccess\/images\/1\/6\/66597_ca_object_representations_media_1601_icon.jpg","credit":"","caption":"<\/a><\/em>"},"display_date":"","0":"Array\n(\n [year] => 1987\n)\n-Array\n(\n [year] => 1987\n)\n","start_date":{"year":1987},"end_date":{"year":1987}},{"text":{"headline":"Postal Cancellation Ink-Pad Stamp (2000.223.002) 1988<\/a>","text":"27

USPS Cancellation Stamp 1988: Quabbins 50th Anniversary
\nThis stamp was used by the U.S. Postal Service to cancel commemorative envelopes for the 50th anniversary of the flooding of the Quabbin towns in 1988.
\nThis stamp is an official Pelham postmark. This is very unusual because there has not been a post office in Pelham since before World War I.<\/a><\/p>","headline-date":"This is 27"},"media":{"url":"https:\/\/pelhamhistory.org\/pa\/media\/collectiveaccess\/images\/9\/87657_ca_object_representations_media_989_small.jpg","thumbnail":"https:\/\/pelhamhistory.org\/pa\/media\/collectiveaccess\/images\/9\/2788_ca_object_representations_media_989_icon.jpg","credit":"","caption":"<\/a><\/em>"},"display_date":"","0":"Array\n(\n [year] => 1988\n)\n-Array\n(\n [year] => 1988\n)\n","start_date":{"year":1988},"end_date":{"year":1988}},{"text":{"headline":"Button (2001.094) circa 1990;May 8 2001<\/a>","text":"27

round white button with red lettering that says \"Elect Norm Page State Respresentative<\/a><\/p>","headline-date":"This is 27"},"media":{"url":"","thumbnail":"","credit":"","caption":"<\/a><\/em>"},"display_date":"","0":"Array\n(\n [year] => 1990\n)\n-Array\n(\n [year] => 1990\n)\n","start_date":{"year":1990},"end_date":{"year":1990}},{"text":{"headline":"Mug: Pelham Town Hall 1743-1993 - Pelham Lions Club 4th Edition (2000.140.001) 1993<\/a>","text":"27

Cylindrical mug with pulled handle and Pelham town hall on one side transfer printed<\/a><\/p>","headline-date":"This is 27"},"media":{"url":"https:\/\/pelhamhistory.org\/pa\/media\/collectiveaccess\/images\/1\/5\/10634_ca_object_representations_media_1597_small.jpg","thumbnail":"https:\/\/pelhamhistory.org\/pa\/media\/collectiveaccess\/images\/1\/5\/13629_ca_object_representations_media_1597_icon.jpg","credit":"","caption":"<\/a><\/em>"},"display_date":"","0":"Array\n(\n [year] => 1993\n)\n-Array\n(\n [year] => 1993\n)\n","start_date":{"year":1993},"end_date":{"year":1993}},{"text":{"headline":"Newspaper Article: The Daily Hampshire Gazette 9\/16\/2016 Pelham to take stock of historic Town Hall (A2023.004.004) September 16 2016<\/a>","text":"13760

By DAN CROWLEY\nManaging Editor\nPublished: 9\/16\/2016 11:54:38 AM\nPELHAM \u2014 The Historical Commission will hold a public meeting Tuesday to hear two consultants present a summary of their findings and recommendations on the proper care, preservation and protection of the interior of Pelham\u2019s historic Town Hall.\n\nThe session begins at 7 p.m. at Town Hall, which was built in 1743 at the corner of Amherst Road and Route 202. The structure is on the National Register of Historic Places and is the oldest Town Hall in continuous use in the United States. It was featured in the events of Shays Rebellion in 1786-1787, according to the commission.\n\nUsing Community Preservation Act funds, the commission hired consultants Mark Almeda of Walpole and Sarah Chase of Lexington to document the age of the interior surfaces in Town Hall, and to make recommendations on the proper cleaning, painting, repair and restoration of the interiors of the building\u2019s two floors.\n\n\u201cWe have a thorough understanding of what\u2019s original to 1743 and the uniqueness of recent changes to the building,\u201d Joseph S. Larson, chairman of the Pelham Historical Commission, said of the consultants\u2019 review. \u201cI think the most important thing is they\u2019ve told us what not to do and the right way to do cleaning and painting.\u201d\n\nAlmeda is a professional architect with experience in preservation of historic structures. Chase is a national expert on historic paints who used advanced infrared and microscope technology to identify the location of hidden timber frames of the building and to document, for the first time, the age of interior paint layers.\n\nThe study documents original sections of both the ground and upper floors to 1743 and other features to the mid-1800s and later periods, according to the commission. \n\nAt Tuesday\u2019s meeting, Almeda, Chase and commission members are expected to summarize the findings and recommendations and take questions from the public. The event concludes with a brief tour of the building. \n\n\nDan Crowley can be reached at dcrowley@gazettenet.com.<\/a><\/p>","headline-date":"This is 13760"},"media":{"url":"https:\/\/pelhamhistory.org\/pa\/media\/collectiveaccess\/images\/2\/2\/17715_ca_object_representations_media_2298_small.jpg","thumbnail":"https:\/\/pelhamhistory.org\/pa\/media\/collectiveaccess\/images\/2\/2\/30614_ca_object_representations_media_2298_icon.jpg","credit":"","caption":"<\/a><\/em>"},"display_date":"","0":"Array\n(\n [year] => 2016\n [month] => 9\n [day] => 16\n)\n-Array\n(\n [year] => 2016\n [month] => 9\n [day] => 16\n)\n","start_date":{"year":2016,"month":9,"day":16},"end_date":{"year":2016,"month":9,"day":16}},{"text":{"headline":"Newspaper Article: The Reminder 7\/27\/2021 - Pelham artist selected for display at Springfield\u2019s Pynchon Park (A2023.003.020) July 27 2021<\/a>","text":"13760

Pelham artist selected for display at Springfield\u2019s Pynchon Park\n July 27, 2021 | Nasya Blackshear\nnblackshear@thereminder.com\nPELHAM \u2013 Local artist Roberley Bell has been selected for an art installation at Springfield\u2019s Pynchon Park for the SPark! Igniting Our Community project.\n\nThis is a two-year public art project to transform the recently reopened Pynchon Plaza into a vibrant public space with innovative multi-media art installations created by local and national artists. The SPark! Art Committee had put out a call to all artists with special consideration was given to installations that include Springfield artists, artists of color, LGBTQA+, and female artists.\n\nBell\u2019s project was selected as one of eight pieces funded by a combination of public and private monies including a National Endowment for the Arts Our Town Program Grant and City of Springfield Community Development Block Grant.\n\n\u201cI do a lot of public art projects. So it just was obvious to me that I should apply for it,\u201d said Bell. One of eight artists selected for this project, Bell\u2019s installation will be a bench at the base of the stairs. \u201cIt\u2019s an organic curvilinear form. It was inspired, you know, by a Dr. Suess type of non-representational animated structures,\u201d she explained.\n\nHowever, Bell\u2019s installation will be more than just a seating area, but rather a social structure. \u201cIt's designed so that everyone\u2019s not facing away from each other and looking forward at usually the road, but that they\u2019re looking at each other,\u201d Bell said. \u201cThat\u2019s why my project is this kind of curvilinear structure that has openings in it. So that there are lots of options of how you might sit in it, but it's really about how you might sit in on this structure and engage with other people.\u201d\n\nThis isn\u2019t the first time one of Bell\u2019s installations has been a curvilinear structure. \u201cI did [benches] for a park in Cleveland that I also refer to as social structures, but for those, I used the contour of the topographic maps of Lake Erie as kind of the inspiration for the outlines,\u201d she said.\n\nBell\u2019s installation is set to debut in October and should take her a couple of months to complete, but she\u2019s not been able to work on it due to funding.\n\n\u201cOne of the biggest problems with public art is you get awarded something and then it\u2019s several months, if not six months time before you get money,\u201d she began explaining. \u201cSo, it\u2019s hard to go and buy supplies and start doing things, especially when you need outside fabricators without some money in hand. That\u2019s really the part that slows things down.\u201d\n\nStill, Bell said she is excited for the opportunity along with the public\u2019s reaction. \u201cSomething that I always look forward to, especially when you have something that\u2019s not just an object to be looked at and enjoyed, but an object that is very much about physical participation, right. Sitting on it, engaging with it in that sense.\u201d\n\nOther artists included in Pynchon Park are: Lauren Celini of Springfield, Utility Art; Michelle Falc\u00f3n Font\u00e1nez and Alvilda Sophia Anaya-Alegr\u00eda of Boston, Mosaic Art; RT Woods of Springfield, Fencing Art; Beth Crawford of Haydenville, 3D Sculptural Art; Jeffrey Lara of Springfield, 3D Sculptural Art; Make-It Springfield, Library Box; and Outdoor Musical Instruments of the United Kingdom, Sound Sculpture, which is to be embellished by a local artist.\n\n\u201cThe SPark! project is a remarkable opportunity to create a museum without walls that builds on the hopes and vision of our community in the heart of downtown Springfield,\u201d said Kay Simpson, president and CEO of the Springfield Museums.\n\n\u201cPynchon Park will become more than just an easy way to walk from downtown to the Springfield Museums, the Central Library, and the Armory. It will become a community space for solace, conversation, programming, and play surrounded by intriguing art,\u201d said Simpson. \u201cWe are thrilled to co-create an Art Park that showcases the talents of artists from Springfield and beyond.\u201d<\/a><\/p>","headline-date":"This is 13760"},"media":{"url":"https:\/\/pelhamhistory.org\/pa\/media\/collectiveaccess\/images\/2\/2\/15444_ca_object_representations_media_2293_small.jpg","thumbnail":"https:\/\/pelhamhistory.org\/pa\/media\/collectiveaccess\/images\/2\/2\/21821_ca_object_representations_media_2293_icon.jpg","credit":"","caption":"<\/a><\/em>"},"display_date":"","0":"Array\n(\n [year] => 2021\n [month] => 7\n [day] => 27\n)\n-Array\n(\n [year] => 2021\n [month] => 7\n [day] => 27\n)\n","start_date":{"year":2021,"month":7,"day":27},"end_date":{"year":2021,"month":7,"day":27}},{"text":{"headline":"Newspaper Article: The Reminder 9\/21\/2021 - Dog control issues dominate Pelham\u2019s Town Meeting warrant (A2023.003.008) September 21 2021<\/a>","text":"13760

Dog control issues dominate Pelham\u2019s Town Meeting warrant\n Sept. 21, 2021 | Doc Pruyne\nPELHAM \u2013 Angry growling may be heard at Pelham\u2019s fall Town Meeting on Oct. 23. Half of the warrant articles concern dogs and their errant owners.\n\nThe Conservation Commission wrote Articles 2 and 3, which call for several new measures to control animals: leashing dogs everywhere in town, fines for non-compliance, and hiring an animal patrol officer. The first question asked at a Select Board meeting on Sept. 13 was why the commission wrote the articles.\n\nSelectBoard vice Chair David Shanabrook asked, \u201cWhy did they do that, since it\u2019s outside the [purview] of the Conservation Commission?\u201d\n\nBob Agoglia, chair of the Select Board, affirmed the new leash law and fine structure would be revisions of current bylaws. \u201cThe Conservation Commission, acting within its own authority,\u201d he said, \u201cwill in fact be restricting the Buffam Falls Conservation Area.\u201d\n\nDana McDonald, a member of the Conservation Commission, said, \u201cPeople have had a considerable amount of confrontations, on public roads, with unleashed dogs. Most of the problems seem to happen in the northwest corner of the town, but [the new bylaw] is taking care of conservation areas.\u201d\n\nThe current draft of Article 2, which has not been vetted by the town\u2019s attorneys, reads, \u201cTo see if the town will accept the recommendations of the Conservation Commission to amend Pelham Code 5.3 as follows: 1) Except that dogs must be leashed on all public ways in Pelham; and 2) To amend Schedule S-18 \u00a7 \u201cdogs off leash running at large\u201d fines shall be; first offense a written warning, second offense a fine of $50, third offense a fine of $100, or take any other action relative thereto.\u201d\n\nMcDonald explained for the Select Board the town seems to be split. A very vocal group of residents wants dogs controlled everywhere in town, all the time. Another segment seems to think it\u2019s not a good idea, that they didn\u2019t move to Pelham to have their dogs constantly on a leash. McDonald did suggest that most dog owners in town are reasonable and would agree it\u2019s best to keep dogs leashed on public roadways. \n\nTwo public forums focused on dog control recently, but animals running loose has been a problem for some time. Shanabrook wondered if Town Meeting will see pushback from dog owners, a question that unlocked the reasons behind the Conservation Commission\u2019s involvement in writing the warrant article.\n\n\u201cHow much push back are you going to get for having dogs leashed at Buffam Falls?\u201d Shanabrook asked. \u201cDid damage from dogs figure in all this?\u201d\n\n\u201c[Damage] was brought up as an issue from the start,\u201d McDonald said. \u201cBuffam Falls is the epicenter of negative experiences with dogs \u2026 and it extends up Meetinghouse Road.\u201d Dog owners keep animals controlled at Harkness Conservation Area, without apparent problems, leading McDonald to note the leash law supporters are committed to seeing better management by dog owners. McDonald said, \u201cResidents who want to see dogs leashed all the time, they\u2019re very passionate about it \u2026 and have a pretty well developed argument for why.\u201d\n\nThe argument for better dog control has become so convincing that another warrant article calls for spending $15,000 yearly on a dog patrol officer.\n\n\u201cI can hear one question,\u201d McDonald said. \u201cDon\u2019t we have an animal control officer? Yes, we do \u2026 This is someone they would see walking in conservation areas, basically for all the hours they are hired for, as a way to have a presence, and to educate \u2026 and to fine, if the case arises.\u201d\n\nThe draft warrant article reads, \u201cTo see if the Town will vote to accept the recommendations of the Conservation Commission to appropriate from town funds $15,000 to hire a part-time Animal Patrol Officer under the supervision of Public Safety for purposes of patrolling Conservation areas and public ways in town and to educate and enforce town bylaws...\u201d\n\nMcDonald explained the animal patrol officer won\u2019t cover the same ground as the animal control officer. \u201cThe current animal control officer does not travel in those areas,\u201d he said. \u201cShe is actually unable to travel those areas, so it isn\u2019t part of her job.\u201d\n\nShanabrook let it be known that the Select Board is not settled on the question of hiring another officer. He suggested the Police Department assume more responsibility for dog control. McDonald recounted how police officials told him it wasn\u2019t an enforcement issue for them, that more important duties occupied officers\u2019 time.\n\n\u201cWe might get a lot of resistance to hiring another officer,\u201d Shanabrook said. \u201cEven we are uncertain whether we should.\u201d\n\nAccording to Agoglia, the Select Board has yet to take a position on spending the funds for another public safety officer to manage uncontrolled animals. The vote was to place the article on the warrant for fall Town Meeting, when residents will have plenty of time to discuss the issue.\n\n\u201cThere isn\u2019t a huge press of business,\u201d Agoglia said, \u201cso there will be the chance to have an in depth discussion about it.\u201d\n\nMcDonald concluded by voicing appreciation for residents\u2019 willingness to listen.\n\n\u201cI was surprised by the decorum and the depth of discussion we had on this,\u201d McDonald said. \u201cI was impressed by all of this really. It was a great experience.\u201d<\/a><\/p>","headline-date":"This is 13760"},"media":{"url":"","thumbnail":"","credit":"","caption":"<\/a><\/em>"},"display_date":"","0":"Array\n(\n [year] => 2021\n [month] => 9\n [day] => 21\n)\n-Array\n(\n [year] => 2021\n [month] => 9\n [day] => 21\n)\n","start_date":{"year":2021,"month":9,"day":21},"end_date":{"year":2021,"month":9,"day":21}},{"text":{"headline":"Newspaper Article: The Reminder 10\/13\/2021 - Pelham Select Board debates Special Town Meeting warrant (A2023.003.019) October 13 2021<\/a>","text":"13760

Pelham Select Board debates Special Town Meeting warrant\n Oct. 13, 2021 | Doc Pruyne\nPELHAM \u2013 The Select Board and other town officials continued to finalize the warrant for the fall Special Town Meeting, but left the two controversial dog-related articles for voters to tweak on Oct. 23.\n\nThe first warrant article will ask voters to support an affordable housing project at 20-22 Amherst Rd. by authorizing the spending of $250,000 in Community Preservation Act funds.\n\n\u201cI feel very strongly about this project,\u201d said Bill Pula, chair of the Board of Health. \u201cThe town has been moving in this direction \u2026 [and] this is the only time we\u2019re spending money from the Community Preservation Act to generate future revenues. Correct?\u201d\n\nTilman Lukas, chair of the Pelham Housing Committee, concurred. \u201cThat is probably correct,\u201d Lukas said. \u201cThe amount of money generated from this property will be much greater than the profit generated by it right now.\u201d\n\nLukas also reminded the board that a Town Meeting article last fall, passed by voters at that meeting, authorized $500,000 be spent on the project. Select Board Chair David Agoglia was absent. The vote to include the article on the warrant was unanimous.\n\nThe second proposed article will institute fines for uncontrolled dogs in conservation areas and public rights of way. After a question by Town Moderator Daniel Robb about sponsorship of the article \u2013 Conservation Commission member Dana McDonald sponsored it \u2013 the discussion turned to new language in the article.\n\nDiscussion with Susannah Carey, assistant to the Select Board, revealed that in reviewing the motion town counsel changed the language to indicate one incident will precipitate added responsibility for dog owners. Dog owners will be required to keep their pet perpetually on a leash after one incident, rather than one formal complaint.\n\nSelect Board member Tara Loomis questioned the change, asking, \u201cWhat changed between Sept. 13 and today?\u201d\n\nSelect Board member David Shanabrook questioned the change in the severity of outcomes that town counsel\u2019s edits added to the article.\n\n\u201cIt\u2019s one thing if they have a complaint, then they have to have them always on a leash,\u201d Shanabrook said. He added that requiring perpetual control of a pet after one incident, which may not have been serious, seemed too harsh.\n\nTown counsel had comprehensively changed the language of the article, which left the Select Board with the daunting task of proofing the changes. Robb clarified that every \u2018T\u2019 didn\u2019t need to be crossed.\n\n\u201cThe warrant\u2019s intent is to give a warning of the issues that will be brought before the town,\u201d Robb said. \u201cIt\u2019s not necessary that it follow the precise verbiage of what will be presented to the voters on the day of Town Meeting.\u201d\n\nThe Select Board did not vote to recommend the item. Loomis and Shanabrook voted to take no action and leave refinement of the language of the article, and the details, to the floor of Special Town Meeting.\n\nThe third proposed warrant article calls for the hiring of an animal patrol officer, at an annual cost of $15,000.\n\n\u201cThis is a contentious issue in this area,\u201d Loomis said. \u201cWe saw this with Amherst, with Amethyst Brook \u2026 so this is an opportunity to offer more support and more education \u2026 I support it, so I would vote to recommend it\u201d to voters.\n\nPula did not see the point of passing new fines without new enforcement. \u201cIf no one enforces it, it won\u2019t matter,\u201d he said. \u201cIt\u2019s an exercise in futility.\u201d\n\nShanabrook was undecided. He asked, \u201cIs this a one year position, or would it be ongoing?\u201d\n\nPolice Chief Gary Thomann confirmed the position would be ongoing, and that Nancy Long, current dog officer, has health issues that preclude her from patrolling conservation areas.\n\n\u201cWe didn\u2019t want to become another bad guy,\u201d Thomann said. \u201cSo this is to hire someone to go out into the woods, on the trails, and the hourly rate and the schedule were left unclear.\u201d\n\nShanabrook was still hesitant. The board voted to accept the changes in language made by town counsel, then voted to take no action on a recommendation for voters at Special Town Meeting.\n\nThe fourth article proposed for Special Town Meeting later this month authorizes the town to join the Pioneer Valley Mosquito Control Board. Pula, also chair of the Conservation Commission, spoke to the issue.\n\n\u201cWe didn\u2019t get the opt out exemption from any state spraying,\u201d Pula said, \u201cbut with this we get tests. We\u2019re at risk for triple E (equine encephalitis) and West Nile (virus).\u201d Pula commented that $5,000 may not be the annual cost of being on the mosquito control board, and that it was a new entity. \u201cThis is the first board created in about 50 years. All the others are down in the southeast.\u201d\n\nThe Select Board voted to approve the changes in wording recommended by town counsel and to forgo recommending any action by voters. Robb clarified that such a vote is not unusual and casts no negative aspersions on a warrant article.\n\n\u201cIt\u2019s very normal for the Select Board to not recommend action on an article,\u201d Robb said, implying that no adverse consequences would result for the town. \u201cIt\u2019ll all come out on the floor of Town Meeting.\u201d<\/a><\/p>","headline-date":"This is 13760"},"media":{"url":"","thumbnail":"","credit":"","caption":"<\/a><\/em>"},"display_date":"","0":"Array\n(\n [year] => 2021\n [month] => 10\n [day] => 13\n)\n-Array\n(\n [year] => 2021\n [month] => 10\n [day] => 13\n)\n","start_date":{"year":2021,"month":10,"day":13},"end_date":{"year":2021,"month":10,"day":13}},{"text":{"headline":"Newspaper Article: The Reminder 11\/22\/2021 - Pelham School Committee considers grade 6 move, reopening pre-K (A2023.003.005) November 22 2021<\/a>","text":"13760

Pelham School Committee considers grade 6 move, reopening pre-K\n Nov. 22, 2021 | Doc Pruyne\ndpruyne@thereminder.com\nPELHAM \u2013 On Nov. 17, the School Committee had conversations about a pair of sensitive subjects \u2013 restarting the pre-kindergarten program and moving the sixth grade to Amherst.\n\n\u201cI made a recommendation not to rush this conversation,\u201d Superintendent Michael Morris said in his opening remarks about moving the sixth grade to the middle school. \u201cYou don\u2019t have a space crunch, the way the Amherst schools do. [And] what is the [educational] model?...What are those critical buckets of work?\u201d\n\nMorris pointed to world languages as a critical focus. Should the educational model for a sixth grade, he asked the committee, have two core teachers or four? At a broader level, if Pelham sixth graders go to the high school, does the Pelham sixth grade teacher go to the high school too?\n\nMorris said, \u201cMy recommendation, if you wanted to pursue it, are to do it at the same time as the Amherst elementary schools. It would have to be a collaboration with the Amherst Public Schools.\u201d\n\nCommittee member Ron Mennino was most concerned with informing those who would be affected \u2013 the families.\n\n\u201cWhat has been done to let the Pelham parents know that we haven\u2019t yet made a decision?\u201d Mennino asked.\n\nMorris had commented that feedback from parents would drive later discussions, possibly in December, but no date was set. The benefit of moving the sixth grade to the middle school, for the most part didn\u2019t seem to connect with committee members\u2019 thinking on the issue.\n\n\u201cI have reservations about the whole thing because if it moves the sixth grade teacher to the high school, and it\u2019s taught the same way as it was in Pelham, it makes no sense,\u201dMennino said,\n\nMargaret Stancer, acting as chair, observed that the door was left open by the Union 38 School Committee. When a move by Pelham\u2019s sixth grade became a consideration, language was included in the documentation, such that Pelham would also have the option to move its sixth grade to the middle school.\n\nThe committee spoke little about the financial implications of a move. Costs were not discussed, though committee members made some mention of the impact of adding expenses.\n\n\u201cI\u2019d love to learn more about the financial ramifications of moving the sixth grade,\u201d said committee member Brenda Barlow. \u201cWhat are the long-term budget issues going to be, because that will be part of the public conversation.\u201d\n\nStudents coming to the district through the school choice program directly impact the budget. Mennino asked if those choice students would leave the Pelham district if the sixth grade went to the middle school. Morris said that would be the case and the fiscal impact would need to be analyzed.\n\nCommittee member Sarahbess Kenney spoke up about the lack of motivating upsides. She saw no benefits at all from moving the sixth-graders.\n\n\u201cMoving our sixth grade, as is, to the middle school has no benefits,\u201d she said. \u201cMoving them to another place when we\u2019re not having space issues seems like a silly thing to do, to me.\u201d Kenney also implied it was a decision for all stakeholders, not a small subset. \u201cThat would be a whole school decision, not just the sixth grade.\u201d\n\nMennino asked again about parental input for the decision. He was reassured by Barlow that the community as a whole would be part of the decision-making process. Barlow again said the fiscal impacts should be determining factors.\n\nMorris agreed. \u201cIf we foresee any financial [problems], we don\u2019t want to go too far down this road.\u201d\n\nMorris also thought it wasn\u2019t a good idea to reopen the pre-kindergarten program. He told the committee the district had pre-K for six or seven years. This year the district did not offer pre-k services, and as far as finances, they won\u2019t be missed.\n\n\u201cThere\u2019s significant overhead to reopening the program,\u201d Morris said, \u201cand looking forward to next year, I have some real concerns.\u201d\n\nOne concern arose because paraprofessionals were given a raise. \u201cOur paras work incredibly hard and deserve the salaries they get ... but I\u2019m afraid we\u2019re going to price ourselves out of the market,\u201d Morris said. The superintendent suggested that Pelham\u2019s pre-K program is among the more expensive in the area.\n\nMorris\u2019s strongest argument against reopening the pre-K program returned to fiscal issues. Revenue from school choice had returned to levels predating the pandemic.\n\n\u201cWhat we experienced this year, was that our choice numbers got back to where we needed them to be,\u201d Morris said, \u201cwithout a preschool.\u201d\n\nPrincipal Micki Darling spoke of an ongoing staffing issue with the pre-k program. A pre-K teacher was often absent, which called for pulling a teacher from the K-6 staff to fill in, which created problems for regular classroom staffing.\n\nMorris concluded the conversation by voicing his hope to concentrate on core issues. \u201cI\u2019d be inclined to maintain our level of programming and focus our energy on running the school.\u201d\n\nCommittee members prepared for adjournment, having made no decisions on the pre-kindergarten program for next year or moving the sixth grade to Amherst.<\/a><\/p>","headline-date":"This is 13760"},"media":{"url":"","thumbnail":"","credit":"","caption":"<\/a><\/em>"},"display_date":"","0":"Array\n(\n [year] => 2021\n [month] => 11\n [day] => 22\n)\n-Array\n(\n [year] => 2021\n [month] => 11\n [day] => 22\n)\n","start_date":{"year":2021,"month":11,"day":22},"end_date":{"year":2021,"month":11,"day":22}},{"text":{"headline":"Newspaper Article: The Reminder 12\/15\/2021 - Power aggregation agreement moves forward (A2023.003.025) December 15 2021<\/a>","text":"13760

Power aggregation agreement moves forward\n Dec. 15, 2021 | Doc Pruyne\ndpruyne@thereminder.com\nPELHAM \u2013 Local electric bills may soon drop a bit, and the energy will be cleaner, as the effort to establish an aggregator in the Pioneer Valley is approaching the next procedural step.\n\n\u201cCommunity power aggregation, on average, has been able to provide a lower price for electricity,\u201d said Chris Mason, energy efficiency officer for Northampton. \u201cCommunity choice aggregation, they try to get the best price ... but it will provide the option to buy a greener product.\u201d\n\nPelham, Northampton and Amherst will be the initial participants in the proposed aggregation. Residents from an organization, Community Choice Energy (CCE) brought the desire to aggregate to the three municipalities and, according to Mason, are doing most of the leg work. There\u2019s still plenty to do.\n\n\u201cOur goal would be to have implementation happen by 2023,\u201d said Stephanie Ciccarello, sustainability coordinator for Amherst. \u201cIn 2022 we\u2019ll hire a consultant for education and community outreach.\u201d\nAccording to the CCE\u2019s website, consumers save between 3 and 10 percent on the cost of electricity with aggregation. In the project under development the benefits extend beyond those modest savings.\n\nAggregations are run by consultants who collect a fee, a small piece of the bill consumers pay; but in this aggregation the consultant\u2019s fee will remain with the municipalities for the local production of green energy.\n\n\u201cAt the baseline, that\u2019s what a community aggregation is for,\u201d Ciccarello said. \u201cYou might get a better price, or a greener blend of electricity. In this case, we\u2019re [also] looking more to do programming that will help reduce emissions. It\u2019s more of the possibilities of what we can do through an aggregation.\u201d\n\nA benefit besides greening up the energy supply, according to Mason, is equity. Low-income residents also gain equal access to green energy. Residents will automatically enroll into the plan and must \u201copt out\u201d if they do not want to participate.\n\n\nThe proposed aggregation may also nudge the development of micro-grids, home area networks, storage measures, solar arrays, and wind power generation at the local level. Municipalities have the flexibility to install electric vehicle charging stations and other green energy options for the community.\n\n\u201cYou do have more flexibility,\u201d Ciccarello explained, \u201cbut you also have more control over...whether you can help increase the development of more green energy.\u201d\n\nTowns and cities joining to aggregate electricity is not a new idea. According the CCE\u2019s website, over 145 communities in the Bay State are members of aggregations set up just to see the savings on electricity. Cape Light Compact is the only other aggregator to offer, along with savings, local green energy development.\n\n\u201cAssuming they approve it,\u201d said Wayne Feiden, referring to the state\u2019s Department of Public Utilities, \u201cwhat happens is, our aggregator becomes the electrical provider. We\u2019re responsible for buying the power wholesale.\u201d Feiden is the director of Planning and Sustainability for the city of Northampton. \u201cWe would just become the provider, not the utility, with a greater mix of energy sources.\u201d\n\nThe municipalities would not be responsible for billing, customer service, maintenance of electrical lines and poles, and resolution of power outages. All those services would continue to be provided by the utility, EverSource or National Grid. Those with home or business solar arrays will still be subject to net metering and be able sell excess power to the aggregator, without individual contracts.\n\nJohn Larson, co-chair of the Pelham Energy Committee, tasked with counseling the Select Board, told Reminder Publishing that the town is discussing the arrangement. The towns would sign a Joint Powers Agreement and oversee the resulting power supplier.\n\nThe three founding members may not be alone in the agreement for long. In the future, after the agreement between the communities is signed, a plan for operation must be submitted and accepted by the Department of Public Utilities.\n\nAfter that stamp of approval, the next step is to sign purchase contracts for electricity.\nOther communities may then become part of the power arrangement.\n\n\u201cWe have every intention of including other communities in this program,\u201d Ciccarello said. \u201cWe\u2019re hoping that it becomes widespread, across the region, and would be a regional effort.\u201d\n\nMore information on the electrical aggregation process and Community Choice Energy can be found at https:\/\/wmacce.wordpress.com.\n<\/a><\/p>","headline-date":"This is 13760"},"media":{"url":"","thumbnail":"","credit":"","caption":"<\/a><\/em>"},"display_date":"","0":"Array\n(\n [year] => 2021\n [month] => 12\n [day] => 15\n)\n-Array\n(\n [year] => 2021\n [month] => 12\n [day] => 15\n)\n","start_date":{"year":2021,"month":12,"day":15},"end_date":{"year":2021,"month":12,"day":15}},{"text":{"headline":"Newspaper Article: The Reminder 12\/28\/2021 - Committee reviews Pelham\u2019s capital plans (A2023.003.017) December 28 2021<\/a>","text":"13760

Committee reviews Pelham\u2019s capital plans\n Dec. 28, 2021 | Doc Pruyne\ndpruyne@thereminder.com\nPELHAM \u2013 Prowlers, steeples, schools and pumper trucks were the talk of the town at the recent Capital Planning Committee meeting.\n\nJohn Trickey, chair of the body that meets every year at the end of December and the Finance Committee, presided over a spreadsheet of capital needs projecting out to 2038. He made it clear that many of the numbers were temporary.\n\n\u201cWe don\u2019t have the updated list,\u201d he said. \u201cAs we get closer [to Town Meeting] we zero in on what we\u2019re after.\u201d\n\nPolice Chief Greg Thomann\u2019s sense of humor had set a light tone. After glancing at the spreadsheet he joked, \u201cLooking at this, we\u2019re going to get a hybrid. They\u2019re a lot more expensive.\u201d\n\nThe replacement of the police chief\u2019s cruiser, to be purchased in 2023, was budgeted for $48,000, but the hybrid model will add $6,000. The Ford Expedition, one of two police vehicles, will become the vehicle for Department of Public Works Superintendent Rick Adamcek.\n\n\u201cWe get all the life out of them we can get out them,\u201d Thomann said.\n\nThe capital needs of the Fire Department showed much larger numbers. Chief Ray Murphy suggested a fiscal struggle was ahead. \u201cThe medical vehicle we have now is 14 years-old, so I\u2019m asking because the fight will come up to replace that.\u201d He then commented on the tanker trunk scheduled for 2023 purchase.\n\n\u201cIt\u2019s probably gonna be a little more than this,\u201d said Murphy. \u201cWe\u2019re not just talking a regular fire truck, we\u2019re talking a tanker truck, which will replace our tanker.\u201d\n\nAccording to Murphy it will replace two vehicles. The tanker, more expensive than a pumper, has a placeholder of $572,000 in fiscal year 2023 (FY23).\n\n\u201cI\u2019ve been talking $600,000, and I think we should make that decision,\u201d Trickey said. \u201cThis may be the point we have to talk dollars and cents, the cash flow.\u201d\n\nTrickey explained that the town instituted a rolling debt exclusion to cover capital expenses about fifteen years ago. That yearly earmark has reached $250,000.\n\n\u201cWe have $400,000 in the capital account right now,\u201d Trickey said, \u201cand about $250,000 going in, so we have roughly 650,000 \u2026 so we\u2019ll be short if we do the cruiser and fire truck\u201d in 2023.\n\nMurphy hadn\u2019t quite covered his departmental needs. \u201cIn 2025, we have replacement of the airpacks. That\u2019ll be $125,000.\u201d\n\nTrickey, the president of the Association of Town Finance Committees, was unruffled by the planning process. \u201cDetermine where your cruiser money is coming from, then we look down the road and see what costs are coming in,\u201d he said. \u201cThey\u2019re big numbers right now, but I\u2019m confident we can do it.\u201d\nPelham Elementary School needs yearly capital spending, but the numbers are not set in stone. Robert Agoglia, chair of the Selectboard, mentioned the anticipated expense of a new boiler purchase for $155,000 in 2023, \u201cand the rest is the roof.\u201d The anticipated capital spending in FY23 and FY24 reach $635,000.\n\nAgain, Trickey was unfazed. \u201cKnowing we were going to be short, we built a cushion of free cash.\u201d\nThe roof will be 25 years old in 2025. Agoglia said, \u201cThe numbers for the regional school are fine. The numbers for the elementary school are a little high.\u201d\n\nThe payment to the regional school, a 2022 charge of $26,939, covers debt payments for bonds the district issued to cover capital improvements. That charge drops a couple thousand dollars in 2023, but increases to $27,558 in FY24.\n\nTrickey\u2019s depth of experience with the capital planning process pushed him to get the spreadsheet as complete as feasible.\n\n\u201cThere is a new line item: Community Center wood trim repair,\u201d he said. \u201cThat\u2019s the money to do the steeple and the windows. I marked it for CPA (Community Preservation Act) money.\u201d\nDPW chief Adamcek was familiar with the structure.\n\n\u201cWe did a lot of work on the sash up there,\u201d he said. \u201cIt\u2019s going to need more attention. The steeple\u2026will probably need to be rebuilt, so that will cost more than $60,000\u2026We\u2019re good for ten years, but the next time around we\u2019ll need some major work.\u201d\n\nTrickey budgeted $250,000 for the project, to be paid out of CPA funds in 2038. Selectboard Chair Agoglia acknowledged the skill with planning that Trickey brought to the tables.\n\n\u201cIf we are able to fund all this,\u201d Agoglia said, \u201cthank you.\u201d<\/a><\/p>","headline-date":"This is 13760"},"media":{"url":"","thumbnail":"","credit":"","caption":"<\/a><\/em>"},"display_date":"","0":"Array\n(\n [year] => 2021\n [month] => 12\n [day] => 28\n)\n-Array\n(\n [year] => 2021\n [month] => 12\n [day] => 28\n)\n","start_date":{"year":2021,"month":12,"day":28},"end_date":{"year":2021,"month":12,"day":28}},{"text":{"headline":"Newspaper Article: The Reminder 1\/5\/2022 - Pelham\u2019s sizzling home market driven by investors, students (A2022.002.001) January 5 2022;January 20 2022<\/a>","text":"13760

Editor\u2019s Note: The original version of this story printed on Jan. 6 contained factual inaccuracies. In the interest of correcting the record, Reminder Publishing is reprinted a corrected version on Jan. 20. We regret any confusion.\n\nPELHAM \u2013 These days, even small houses sell for big money.\n\"A small ranch house sold for $365,000,\u201d said Tilman Lukas, chair of the Housing Committee. \u201cA buyer from California bought it sight unseen. I thought it would be about $320,000, but it sold in just a few days.\u201d\n\nLukas and the Housing Committee are working to create more affordable housing in Pelham, which makes it possible for young families to move into town. Young families stabilize school enrollments and the tax base \u2013 but several conditions are driving home prices through the roof and up past the chimney.\nA shortage of student housing in Amherst has boosted the price of properties. Another longstanding problem, according to Lukas, and also difficult to address, is the reach of town sewer and water service is limited. The pandemic recently added fuel to home prices through supply chain interruptions, which drove up the price of materials and fixtures. Building new, and building subsidized housing, became that much more expensive.\n\nThe town responded to the need for affordable housing by authorizing $250,000 in Community Preservation Act funds to subsidize the Amethyst Brook Apartments. According to Susan Cooper, a member of the Housing Committee, all 34 rental units will be affordable housing, with rents as much as 20 percent below the state\u2019s maximum allowable rents for affordable housing. A lottery determines who will occupy them in 2024, when construction will be completed.\n\nHabitat for Humanity has two projects underway, houses that will sell for $155,000 or less, depending on an applicant\u2019s income. Cooper informed Reminder Publishing that the abutters, Home City Development Inc., donated 30 feet of road frontage to enable a second lot, adjacent to the first. The lottery for ownership of those homes has been completed.\n\nCooper also informed Reminder Publishing the town has requirements of 88,000 square feet, approximately two acres, for building lots in most of Pelham, with smaller lots allowed in the Town Center area. According to Cooper, \u201conly approximately 8 percent of all the land in Pelham is deemed developable, according to a 2017 Land Inventory & Assessment. More than half is permanently protected and about a third has geological constraints.\u201d\n\nAcres that may turn into lots, though, might yield fewer buildable spots than hoped. Some lots may not pass a drainage test for a septic system.\n\n\u201cPelham has a higher water table, so percing lots is difficult,\u201d Lukas said. \u201cThe perc test is critical.\u201d\nOne bright spot is the cost of installing sewers. According to Lukas, many towns, including Amherst, are adopting sewer technology that utilizes worm drive pumps. The pumps, mounted within much smaller piping, make utility lines cost less. A trencher further reduces the costs by cutting a narrow channel in the ground, rather than a wide ditch.\n\nThe committee is working to ensure the Amethyst Brook Apartments will best serve the community. Funding to install sidewalks from the community buildings down to the town line with Amherst are being sought. Funds for planning must be secured first.\n\n\u201cThe town is going to use some of the ARPA funds,\u201d Lukas said, referring to the American Recovery Plan Act, \u201cto do a detailed analysis of the geography, the roads, whatever else is required, between town line and the community buildings. Then they\u2019ll take that information and give it to contractors to get really solid prices.\u201d\n\nCommittee members commented on another downside to the lack of affordable housing in Pelham: traffic. According to Cooper, those who work in Pelham, where there are no commercial businesses, have an impact.\n\n\u201cI had it in my talking points,\u201d Cooper said, \u201cthe high percentage of commuters, not just out of town, but also the number of people working in Pelham.\u201d\n\nAccording to town statistics, 70 percent of Pelham residents drive alone to their place of business. Ninety-one percent of school employees commute to Pelham, as do 14 town employees. Public transportation may help alleviate the wear and tear on roads, and help relieve the housing shortage, by connecting Amethyst Brook Apartments to Amherst public transit.\n\n\u201cPelham should be tied into it, as much as possible,\u201d Lukas said.\n\nCommittee member James Lumley foresaw the difficulties. \u201cIt\u2019s not easy to change people from car transportation to bus transportation,\u201d he said. \u201cIt takes a long time.\u201d\nLukas replied, \u201cYou have to start somewhere.\u201d<\/a><\/p>","headline-date":"This is 13760"},"media":{"url":"","thumbnail":"","credit":"","caption":"<\/a><\/em>"},"display_date":"","0":"Array\n(\n [year] => 2022\n [month] => 1\n [day] => 5\n)\n-Array\n(\n [year] => 2022\n [month] => 1\n [day] => 5\n)\n","start_date":{"year":2022,"month":1,"day":5},"end_date":{"year":2022,"month":1,"day":5}},{"text":{"headline":"Newspaper Article: The Reminder 1\/11\/2022 - Dog control remains a topic of conversation in Pelham (A2023.003.023) January 11 2022<\/a>","text":"13760

Dog control remains a topic of conversation in Pelham\n Jan. 11, 2022 | Doc Pruyne\ndpruyne@thereminder.com\nPELHAM \u2013 In a widely distributed letter to dog owners, also posted on the town website, the Selectboard summarized the changes to the bylaws on leashing and control enacted this year, and how the fee structure for dog violations has increased.\n\n\u201cThere is a new, higher fine scale,\u201d said Police Chief Gary Thomann. \u201cThe first offense went up to $25.\u201d\nFine-worthy infractions include biting and other aggressive behaviors, running loose, nuisance barking, chasing livestock, and lack of a dog license. The fines begin at $25, and climb to $50 and $75 for a second and third offense. Inhumane treatment peaks at $100 after multiple offenses.\n\nThe letter posted to the website on Dec. 22 stated that dog owners would be mailed the letter, which would also be featured in the Winter edition of the Pelham Slate. According to the letter, Subsection 5-3, Subsection 5-7, and Subsection 18 were amended to further clarify the required degree of control, and the fines for each failure to do so. It ended with the boldfaced statement, \u201cThus, there is a leash law in Pelham. All complaints and alleged violations should be reported to the dog officer, 413-800-6280.\u201d\nAs of Dec. 28, the Dog Officer\u2019s voice mailbox had yet to be set up.\n\nThe missive to dog owners clarified the language of the town\u2019s leash law, which was confusing. Article 22, passed at the Annual Town Meeting in 2019, stipulated that an unleashed dog, wandering beyond the boundaries of its owner\u2019s property, is in violation of the leash law, unless the dog is training, working or hunting. Article 23, defeated at the 2019 meeting, required that \u201cdogs on town property must be leashed at all times\u201d.\n\nThe new language of the bylaw states, \u201cThe town requires that all dog owners keep their dogs under control at all times for the purpose of protecting people and animals from injury, protecting property from damage and preventing dog-related nuisances.\u201d\n\nProtected lands, such as Buffam Falls Conservation Area, is not town-owned land. That may have led to the confusion among dog owners, who let animals run loose in the refuge. Other residents, walking the trails there, suffered more dog incidents than in the past, precipitating the stronger language for town bylaws.\n\nThomann observed that some residents were in favor of the new deterrence measures, while others were not. He saw two possible causes for the disagreements. \u201cA lot of people think they have voice control over their dogs, but it\u2019s not true,\u201d he said. \u201cSome people mistake an overly friendly dog with an aggressive dog, so there\u2019s that too.\u201d\n\nArticle 3 at the October 2021 meeting, which called for funding a dog patrol officer for $15,000 per year, was withdrawn.\n\nAt a meeting of the Selectboard prior to the October 2021 Town Meeting, member David Shanahan talked about the problems he saw with the position. A Dog Patrol Officer paid $25 an hour would only work 11 hours weekly. The patrol officer would not be a calming presence because there is too much land in Pelham to oversee in so few hours.\n\n\u201cSo no, it\u2019s not really true that you\u2019ll run into someone on the trail,\u201d Shanahan said. \u201cI don\u2019t see it being effective.\u201d\n\nAt that discussion, resident Bill Pula argued in favor of the patrol officer. He said of the stronger leash law, \u201cIf no one enforces it, it won\u2019t matter \u2026 It\u2019s an exercise in futility.\u201d\n\nThomann, speaking after the October 2021 vote strengthened the leash law, suggested that the patrol officer was still a possibility. He said, \u201cThat got postponed.\u201d\n\nAfter more than two years exploring options, polling residents, enduring canine misbehavior and rewriting bylaws, the letter stated that the current version of the Code of Pelham did not reflect the changes to the bylaws passed in 2019. The \u201ccodifying process\u201d had yet to be completed.\n<\/a><\/p>","headline-date":"This is 13760"},"media":{"url":"","thumbnail":"","credit":"","caption":"<\/a><\/em>"},"display_date":"","0":"Array\n(\n [year] => 2022\n [month] => 1\n [day] => 11\n)\n-Array\n(\n [year] => 2022\n [month] => 1\n [day] => 11\n)\n","start_date":{"year":2022,"month":1,"day":11},"end_date":{"year":2022,"month":1,"day":11}},{"text":{"headline":"Newspaper Article: The Reminder 2\/22\/2022 - Pelham school budget will increase to maintain services (A2023.003.007) February 22 2022<\/a>","text":"13760

Pelham school budget will increase to maintain services\n Feb. 22, 2022 | Doc Pruyne\ndpruyne@thereminder.com\nPELHAM \u2013 The proposed Pelham School District budget will increase 2.3 percent next year, the bump driven by contracted increases in employee compensation. A drop in special education costs prevented a higher budget number.\n\n\u201cIt\u2019s a little higher than it was,\u201d said Doug Slaughter, director of Finance for the district. \u201cIt stays within our means. We\u2019re trying to continue to offer the same programs and services to the kids as we have this year.\u201d\n\nIn dollar terms, the overall budget increased to $2,169,369.\n\nRelatively few changes from last year\u2019s budget powered the increase in this year\u2019s total, with most of the rise due to wages and benefits. The line item for teacher salaries saw a $90,952 increase, administration costs rose $19,099, while student services increased by $13,119.\n\nSpecial education staffing costs dropped by $53,950. The seesaw in general teacher and special education teacher salaries was due, in part, to a shift of staffing from special education to regular education salaries. Step salary increases and cost of living adjustments accounted for much of the remaining line item variations, year to year.\n\nSeveral line items decreased significantly. Expenses for regular education dropped $10,100 through a reduction in instructional materials. Special education supporting costs dropped $50,000 as the district made fewer placements. Charter and school choice tuitions also dropped $15,000.\n\nSlaughter acknowledged the school choice program plays an important role in the financial picture.\n\n\u201cSchool choice is definitely a critical component of Pelham\u2019s budget,\u201d Slaughter said. \u201cThe critical piece in having that kind of a model is, we\u2019re trying to not add expenses by adding these students. It affords us the ability to have one classroom for each grade. We bring in enough school choice students in each of those grades to sustain those rooms without having to add a lot of additional resources. That\u2019s a great circumstance. That\u2019s where it\u2019s possible for us to sustain it.\u201d\n\nThe contribution from the school choice revolving fund increased by 11.1 percent, to $250,000.\n\nStudent and support services, central and school administration costs saw no or little change. Facilities management and utilities costs are level funded, this year to next. Pelham\u2019s budget director also increased the line item for transportation expenses by about $4,700 through a projection of contract terms.\n\nHealth insurance increased by $36,555 after the district saw a 4 percent increase in premium rates. Slaughter commented that the state\u2019s Prop. 2.5 law constricts the town\u2019s and the district\u2019s ability to deal with increases greater than 2.5 percent.\n\n\u201cPeople are the largest part of our budget,\u201d Slaughter said. \u201cExpenses around staff\u20262.5 percent is about all the town can offer in the way of increases. When Chapter 70 aid is pretty small, that erodes the ability to be at that 2.5 percent Then our health insurance goes up almost 4 percent and that\u2019s a big part things.\u201d\n\nHealth insurance accounts for 16 percent of the total budget. That almost equals the 16.4 percent devoted to special education.\nAccording to Slaughter, Pelham\u2019s Chapter 70 rate rose $30 per student this year. That will add $1,950 in the state\u2019s base educational aid.\n\nEnrollment is a little lower, down from the current census of 117 students to 113, which allowed for the elimination of a para-educator. That will generate a savings of $20,632. While school choice enrollments are still fluid, they are projected to outnumber resident students 57 to 56.\n\nAccording to Slaughter, school facilities accounted for 6.3 percent of the budget last year. This year upkeep and maintenance will be 6.4 percent. He noted the major renovations to the school were done two decades ago, which means the building is nearing the time when repairs and maintenance will likely increase.\n\n\u201cThe roof is coming up on 20 years. That\u2019s going to be a pretty big capital hit in a couple years,\u201d Slaughter said. \u201cWe try to keep in constant contact with our friends on the Pelham Finance Committee, and Selectboard. They\u2019re certainly aware of it.\u201d\n\nThe school budget will become part of the town budget, as a levy item, and will be voted on by Annual Town Meeting, scheduled for May 14.<\/a><\/p>","headline-date":"This is 13760"},"media":{"url":"","thumbnail":"","credit":"","caption":"<\/a><\/em>"},"display_date":"","0":"Array\n(\n [year] => 2022\n [month] => 2\n [day] => 22\n)\n-Array\n(\n [year] => 2022\n [month] => 2\n [day] => 22\n)\n","start_date":{"year":2022,"month":2,"day":22},"end_date":{"year":2022,"month":2,"day":22}},{"text":{"headline":"Newspaper Article: The Reminder 3\/17\/2022 - Pelham Democrats caucus for state delegate (A2023.003.006) March 17 2022<\/a>","text":"13760

Pelham Democrats caucus for state delegate\n March 17, 2022 | Doc Pruyne\ndpruyne@thereminder.com\nPELHAM \u2013 On March 5, the Pelham Town Democratic Committee gathered to caucus, an early step in the process of electing delegates to the state nominating convention. At the nominating convention, scheduled for June 3 and 4, state-level Democratic candidates for the primary will be chosen.\n\nAccording to Jane Porter, chair of the town\u2019s Democratic Committee, Diane Gray will serve as Pelham\u2019s delegate to the state convention, with Barbara Cooper the alternate delegate.\n\nCaucusing is done in each town and varies in frequency. Some towns caucus every 10 years, while others caucus yearly to establish a slate of candidates for local elections. The state Democratic Party sends out a call to caucus with instructions on how to properly elect delegates to the state convention. This year the process will be a little different in Pelham because the town, during re-districting, was moved to a newly created district.\n\n\u201cWell, it\u2019s interesting,\u201d Porter said. \u201cEvery town in this new district has ties to other towns outside the district. There are actually four counties represented among these seven towns \u2026 so everyone is in the same boat.\u201d\n\nPelham is now in the 7th Hampden district with Petersham, New Salem, Wendall, Shutesbury, Belchertown, and Ludlow. Further complicating the district picture is the state representative for Belchertown and Ludlow, Jake Oliviera, is running for state senator. His seat as a representative will be contested.\n\nPorter said Republican James \u201cChip\u201d Harrington declared his candidacy for representative for the 7th Hampden District. Democratic candidates Aaron Saunders declared his candidacy and will oppose Harrington.\n\nSaunders took part in Pelham\u2019s caucus last Saturday, as did state Rep. Mindy Domb, who will represent the town until 2023. Saunders served on the Board of Selectmen in Ludlow for a number of years, worked with John Kerry, and was chief of staff for Sen. Gale Candaras for six years. Saunders and Domb also worked together briefly on a task force on food insecurity on college campuses.\n\n\u201cMindy Domb,\u201d Porter said, \u201cindicated she\u2019ll be working closely with whoever represents us. We\u2019ve been really happy with her. We\u2019re very much hoping to promote coordination between her and the new person, whoever it is.\u201d She said of Saunders, \u201cHe will be collecting signatures and campaigning. If there is anyone else who wishes to run, to represent our district, they will also be collecting signatures.\u201d\n\nThe caucus this year was not as well attended as party officials had hoped, especially considering the open seat in the House and the creation of the new district. While there are over 500 registered Democrats in Pelham, fifteen took part in the caucus. Many members serve on non-partisan town boards and committees. Porter said that town business in general doesn\u2019t involve party politics.\n\nThe Democratic caucus was also about issues important to the town and residents. Porter commented on the increased awareness in local voters of the need for solidarity and equal representation. Those are two powerful results from the caucus.\n\n\u201cWe\u2019re really committed to building coalitions within our new district,\u201d Porter said. \u201cWe\u2019re really committed to finding a voice for the rural towns\u2026and we are just really interested in promoting the interests of our district and western Massachusetts.\u201d\n\nThe Democratic state convention is scheduled for June 3 and 4 at the DCU Center in Worcester. It will be a hybrid convention, with in person attendance, video participation, or call-in. Voting will be done electronically.\n\n\u201cAll voting will be virtual, electronic voting,\u201d Porter said. \u201cAnyone who receives 15 percent or more of the vote will be on the primary ballot. Anyone who receives 50 percent of the vote or more, will be considered endorsed by the convention.\u201d<\/a><\/p>","headline-date":"This is 13760"},"media":{"url":"","thumbnail":"","credit":"","caption":"<\/a><\/em>"},"display_date":"","0":"Array\n(\n [year] => 2022\n [month] => 3\n [day] => 17\n)\n-Array\n(\n [year] => 2022\n [month] => 3\n [day] => 17\n)\n","start_date":{"year":2022,"month":3,"day":17},"end_date":{"year":2022,"month":3,"day":17}},{"text":{"headline":"Newspaper Article: The Reminder 3\/30\/2022 - Pelham Select Board mulls changes to streamline Town Meeting (A2023.003.022) March 30 2022<\/a>","text":"13760

Pelham Select Board mulls changes to streamline Town Meeting\n March 30, 2022 | Doc Pruyne\ndpruyne@thereminder.com\nPELHAM \u2013 The battle over warrant articles at the last Town Meeting was so contentious, and confusion so prevalent, the Selectboard is looking for ways to make the issues more transparent and the arguments shorter.\n\nRobert Agoglia, chair of the board, took responsibility for his share of the confusion.\n\n\u201cOur Town Clerk Sandra Burgess took me aside during the meeting and showed me that we were under the impression it was one thing when it was, in fact, another,\u201d Agoglia said. \u201cFrankly \u2013 and I\u2019ll own what I think is my responsibility \u2013 I should\u2019ve known and I didn\u2019t.\u201d\n\nDog control bylaws were on the warrant of Town Meeting last fall, an issue the town has been working to settle for two or three years. Language in the bylaws, past and present, have similarities, which may have led to some confusion, further animating a hot button discussion. Board members, hoping to avoid overly long and repetitive arguments in the future, discussed ways to clarify the issues, pro and con, and to better manage Town Meetings.\n\n\u201cIt\u2019s about not having the same thing by the same person said over and over again,\u201d said board member Tara Loomis. \u201cCertain people will dominate the meeting, [but] if it\u2019s run in an orderly fashion and people are given the opportunity to speak, people won\u2019t call the question until everyone\u2019s been heard.\u201d\n\nSome residents were dismayed when questions were called, ending discussion, before all the voters who wished to speak got their chance. The problem at the meeting, according to Loomis, was that Town Moderator Daniel Robb did not adhere to the agreed upon rules for debate.\n\n\u201cI\u2019ve seen the moderator take liberties with Robert\u2019s Rules of Order and not follow them because he wants to make sure that everyone is heard,\u201d Loomis said. While she didn\u2019t have a problem with the intention, \u201cI don\u2019t want people to stop coming to town meeting because it\u2019s too painful, or too long, or too [much of a] roll-your-eyes experience.\u201d\n\nSelectboard member David Shanabrook raised a legal issue. If the moderator violates the rules of order stipulated by the town\u2019s bylaws will any decision by voters be legitimate?\n\n\u201cIt says right in the town bylaws,\u201d Shanabrook said, \u201cif there\u2019s a \u2018call the question\u2019 immediately the moderator must accept that, must have a vote, and [it] must be passed by three quarters \u2026 That is not open to discussion, that is not arbitrary. We have to do that or our meetings, it\u2019s breaking our town bylaws.\u201d\n\nShanabrook also pointed out that according to town bylaws no speaker is supposed to address the same issue more than once. A clarification or an aside may be allowable \u2014 but Shanabrook said only if the moderator \u201cgoes to the town and gets a vote to allow\u201d it can a speaker respond to a question more than once.\n\nShanabrook also noted there is a time limit for comments. While that wasn\u2019t a big problem at the last Town Meeting, Shanabrook said, \u201cThose three rules are part of our bylaws \u2026 So we [will] have problems here if those rules are broken.\u201d\n\nResident Stacey McCullough straddled the issue. She agreed that voters need to be heard and rules need to be followed.\n\n\u201cIt\u2019s really important to stick to the rules and do everything legally, (but) I also think it would be really helpful if there was some way, at Town Meeting, to encourage people not to call the question just because they\u2019re getting bored,\u201d McCullough said. \u201cThere are higher principles than refraining from boring people. I think the chance to be heard is really important, especially when you\u2019re about to be voted down.\u201d\n\nAgoglia lauded Robb\u2019s performance as moderator, but agreed that if he erred it was to let speakers become repetitive. Earlier he voiced the opinion that people were hoping for shorter Town Meetings. The three board members and Selectboard Assistant Susannah Carey all agreed the presentation of information about the articles under discussion would help streamline the proceedings.\n\nAgoglia said an animal control bylaw change is on the warrant, which may incite discussion, as well as an article requested by the regional school district. The article requested by the school will need some explanation. The article seeks to alter the formula for calculating the school levy, the town\u2019s contribution to the regional district, a bone of contention with many residents.\n\nThe Selectboard voted to include the school funding article on the warrant. There was no discussion, but board members did not appear to understand all the ramifications of the article, which are significant. They seemed to tacitly acknowledge that specialized information will be provided at Town Meeting, scheduled for May 14 at 9 a.m.\n\nThe need for specialized knowledge may be the crux of the difficulties at Town Meeting.\n\n\u201cIn some ways,\u201d Agoglia said, \u201cit doesn\u2019t make sense that a Town Meeting, a group of people, have to try to understand what has taken all kinds of experts hours and hours to frame. Then we\u2019re supposed to digest it and vote on it, and that takes forever to explain and understand.\u201d\nThe Selectboard took no action on the issue and will discuss it further.\n<\/a><\/p>","headline-date":"This is 13760"},"media":{"url":"","thumbnail":"","credit":"","caption":"<\/a><\/em>"},"display_date":"","0":"Array\n(\n [year] => 2022\n [month] => 3\n [day] => 30\n)\n-Array\n(\n [year] => 2022\n [month] => 3\n [day] => 30\n)\n","start_date":{"year":2022,"month":3,"day":30},"end_date":{"year":2022,"month":3,"day":30}},{"text":{"headline":"Newspaper Article: The Reminder 4\/19\/2022 - Pelham residents to vote on Annual Town Meeting\u2019s 20 articles (A2023.003.013) April 19 2022<\/a>","text":"13760

Pelham residents to vote on Annual Town Meeting\u2019s 20 articles\n April 19, 2022 | Doc Pruyne\ndpruyne@thereminder.com\nPELHAM \u2013 The Select Board may soon have a new name. The name change to Board of Selectmen is one of 20 articles included on the warrant for Town Meeting, scheduled for May 14.\n\nThree articles, including the possible name change, were added to the slate at the board meeting on April 4. According to Susannah Carey, administrative assistant to the board, those articles, \u201care all part of the bylaw project our town clerk has been working on.\u201d\n\nEach article needed a fix. The name change for the board lacked a required hearing. The second article on non-criminal dispositions added a necessary phrase on procedure. The third proposed article, a bylaw on delinquent licenses and fees, features language recommended by the commonwealth, with a Pelham-specific paragraph. A previous version of the bylaw was voted for adoption at the fall 2015 Town Meeting.\nAll three motions passed unanimously, with board clerk Tara Loomis and Vice President David Shanabrook voting to include them on the warrant. They appear as articles 18, 19 and 20.\n\nA number of articles are town housekeeping issues. Article 1 asks voters to accept the reports and representations of town officials. Article 2 grants the Select Board the power to borrow money and take on debt in anticipation of revenue. Article 3 authorizes the board to raise money through taxation to pay the town\u2019s expenses.\n\n\u201cIt seems to be a pretty straightforward warrant,\u201d said Jeffrey Eiseman, chair of the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA). \u201cThere\u2019s certainly some articles, toward the end, that are going to draw some discussion; but so far I haven\u2019t seen anything that puts up a red flag for me.\u201d\n\nArticle 4 establishes the salary schedule for elected town officials and departmental expenses. John Trickey, chair of the Finance Committee (FinCom), said. \u201cThey\u2019re all in the budget.\u201d\n\nTrickey commented on Article 5, which asks voters to authorize spending of $287,615 for a broad menu of expenses. Trickey said, \u201cThe FinCom recommends it. The dollars didn\u2019t change, the verbiage did.\u201d\n\nVoters will be asked in Article 6 to fund the Conservation Commission account for $3,500. Article 7 asks voters to fund the Community Preservation Committee with $14,700 each for open space, community housing and storage resources. The article also asks voters to fund the fiscal year 2023 (FY23) Community Preservation Fund Budgeted Reserve for $40,200.\n\nThe language of Article 8 describes the alternative operating budget assessment for the Amherst-Pelham Regional School District. The assessment method adopted only for FY23 uses an average of the minimum contribution for five years, the per pupil cost as outlined in the regional agreement, and a maximum of a 4 percent increase or decrease, According to Carey, the language for the article was provided by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. Trickey reiterated that requirement.\n\n\u201cAll towns must vote the exact verbiage,\u201d Trickey said.\n\nArticle 9 for Town Meeting asks residents to authorize $56,867.22 and transfer $12,657.78 from state School Building Fund and apply it to the town\u2019s related indebtedness.\n\n\u201cThe FinCom did not have these numbers,\u201d Trickey said, \u201cbut the FinCom will recommend it.\u201d\n\nArticle 10 will authorize payment of the town\u2019s share of the capital improvement schedule of the regional school district of $30,095.\n\n\u201cThe regional school has an ongoing capital program,\u201d Trickey said. \u201cThis is indebtedness we\u2019ve agreed to and this is our payment.\u201d\n\nArticle 11 will enable the transfer of $10,418 from PEG Access and Cable Related Fund to buy equipment for the station. This money comes through the Comcast account, Trickey said, and \u201callows you to spend this for purchases for the town.\u201d\n\nArticle 12 enables the approval of spending from the enterprise funds, of which there are about a dozen. Trickey commented that the Finance Committee usually doesn\u2019t deliberate questions involving the enterprise accounts, \u201cbut the biggest is the ZBA dropped, I think it was $55,000 down to $1,000.\u201d\n\nArticle 13 will authorize the library trustees to spend cash raised from book sales, gifts or other sources. The cultural council will receive authorization to spend the funds it receives in Article 14.\n\nArticle 15 provided for a real estate exemption. Shanabrook commented that the same article had been rejected last year. He said, \u201cWe are going to vote to remove Article 15,\u201d and the board voted unanimously to do so.\n\nArticle 16 and 17 will authorize the Select Board to enter into contracts for Highway Department-related activities and accept monies from federal and state sources, and grantfunding organizations.\n\nCarey said that a total of 20 articles are on the warrant for the May 14 Town Meeting, scheduled for 9 a.m. Town Moderator Daniel Robb doesn\u2019t anticipate problems.\n\n\u201cMy sense is things will go as they usually go,\u201d Robb said. \u201cI\u2019m sure we\u2019ll have some surprising debate, and I\u2019m looking forward to it.\u201d<\/a><\/p>","headline-date":"This is 13760"},"media":{"url":"","thumbnail":"","credit":"","caption":"<\/a><\/em>"},"display_date":"","0":"Array\n(\n [year] => 2022\n [month] => 4\n [day] => 19\n)\n-Array\n(\n [year] => 2022\n [month] => 4\n [day] => 19\n)\n","start_date":{"year":2022,"month":4,"day":19},"end_date":{"year":2022,"month":4,"day":19}},{"text":{"headline":"Newspaper Article: The Reminder 6\/14\/2022 - Pelham election, Town Meeting take care of business (A2023.003.021) June 14 2022<\/a>","text":"13760

Pelham election, Town Meeting take care of business\n June 14, 2022 | Doc Pruyne\ndpruyne@thereminder.com\nPELHAM \u2013 Town elections on May 17 filled most of the open seats in local government. Annual Town Meeting, hosted this year on May 14, addressed challenges facing the town, reinvested authority in elected officials and gave voters the chance to weigh in on next year\u2019s budget planning.\n\nAccording to Town Clerk Sandra Burgess, voters passed every article on the warrant. Election results and Annual Town Meeting results are not yet approved by the state.\n\nArticles 1 and 2 of the warrant granted town officials the authority to carry out their duties and borrow money for town uses. Article 3 set the rates of pay for some officials and employees, and spending amounts for each department.\n\nThe Finance Committee prepared a lengthy statement that clarified for voters the town budget will be increasing due to a variety of fiscal pressures. Article 3 contained both increases and reductions in line items. The Assessor\u2019s Office increased the clerical and consulting budget from $700 to $2,000. Blanket insurance costs dropped $6,000.\n\nThe town\u2019s part-time conservation agent position saw an increase in hours and corresponding $7,500 increase in salary. The Planning Board also required that amount in new clerical and consulting costs.\nSpending on the schools increased $79,991. Total public safety spending increased about 3.9 percent. The public works budget for next year increased less than $20,000 while benefits and insurance costs rose $66,480.\n\nThe total budget of the town increased from $4.85 million to $5.05 million, the budget recommended by the Finance Committee and Select Board.\n\nArticle 4 set compensation for elected officials. There were no increases.\n\nArticle 5 asked voters to authorize spending on 28 initiatives and purchases totaling $287,615, including previously mentioned increases in consulting and clerical services. Funding was also authorized for replacement turnout gear for the Fire Department, a monitoring system for the HVAC system in the community building, and $5,500 to join the Pioneer Valley Mosquito Control program, among others.\nArticles 6 and 7 dealt with Community Preservation monies that originate from the state program. The articles authorized committee administrative expenses and the allocation of funds to open space, community housing, historic resources, and to reserve $40,200 for future uses.\n\nArticle 8 altered the regional school district agreement, the formula for calculating the levy paid by taxpayers in a town, and was required to follow language provided by the commonwealth.\n\nArticle 9 asked voters to authorize $69,525 to pay general fund indebtedness. Article 10 appropriated $30,095 for capital expenses at the regional high school. Article 11 funded the technology needs of the Select Board.\n\nRevolving funds are accounts necessary for some departments to operate. Article 12 established spending limits for a dozen revolving funds.\n\nArticle 13 authorized the trustees of the library to spend receipts from book sales and governmental funding. Article 14 similarly authorizes the Cultural Council to spend the monies it receives from various sources. Article 15 grants the Select Board the authority to contract with the state for road improvements and take in monies from the Chapter 90 program. Article 16 also vests the Select Board with the authority to apply for and use state and federal grants, as long as community outreach steps have been followed, consistent with state policy, prior to the widening of any road.\n\nArticle 17 asked residents to change the name, Board of Selectmen, to Select Board. The new name was adopted by voters. All uses of the former name will be eliminated from the town\u2019s bylaws.\n\nThe town\u2019s bylaw for non-criminal dispositions, i.e. fines for violations of town ordinances, was amended in Article 18. Fines now begin at $75 and go up to $175 for subsequent violations.\n\nArticle 19 asked voters to amend the town\u2019s bylaw regarding delinquent licenses and fees. The bylaw codifies the tax collector\u2019s powers, as well as the options for repayment of back taxes and other indebtedness. The changes do not apply to licenses for fishing and hunting, marriage licenses and open burning permits, among others.\n\nThe town elections on May 17 saw eleven seats open, including three that did not see a winning candidate. The three year School Committee seat saw a failure to elect a candidate. The Auditor seat also did not receive a candidate, as did the three year Board of Health seat.\n\nDavid Shanabrook retained his seat on the Select Board with 84 votes. Robert N. Rowell drew 14 write in votes to win a seat on the Board of Assessors. Melissa A. Nazzaro attracted 83 votes to win a one year seat on the Board of Health.\n\nBruce Klotz, a write-in candidate, won a seat on the Planning Board. Scott Barton won as a write-in candidate in the race for Cemetery Commission. Daniel Robb was re-elected as town moderator with 20 write-in votes while Cydnie Reiman won a three year seat on the Community Preservation Committee with 23 write-in votes.\n\nElection results will be certified when the town clerk receives written acceptance of ballot totals from the state.<\/a><\/p>","headline-date":"This is 13760"},"media":{"url":"","thumbnail":"","credit":"","caption":"<\/a><\/em>"},"display_date":"","0":"Array\n(\n [year] => 2022\n [month] => 6\n [day] => 14\n)\n-Array\n(\n [year] => 2022\n [month] => 6\n [day] => 14\n)\n","start_date":{"year":2022,"month":6,"day":14},"end_date":{"year":2022,"month":6,"day":14}},{"text":{"headline":"Newspaper Article: The Reminder 8\/2\/2022 Former \u2018mascot\u2019 takes over Pelham Fire Department (A2023.003.001) August 2 2022<\/a>","text":"13760

Former \u2018mascot\u2019 takes over Pelham Fire Department\n\n Aug. 2, 2022 | Doc Pruyne\ndpruyne@thereminder.com\n\nPELHAM \u2013 Dennis Nazzaro, the new fire chief, is a hard core history buff and the newest member of the Historical Society. Now he wants to combine his two passions so everyone knows the history of local firefighting.\n\nOn Aug. 14 Nazzaro will coordinate an afternoon event at the firehouse, sponsored by the Historical Society, that\u2019ll feature eyewitness accounts of fires and accidents from four decades of department leadership. Ray Murphy, chief until last May, will appear, along with the previous chief, Kenneth Gay. Murphy was scheduled to host the event in March 2021, during the first wave of the coronavirus pandemic, after it was canceled in 2019 due to weather.\n\n\u201cThe Historical Society \u2026 they do a lot of different projects and talks about things,\u201d Nazzaro said. \u201cOne of the things on their docket was a history of the Fire Department. That was one that they\u2019ve been pushing off and pushing off, and I said, \u2018I really want to do this one. I\u2019m curious to know the history myself, being a history buff and new to town,\u2019 so they arranged it.\u201d\n\nThe afternoon event will begin with an introduction by David Boyden, vice president of the Historical Society. Boyden, a lifelong resident, will discuss how the department was founded in 1955, when the town had only a forest fire warden. The warden, Fred Shephard, became the first fire chief.\n\n\u201cThe Historical Society tries to put on a program of interest to the people of Pelham once a month,\u201d Boyden said, \u201cusually about history\u2026I thought the history of the Fire Department would be interesting.\u201d\nNazzaro, the seventh fire chief in Pelham, will be in his element. His personal history in the fire safety field began when he was a boy growing up in New Jersey. His first home stood across the street from a firehouse. He ran across the blacktop and hung out with the firefighters, who taught him tips and facts about fighting fires, and eventually took him on calls. By the time he was 18 he thought he knew everything there was to know about fighting fires.\n\nThe new chief said, \u201cThey took me under their wing like a mascot.\u201d\n\nThe family man is a full-time firefighter for the City of Northampton, with a degree in fire science and 18 years on the job. Nazzaro found a house in Pelham he and his wife really liked, so they bought it and recently moved east out of Huntington. They have two children.\n\nNazzaro was sworn in last May, when Murphy stepped down after 18 years as chief. The new chief has two priorities to address in the department. Membership has fallen, recruitment is a top goal, as is refitting the department without breaking the town\u2019s bank account.\n\n\u201cA lot of our equipment is coming up on end of life,\u201d Nazzaro said. \u201cIn a small town like Pelham, where we don\u2019t have a very large tax base, we\u2019re kind of stuck at the mercy of what we can get from the town, or grants. There\u2019s a lot of grants out there (and) we\u2019re going to put a lot of work into seeing if we can\u2019t get some.\n\nThe other priority is warm bodies.\n\n\u201cRecruitment number one,\u201d Nazzaro said. \u201cWe are kind of a small department. We are desperately seeking help, so recruitment is our number one priority right now, as well as making sure our equipment is safe for our members.\u201d\n\nNazzaro won\u2019t have much time to sit down, being Pelham\u2019s chief and a full-time firefighter too. In the weeks ahead he\u2019ll be savoring the stories coming on Aug. 14.\n\n\u201cChief Murphy will be there, then the chief before him, and a bunch of townspeople who have some stories and anecdotes about Pelham Fire,\u201d Nazarro said. \u201cThe new members will be there to hear some old stories, then we\u2019ll conclude with a little tour of the fire station.\u201d\n\nPelham Fire Department: Past and Present will take place Aug. 14 at 1 p.m. in the Community Hall across from the fire station.<\/a><\/p>","headline-date":"This is 13760"},"media":{"url":"https:\/\/pelhamhistory.org\/pa\/media\/collectiveaccess\/images\/2\/2\/97341_ca_object_representations_media_2248_small.jpg","thumbnail":"https:\/\/pelhamhistory.org\/pa\/media\/collectiveaccess\/images\/2\/2\/99029_ca_object_representations_media_2248_icon.jpg","credit":"","caption":"<\/a><\/em>"},"display_date":"","0":"Array\n(\n [year] => 2022\n [month] => 8\n [day] => 2\n)\n-Array\n(\n [year] => 2022\n [month] => 8\n [day] => 2\n)\n","start_date":{"year":2022,"month":8,"day":2},"end_date":{"year":2022,"month":8,"day":2}},{"text":{"headline":"Newspaper Article: The Reminder 9\/13\/2022 - Slower speeds to be on Pelham's Town Meeting ballot (A2023.003.016) September 13 2022<\/a>","text":"13760

Slower speeds to be on Pelham's Town Meeting ballot\n Sept. 13, 2022 | Doc Pruyne\ndpruyne@thereminder.com\nPELHAM \u2013 Five miles per hour may decide life or death for a pedestrian in an accident.\n\n\u201cThe difference between 30 (mph) and 25 is that at 25 you don\u2019t always kill somebody if you hit them, and at 30 you do,\u201d said David Shanabrook, vice chair of the Select Board. \u201cIt\u2019s a significant difference if there\u2019s walkers on a road.\u201d\n\nThe Select Board has worked to reduce the speed limit in town center for about three years. On Sept. 6, board members discussed warrant articles for a fall Special Town Meeting planned for Oct. 15, including an article to reduce speeds in thickly settled areas. The article is the result of a long process of discovery by town officials that revealed the limits of local authority to change speed limits and a long forgotten override vote.\n\n\u201cThere\u2019s some aspect of Amherst Road, where the speed limit was established at 40, and the upper part at 45 mph, and that we \u2013 the municipality \u2013 had no authority to change it, even if it\u2019s thickly settled,\u201d said Select Board Chair Robert Agoglia. \u201cSo apparently there was some kind of an override. This is what we were told.\u201d\n\nShanabrook was skeptical of the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) decision, but relayed that Police Chief Gary Thomann had no reservations about reducing speed limits in densely populated areas. Shanabrook clarified for the board that state speed limits for thickly settled local roads, as opposed to state highways, is 30 mph. The warrant article will ask voters to authorize the Select Board to establish 25 mph speed limits in those areas, of which there is currently only one. The town has no designated business district, the other type of area covered by Massachusetts General Law Chapter 90, Section 17c.\n\n\u201cThe law basically now is that if an area is thickly settled\u2026and posted, in Massachusetts the speed limit is 30 (mph),\u201d Shanabrook said. \u201cWhat this allows us to do is to post a 25\u2026 Otherwise, it has to be 30.\u201d\nIf town voters authorize reduced speed limits, Shanabrook informed the board, two options are available. The town may post signage at each entry point, informing motorists that thickly settled areas all have 25 mph speed limits. The other option is to post speed limits at each thickly settled area. All would have the same speed limit.\n\n\u201cWe could look at other areas and ask that they be studied, to see if they are thickly settled,\u201d Agoglia said, \u201cbut right now we know of one\u201d area, the village center.\n\nThe Select Board voted 3-0 to authorize the article be included on the warrant for fall Town Meeting. Agoglia informed the board that MassDOT needs to be notified of the Special Town Meeting results, which still requires state approval before the speed limit can be reduced by a vote of the Select Board.\n\nThe second article proposed came to the Select Board from Treasurer\/Tax Collector June Massee.\n\n\u201cThis warrant article is to see if the town will allow the treasurer to take the clerical consulting account and change it to a revolving account,\u201d Agoglia said, \u201cto replenish when tax\/title is paid, or take any other action thereto.\u201d\n\nAgoglia summarized the article that, if favored by voters, would turn an existing account into a revolving account, which allows greater flexibility in dealing with monies. Agoglia assumed that the resulting revolving account will have established maximums and other standard guidelines. The board voted 3-0 to include the article on the Special Town Meeting warrant.\n\nThe fall Special Town Meeting on Oct. 15 will start at 9 a.m. at the Pelham Elementary School.\nThe board also accomplished an important fiduciary duty by replenishing the capital equipment and expenditure stabilization fund. The motion was to assess an additional $249,772, plus 2.5 percent, for a total additional burden on taxpayers of $256,016.30.\n\nThe Select Board voted 3-0 to fund the stabilization account with additional monies.\n\n\u201cThe FinCom has been involved in this,\u201d Agoglia said, a move intended to ensure that \u201cthe capital stabilization account is funded as it was intended in our budget for FY23 [fiscal year 2023].\u201d<\/a><\/p>","headline-date":"This is 13760"},"media":{"url":"","thumbnail":"","credit":"","caption":"<\/a><\/em>"},"display_date":"","0":"Array\n(\n [year] => 2022\n [month] => 9\n [day] => 13\n)\n-Array\n(\n [year] => 2022\n [month] => 9\n [day] => 13\n)\n","start_date":{"year":2022,"month":9,"day":13},"end_date":{"year":2022,"month":9,"day":13}},{"text":{"headline":"Newspaper Article: The Daily Hampshire Gazette 12\/11\/2022 Pelham\u2019s first rental housing development advances; construction on $12M, 34-unit complex to begin next spring (A2023.004.002) December 11 2022<\/a>","text":"13760

By SCOTT MERZBACH\nStaff Writer\nPublished: 12\/11\/2022 3:38:23 PM\nPELHAM \u2014 A $12 million, 34-unit affordable housing complex that will be the first rental housing development in Pelham is in line to receive both federal and state low-income housing tax credits and American Rescue Plan Act money.\n\nThe Baker-Polito administration announced Friday that Amethyst Brook Apartments, a project being undertaken by the nonprofit Home City Development Inc. of Springfield, will be supported by the state\u2019s Department of Housing and Community Development. The Pelham project is among $93.4 million in direct funding, and $33 million in tax credits, that will go toward 790 housing units in 14 cities and towns across the state.\n\nHome City Development Executive Director Thomas P. Kegelman praised state officials and the local legislative delegation, including Sen. Jo Comerford, D-Northampton, and Rep. Mindy Domb D-Amherst, for their support.\n\n\u201cThe involvement of Pelham residents and town boards and commissions in the planning of Amethyst Brook Apartments have resulted in an affordable rental property that will be an asset to the community,\u201d Kegelman said.\n\nTo be located on 8 acres at 20-22 Amherst Road, the affordable housing is the only one in this round of funding in the Pioneer Valley, with other projects in western Massachusetts receiving state backing in Pittsfield and Williamstown.\n\nWhen complete, Amethyst Brook Apartments, which received a comprehensive permit under the state\u2019s Chapter 40B law from the town\u2019s Zoning Board of Appeals in August 2021, will have homes affordable to households earning less than 60% of the area median income, with 11 units further restricted for households earning less than 30% of area median income, some of whom may be for people transitioning from homelessness.\n\nPeter Serafino, director of real estate development for Home City Development, said construction could begin next spring, with the project to be completed in 14 months.\n\nWestern Builders of Granby will be the general contractor, and the design team is led by Architecture Environment Life of East Longmeadow. \n\nThe apartments will be inside two buildings on a property that is in proximity to both the Pelham Elementary School and the Pelham Library, and a mile or so from the Amherst town line. A farmhouse, a former factory building and other outbuildings will make way for the new apartments. In early 2020, the project received $200,000 in predevelopment financing from the Community Economic Development Assistance Corp.\n\nGov. Charlie Baker, speaking at an announcement of the funding in Haverhill, said his administration has prioritized creating adequate housing.\n\n\u201cWe have been proud to make record investments to build and preserve tens of thousands of housing units as well as champion zoning reforms in partnership with local leaders to better position cities and towns to advance housing in their communities,\u201d Baker said.\n\nScott Merzbach can be reached at smerzbach@gazettenet.com.<\/a><\/p>","headline-date":"This is 13760"},"media":{"url":"","thumbnail":"","credit":"","caption":"<\/a><\/em>"},"display_date":"","0":"Array\n(\n [year] => 2022\n [month] => 12\n [day] => 11\n)\n-Array\n(\n [year] => 2022\n [month] => 12\n [day] => 11\n)\n","start_date":{"year":2022,"month":12,"day":11},"end_date":{"year":2022,"month":12,"day":11}},{"text":{"headline":"Newspaper Article: The Reminder 12\/19\/2022 - Pelham unveils Habitat for Humanity projects (A2023.003.009) December 19 2022<\/a>","text":"13760

Pelham unveils Habitat for Humanity projects\n Dec. 19, 2022 | Doc Pruyne\ndpruyne@thereminder.com\nPELHAM \u2013 Megan McDonough, Executive Director of Pioneer Valley Habitat for Humanity (Habitat), appeared before the Planning Board on Dec. 14 to relay good news for the town, mixed with praise.\n\u201cWe just finished two homes in Pelham that we sold over the summer,\u201d McDonough said. \u201cThey were the first in Pelham\u2026[and] we greatly appreciate the town\u2019s support, the Planning Board and Housing Committee, in making that project happen.\u201d\n\nThe two single family homes at 8 Amherst Rd. are not the last projects for Habitat in Pelham. The second piece of good news for the town was that a friendly sale is in the works that will secure building lots for two more single family homes in the town center district.\n\n\u201cWe signed a purchase and sale agreement to purchase these two lots,\u201d McDonough said, \u201cand put in an application to the Community Preservation Committee (CPC) to request funds to help us purchase these lots, which are below market price. It\u2019s a friendly sale from a local person.\u201d\n\nMcDonough told Planning Board members last week the landowner at 51 Amherst Rd., a bit east from Pelham Elementary School, subdivided the property into three lots. That property runs several hundred feet south along Cadwell Street. Two of those lots will be sold to Habitat for $100,000, below market price, while the property owner\u2019s house occupies the corner of Amherst Road and Cadwell Street.\n\nBefore the subdivision of the property could be accomplished the landowner had to connect to town sewer and water services on Amherst Road. The discussion clarified that water services already extend along Cadwell Street while sewer lines do not.\n\n\u201cThe town [of Pelham] is working with the town of Amherst to actually create a loop down South Valley, Jones Road and Cadwell Street, for water and sewer,\u201d said Tilman Lukas, chair of the Housing Committee. \u201cOnce that\u2019s constructed Habitat will build [the projects] and hook into water and sewer. That\u2019s critical because otherwise you\u2019re adding a significant cost, which is the well and septic system.\u201d\n\nThe proposed new loop of sewer and water service has not been started and is years away from completion. The new Habitat projects will not be an option for the nonprofit until then. McDonough commented that projects in development elsewhere preclude the group from working on the newly proposed homes anyway.\n\nSome of the monies for the purchase of the lots will come from Habitat, which will contribute $30,000. Community Preservation Act (CPA) funds, provided by the town, will cover the remaining $70,000. CPA funds originate from a surcharge on local real estate and are managed by the Community Preservation Committee. The CPA funds will need to be authorized by Town Meeting voters in the spring.\n\nAffordable housing initiatives, such as Habitat houses, have great utility for the town. The commonwealth\u2019s Chapter 40B laws pressure municipalities to increase affordable housing or risk losing local control over housing projects. Developers are able to sidestep some local zoning regulations if a town does not have 10 percent affordable housing.\n\nThe town needs more affordable housing, according to Lukas, because it is nowhere near the threshold necessary to maintain local control.\n\n\u201cA couple years ago [the town] had .5 percent,\u201d Lukas said. \u201cWe had three units, which was a group home. The two Habitat houses were recently added\u2026which brought us up to\u20261.5 percent. But now, with the 34 units in Amethyst Brook Apartments\u2026we\u2019ll be at almost seven percent.\u201d\n\nLukas clarified how properties qualify for affordable status, which he acknowledged can be confusing. The monthly rental charge or property sale price are not the determining factors. In order to be considered affordable a unit must have a deed restriction and a public subsidy.\n\nMcDonough described for Planning Board members how affordable status will be set up for the newly proposed projects by describing a hypothetical example.\n\n\u201cWe sell someone a house for $150,000\u2026and the neighbor\u2019s house is $400,000,\u201d McDonough said. \u201cThe smart thing would be for [the buyer] to sell it the next day and make a good profit. So we put a deed restriction on that limits the resale price. That means the market price is reduced, so it also gets assessed at that restricted value. If we sold it at $200,000 and it is assessed at $400,000, it would be taxed at the [lower] level.\u201d\n\nLukas offered that maintaining local control is not the only important reason to build affordable housing. When the town reaches 10 percent affordable housing \u201cwe\u2019ve met a legal obligation, in one sense, but not a moral obligation\u201d to promote diversity and equal access. Lukas is confident the town will support the new projects.\n\n\u201cWe\u2019ve had CPA funding for both 8 Amherst Rd. and Amethyst Brook Apartments,\u201d Lukas said. \u201cAt Town Meeting we have almost unanimous support for affordable housing\u202699.9 percent of the community in town has been supportive of affordable housing.\u201d<\/a><\/p>","headline-date":"This is 13760"},"media":{"url":"","thumbnail":"","credit":"","caption":"<\/a><\/em>"},"display_date":"","0":"Array\n(\n [year] => 2022\n [month] => 12\n [day] => 19\n)\n-Array\n(\n [year] => 2022\n [month] => 12\n [day] => 19\n)\n","start_date":{"year":2022,"month":12,"day":19},"end_date":{"year":2022,"month":12,"day":19}},{"text":{"headline":"Newspaper Article: The Reminder 2\/14\/2023 - Pelham community center warms up with new heat system (A2023.003.012) February 14 2023<\/a>","text":"13760

Pelham community center warms up with new heat system\n Feb. 14, 2023 | Doc Pruyne\ndpruyne@thereminder.com\nPELHAM \u2013 Separating heat from winter air is still counter-intuitive, but after a full year of use the air source heat pump installed in the community center is drawing rave reviews from John Larsen, chair of the Energy Committee. People who frequent the building also appreciate the better quality of hot air produced by the unit.\n\n\u201cPeople who are in there every day have either noticed nothing, which I think is a good thing,\u201d Larsen said, \u201cor [they] said the quality of the heat in the winter is noticeably different, for the better.\u201d\n\nThe community center building, located at the corner of Amherst and South Valley Roads, dates from the 1990s. It was built with an oil-fired hot water boiler that circulated heated water through baseboard units. That old and reliable heating technology kept the building warm, but with the downside that it burned too much oil and the heated air was very dry.\n\nThe building poses challenges for climate control. The structure serves many uses as a community center, but also as a library, police department, fire station, and often hosts committee meetings. The indoor temperature differs among use areas, differs from morning to night, differs according to the season, so the system had to allow for greater flexibility in operations.\n\nHomeowners may be familiar with home heat pumps, but the unit installed at the Community Center is considerably larger and has much more adaptability. The system \u201ccan both heat and cool different parts of the building at the same time,\u201d Larsen said. \u201cIf you\u2019re in the police department offices it\u2019s different than in the fire station bays \u2026 and [the system] is able to accommodate the different needs in the different parts of the building.\u201d\n\nFire Chief Dennis Nazzarro, who works in the building, had no complaints. \u201cIt\u2019s not hot in here, by any means,\u201d Nazzarro said, \u201cbut it is comfortable.\u201d\n\nLarsen explained the new heat pump blows the heat around, but it\u2019s not the same as forced hot air, which is \u201csuper dry.\u201d The unit evenly spreads the heat around the building while reducing the use of the old boiler. A reduction in heating oil use, and a reduced use of fossil fuels generally, is one of the primary goals of the Green Communities program, which helped subsidize the new heating system.\n\n\u201cWe\u2019ve been able to reduce the heating oil use in the building by a substantial amount recently,\u201d Larsen said. \u201cI think our estimate is as much as a third.\u201d\nLarsen estimated the town is close to achieving the first goal for municipalities in the Green Communities program, a 20 percent reduction in fossil fuel use. The commonwealth\u2019s program, first of its kind in the nation, with 290 of 351 communities enrolled, offers grants to promote sustainability initiatives. Another carrot of the program? The grants can get bigger, Larsen said, when a town reduces fossil fuel use by the 20 percent goal.\n\nThe town also won a Municipal Vulnerability and Preparedness [MVP] program grant for the new heating system. The installed cost was about $500,000, with Town Meeting contributing $125,000, or 25 percent. Larsen said the project would have been too expensive for the town without the grants.\n\nThe 20 percent reduction in fossil fuels is a near term possibility for Pelham because town officials were able to focus on the Community Center. The center and a neighboring structure, Pelham Elementary School, consume the most energy in town. The school was excluded from the Green Communities program because it\u2019s operated by the regional district and the town has little control over classroom energy use.\n\n\u201cThat\u2019s a big reason why we\u2019ve been able to make such big gains, because we\u2019ve focused our attention on the single largest energy consumption building,\u201d Larsen said.\n\nThe next step for energy conservation is a solar array to generate the energy needed to run the big heat pump. The town hasn\u2019t made any significant commitments to solar generation yet, but the option is available. Larsen and other officials are waiting for state and federal developments that may prove a boon to the town\u2019s interests.\n\n\u201cThere\u2019s a few procedural things we\u2019re waiting on before we can get into any kind of serious conversations,\u201d Larsen said about adopting solar generation. He said the new governor is promising more action in assisting towns to boost sustainability. \u201cOn top of that, the Federal Inflation Reduction Act expanded subsidy opportunities for municipal governments. We\u2019re waiting for guidance on how that program is going to work so the town can take direct benefit from that.\u201d\n\nThe effort to secure a new heating system in the Community Center began in 2017, with installation completed in 2021.<\/a><\/p>","headline-date":"This is 13760"},"media":{"url":"","thumbnail":"","credit":"","caption":"<\/a><\/em>"},"display_date":"","0":"Array\n(\n [year] => 2023\n [month] => 2\n [day] => 14\n)\n-Array\n(\n [year] => 2023\n [month] => 2\n [day] => 14\n)\n","start_date":{"year":2023,"month":2,"day":14},"end_date":{"year":2023,"month":2,"day":14}},{"text":{"headline":"Newspaper Article: The Reminder 4\/17\/2023 - Pelham introduced to community responder model (A2023.003.010) April 17 2023<\/a>","text":"13760

Pelham introduced to community responder model\n April 17, 2023 | Doc Pruyne\ndpruyne@thereminder.com\n\nPELHAM \u2014 Michael Hilliard, retired from the Baltimore Police Department, told Pelham residents that armed police often make a tense confrontation on the street even more dangerous. That\u2019s one reason the Anti-Racism Advisory Committee asked Hilliard to speak at an information session on the community responder model of conflict resolution, an alternative to a police response. The strategy makes sense, Hilliard said, even for small towns.\n\n\u201cThere was an officer in Eugene who had\u2026a homeless person [who], if he saw a uniform, he went ballistic. If an officer shows,\u201d Hilliard said, \u201cthere\u2019s a chance their mere presence may cause the situation to escalate.\u201d\n\nHilliard told about 25 residents on April 12 the community response model of public safety has been actively used in Eugene, Oregon for 30 years. Now, half a dozen cities, including Los Angeles, Dayton, Houston, San Francisco and Amherst are adopting the community response model as an adjunct to the current police and emergency response services. Northampton is also in the process of fielding a community response team.\n\nThe community response model gained traction after the murder of George Floyd in 2020 by members of the Minneapolis Police Dept. The economics of a community response department, separate from police and fire, wasn\u2019t discussed in detail, but may alleviate the need for hiring more full-time police. Local Police Chief Gary Thomann is excited by how well a department would work in Pelham. Hilliard agreed by pointing out that on most calls an armed police presence is unnecessary.\n\n\u201cIf you call 911 the police get called,\u201d Hilliard said. \u201cThat means\u2026we are responding to barking dogs, loud music, conflicts between neighbors and juvenile issues, where parents are having a hard time controlling their child.\u201d The best responders to those types of service calls are \u201cwhat we call credible messengers, people within the community who are respected and have training in this dispute resolution.\u201d\n\nThe second speaker on the Zoom meeting was Earl Miller, director of Amherst\u2019s new department, Community Responders for Equity Safety and Service, the first community response department in New England. Miller\u2019s department opened Sept. 6 and since then responded to 5,780 calls, almost 830 calls per month. The calls do not resemble a police response. Responders do not carry guns or wear traditional uniforms.\n\nMiller said the core training features nine weeks of education in motivational interviewing and other de-escalation skills. His department has eight responders who mediate disputes and deliver meals.\n\n\u201cWe couldn\u2019t find people to deliver meals and I had eight people sitting around looking for something to do,\u201d Miller said. \u201cIt helps us build relationships. If we drop off a meal on Friday and we come back on Monday and the meal isn\u2019t gone, it tells us there\u2019s something going on.\u201d\n\nResponders receive training in unlearning racism, the biology of fear and safety, building trust and healing harms, identity and anti-bias, alternatives to suicide and the Hearing Voices Network, a group supporting those who hear things that other people do not. Miller\u2019s responders have answered calls from seniors suffering dementia, who grow upset when they forget a wife or husband has passed away.\n\nAccording to Miller, 33% of all calls to 911 come from senior citizens. That helps clarify how a community response department could reduce police responses by as much as 25 percent. Hilliard agreed.\n\n\u201cWhen we do call analysis throughout the country, you\u2019re looking at a diversion from 15% to 25% of the calls\u2026What you\u2019re doing is probably freeing 15% to 25% of [police] time up, so they can start being proactive to identify problems in the area,\u201d Hilliard said.\n\nCRESS and police interact freely in Amherst. Miller described a service call for a public intoxication. The person was transported to where they wanted to go. On another occasion two men were in a conflict on the street. CRESS staff showed up, diffused the conflict and walked one of the men home to their front door.\n\nLocal Patrolman Robert \u201cChip\u201d Thrasher suggested the community response model hearkens back to how the town\u2019s police force operated in decades past.\n\n\u201cWe never had to be afraid of the cops here,\u201d Thrasher said. \u201cWhat Earl does, to be honest, is what we were supposed to do.\u201d\n\nThe informational session concluded with questions from residents, with several voicing approval for the community response option. Christopher Hockman advocated for a role for a department in local schools. His family experienced a bad outcome after one of his children suffered an assault.\n\n\u201cSchool shootings are from bad outcomes at school,\u201d Hockman said. \u201cI hope CRESS will find ways into a school system\u2026That vulnerable population is one I\u2019m worried about.\u201d\n\nThomann acknowledged a new department would require an investment by the town. The chief of police also hopes to see a community response department in Pelham as he contemplates retirement.\n\n\u201cI\u2019m very excited by this. It will be a financial commitment by the town, but I hope they go with it,\u201d Thomann said. \u201cMy tenure is coming to an end, but I am going to push for something like this because this is a wonderful program.\u201d<\/a><\/p>","headline-date":"This is 13760"},"media":{"url":"","thumbnail":"","credit":"","caption":"<\/a><\/em>"},"display_date":"","0":"Array\n(\n [year] => 2023\n [month] => 4\n [day] => 17\n)\n-Array\n(\n [year] => 2023\n [month] => 4\n [day] => 17\n)\n","start_date":{"year":2023,"month":4,"day":17},"end_date":{"year":2023,"month":4,"day":17}},{"text":{"headline":"Newspaper Article: The Reminder 4\/17\/2023 - State funding will set water plant project in motion in Amherst (A2023.003.027) April 17 2023<\/a>","text":"13760

State funding will set water plant project in motion in Amherst\n April 17, 2023 | Bill Zito\nbzito@thereminder.com\nAMHERST \u2014 The Centennial Water Treatment plant in Pelham will be torn down and a new facility will be built on the existing site with the assistance of a $15 million loan from the state\u2019s Clean Water Trust.\n\nAmherst DPW Superintendent Guilford Mooring said a preconstruction meeting is expected to take place later this month or in May to kick off the project.\n\nThe Auburn based R.H. White Construction Co. will head the demolition and the construction to follow.\n\n\u201cIt will probably be a two-year project, it might be two and a half years,\u201d said Mooring, who pointed to current nationwide supply chain issues as a major factor in the completion timeline.\n\n\u201cOur supply system in America isn\u2019t as robust as it used to be and it may take a while to get all the materials in for the project,\u201d he said.\n\nThe plants current capacity of $1.5 million gallons a day will remain the same.\n\nThe existing plant, which went into operation in the 1980s has not been meeting standards and Mooring said the loan from the state\u2019s Clean Water Trust\u2019s Board of Trustees is going to help with the transition.\nIn all, the Revolving Fund program approved nearly $38 million in low interesting lending for water improvement throughout the state.\n\n\u201cMore of those types of opportunities for all the water systems in the state would be really nice,\u201d Mooring said.\n\nThe Centennial Plant serves water customers in Amherst and Pelham as well as Belchertown and Leverett.\n\nMooring said original improvement plans for the plant which were anticipated at approximately $6 million in previous years gave way to current overall project costs of $21 million.\n\nTaxpayer costs will be none but Mooring said rate payers will see an increase costs.\n<\/a><\/p>","headline-date":"This is 13760"},"media":{"url":"","thumbnail":"","credit":"","caption":"<\/a><\/em>"},"display_date":"","0":"Array\n(\n [year] => 2023\n [month] => 4\n [day] => 17\n)\n-Array\n(\n [year] => 2023\n [month] => 4\n [day] => 17\n)\n","start_date":{"year":2023,"month":4,"day":17},"end_date":{"year":2023,"month":4,"day":17}},{"text":{"headline":"Newspaper Article: The Reminder 5\/3\/2023 - Amherst and Pelham schools adopt new K-5 math curriculum (A2023.003.015) May 3 2023<\/a>","text":"13760

Amherst and Pelham schools adopt new K-5 math curriculum\n May 3, 2022 | Dylan Corey\ndcorey@thereminder.com\nAMHERST \u2013 The Amherst and Pelham school committees conducted a joint meeting on April 26 and unanimously voted to approve a recommendation from Superintendent Michael Morris and the Office of Teaching and Learning for a new K-5 math curriculum called i-Ready Classroom Math.\n\nThe recommendation was made after a six-month review process by an Elementary Math Review Committee (MRC) composed of 21 principals, math specialists, administrators and parents. The committee selected four highly rated curricula and narrowed them down i-Ready and Illustrative Math (IM) which were piloted in every elementary school. 15 teachers across K-5 taught lessons for six weeks from the two programs and had classroom observers from the committee. Feedback from students, teachers and parents was collected and presented to the school committees in a presentation.\n\n\u201cWe have persistent opportunity gaps in state-defined subgroups in our districts, and that result is at odds with our district commitment to equity,\u201d said Amherst Regional Public Schools (ARPS) interim Coordinator of Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment Mary Kiely. \u201cWe want to make sure we are using all tools at our disposal to support the achievement of all students, and we know that one of the most powerful of those tools is a high-quality core curriculum. Our last curriculum, Everyday Math, was adopted over 10 years ago. Since then, some interesting curricular options have become available in the marketplace, including the new curriculum we have just adopted, and we wanted to be able to take advantage for the sake of our students.\u201d\n\nSuperintendent Michael Morris specified five parameters for the MRC to guide their search for a new curriculum. Saying the MRC needed to find a high-quality curriculum with research-based evidence, Morris emphasized equal access in English and Spanish, supported learning of all diverse skill levels, include print and digital materials and embed a strong program of professional development for teachers.\n\nIn addition to being fully available in English and Spanish, i-Ready was widely preferred among students, teachers and parents according to the surveys by the district. 82 percent of teachers said their visual representations helped to deepen understanding and 85 percent said they were able to find print and digital resources for every lesson with ease.\n\n\u201cI\u2019m really impressed at the level of piloting and teacher engagement,\u201d said ARPS School Committee member Peter Demling. \u201cOften with these decisions, not just in schools, you do the best you can and make an educated guess, but you really don\u2019t know whether it\u2019s going to be a good fit until you actually use it so to be able to have that actual lived experience is wonderful.\u201d\n\nOver 90 percent of student respondents in first through third grade agreed that their math tools like digital slides, videos and games helped them learn math and were easy to use. 95 percent of that group said their new math book helped to show the i-Ready math and encouraged collaboration with peers. Students from Grades 4 and 5 had very similar feedback.\n\n\u201cI can tell you that I was in one of the first grades on the day that the teacher unveiled the i-Ready math workbooks to the children,\u201d said Title I District Coordinator Stephanie Joyce. \u201cNot only had this teacher done a beautiful job of building up the enthusiasm and excitement that she held for her class to participate in the pilot and be bringing a new curriculum to the classroom, but the children were literally jumping out of their chairs and clapping and cheering for their new math books as they started looking at them so it\u2019s very exciting.\u201d\n\nDemling brought up a concern about only 46 percent of teachers saying that i-Ready had materials providing support for students above their grade level and 66 percent saying the routines helped foster math learning. Joyce hypothesized that it could have something to do with limited time to try and explore the curriculum.\n\n\u201cOur perception of the way that rating perhaps came out had to do with the learning curve of knowing all the components of the curriculum and what you could possibly do in six to seven weeks with a very new curriculum,\u201d Joyce replied. \u201cThe phenomenal diagnostic component and the data-informed teaching and learning component of i-Ready is something that really stood out for the pilot teachers. That diagnostic on each domain in mathematical learning gave them a list for each child of the prerequisites that any individual child would need to go into the new unit. It helps establish what your small groups could be to meet those prerequisites, and what lessons you might have to go back to or forward with for children who are ready for more. We think it helped them to do some of the differentiation and it may have been that then it didn\u2019t lead them into looking for more paths for differentiation so that may have had something to do with it.\u201d\n\nKiely said that they applied to the Massachusetts Department of Secondary and Elementary Education (DESE) and were granted initial approval for the Accelerating Math Instruction Program for Students, a grant which will cover the full expense of acquiring and implementing new high-quality core math instructional materials including professional development for educators for the fi-Readyst year. The first year costs totaled just under $120,000.\n\n\u201cThe grant funding, I mean \u2013 I can\u2019t clap loudly enough for the miracle of that funding,\u201d Demling said. \u201cIt\u2019s not just the ability to implement this curriculum, I mean that\u2019s a six-figure cost that we\u2019re not going to have to take away from somewhere else in a resource-constrained environment so big kudos on that.\u201d\n\u201cIt was a highly competitive grant; the vast majority of districts who applied for it did not receive it,\u201d Morris added. \u201cThe grant has a huge difference because we were planning on using ESSER (Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief) funds and now we can use it for some other things in the future. We will need to use some of the ESSER for the manipulatives but that\u2019s a much less significant cost. This is a great relief, so I appreciate the work not just on the process but also on the grant funding aspect of it as well.\u201d\n\nThe math manipulatives Morris referred to are the other aspect that the MRC determined the schools needed to implement. The cost added to the ESSER funds will add up to around $20,000 for Amherst and $3,000 for Pelham.\n\n\u201cMath manipulatives are concrete objects that can be viewed and physically handled by students in order to demonstrate or model abstract concepts,\u201d Kiely explained. \u201cSome of the most common math manipulatives are counters, snap cubes, fraction circles or fraction strips, base 10 blocks, Cuisenaire rods, color tiles, etc. The use of manipulatives in the teaching and learning of math has a long tradition and solid research history. In addition to helping directly with the cognitive processes involved in doing math, manipulatives tend to be very engaging to students and increase their interest in and enjoyment of math. i-Ready makes extensive use of manipulatives, so we will be equipping all classrooms with the materials as needed.\u201d\n\nWith the curriculum approved, Kiely said they will now go back to DESE, and the funds will be released. Once funds have arrived, they will distribute books and online access to teachers and administrators with professional development training days scheduled starting this year and going through summer and next year.\n\n\u201cThis was truly a community effort. We are especially grateful to the members of the MRC and the pilot teachers for their invaluable contributions to the demanding work of seeking a new elementary math curriculum,\u201d Morris said. \u201cProficiency in math is a gateway to future opportunities for young people. We are excited to make i-Ready Classroom Math K-5 available to our students, teachers and families, and we look forward to the implementation of this powerful tool for teaching and learning.\"<\/a><\/p>","headline-date":"This is 13760"},"media":{"url":"","thumbnail":"","credit":"","caption":"<\/a><\/em>"},"display_date":"","0":"Array\n(\n [year] => 2023\n [month] => 5\n [day] => 3\n)\n-Array\n(\n [year] => 2023\n [month] => 5\n [day] => 3\n)\n","start_date":{"year":2023,"month":5,"day":3},"end_date":{"year":2023,"month":5,"day":3}},{"text":{"headline":"Newspaper Article: The Reminder 5\/8\/2023 - Bill would compensate Quabbin watershed towns (A2023.003.029) May 8 2023<\/a>","text":"13760

Bill would compensate Quabbin watershed towns\n May 8, 2023 | Tyler Garnet\ntgarnet@thereminder.com\nOn April 26, the Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources hosted a hearing on a bill filed by state Sen. Jo Comerford (D-Northampton) and state Rep. Aaron Saunders (D-Belchertown) that is designed to level the playing field for communities in the Quabbin Reservoir watershed.\n\n\u201cThe bill would do several things,\u201d Saunders said of the proposed legislation, called An Act Relative To The Quabbin Watershed And Regional Equity. \u201cFirst it would correct one of the most egregious inequities that Western Massachusetts faces in the Quabbin area.\u201d\n\nConstruction of the Quabbin Reservoir was started in 1939 when the towns of Dana, Enfield, Greenwich and Prescott were disincorporated, evacuated, and then flooded to create one of the largest potable water sources in the United States.\n\nThe bill would seek greater regional equity and provides for reasonable payments to Quabbin watershed communities for local municipal needs with water infrastructure such as conduits, pipes and hydrants; and non-profit organizations providing health, welfare, safety and transit services.\n\nUnder current state law, the communities surrounding the Quabbin Reservoir including Belchertown, Hardwick, Pelham, New Salem, Petersham, Shutesbury and Ware receive minimal compensation for their efforts.\n\nThose same communities do not have the ability to pull their own drinking water from the Quabbin.\nThe Quabbin Reservoir provides drinking water to millions of people in eastern Massachusetts as well as Chicopee, Wilbraham and South Hadley Fire District 1.\n\n\u201cThe state has benefited from the Quabbin Watershed for 85 years. Eastern Massachusetts has been able to grow stronger because it has guaranteed access to the potable water, some of the best water people say in the nation. Yet we in Western Massachusetts have paid the price but gotten not enough in return. It is time for fairness and equity,\u201d Comerford added.\n\nAccording to Comerford, the bill will look to address four major problems.\n\nComerford said, \u201cAccess to water is important today, it is going to be so much more important 50 or 100 years from now so we have to think to the future and to future generation in Western Massachusetts and making sure they have equitable access to potable water.\u201d\n\nThe bill would expand the board of the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority and require that three of the 13 members reside in Western Massachusetts.\n\nComerford said, \u201cRight now, there is only one person on the board from the region in the 11 member board and we think there should be three. We are willing to expand the board to 13. We think there needs to be more voices representing the needs and interests of our region since we are stewarding the water that everyone else is drinking.\u201d\n\nThe bill would also address expanding the Quabbin water access.\n\n\u201cThere are now numbers of studies looking at expanding Quabbin water access to lots of communities. The bill says if you are going to do that in eastern Massachusetts, you should darn well explore access to that water and how to get it in Western Massachusetts,\u201d Comerford said.\n\nThe bill also calls for the establishment of a community trust fund.\n\nComerford said, \u201cThe trust fund will be for nonprofits, municipalities, tribal governments who live and work in the Quabbin region who have helped mitigate the impact of the disincorporation of four towns and the kind of arrest of the economy out there. It sets up this Quabbin watershed community trust fund. It does so by imposing a modest 5 percent fee on everyone one thousand gallon of water.\u201d\n\nAccording to Saunders and Comerford, there are about 220 million gallons of water leaving the Quabbin daily.\n\nHe added, \u201cThose funds that would be raised by that fee would go to support the communities of the Quabbin Reservoir watershed and regional nonprofits that provide for the residents of our communities.\u201d\n\nThe current numbers from the MWRA and Boston Water and Sewer Commission state that the bill would raise approximately $3.5 million annually for all communities and the tax would cost an average Boston household six cents per month.\n\nSaunders said, \u201c$3.5 million per year is truly transformational for the communities and non-profits. Six cents a month on average is almost invisible in the contents of the water and sewer bills that the residents pay.\u201d\n\nThe bill provides additional regional equity by adding two seats to the MRWA board but also set term limits for members of the board.\n\nSaunders added, \u201cThese two items would be for the interest of Western Massachusetts to provide some equity there and it would also set term limits. Believe it or not there are currently no term limits for sitting on the MRWA board and there are tremendous tenures on folks who have been appointed.\u201d\nComerford said the bill would also cover the payment in lieu of taxes, also known as a PILOT.\nShe said, \u201cRight now, payment in lieu of taxes is determined by the landmass or high water mark of the Quabbin. We say that there is land underneath the Quabbin that should be considered and there should be a PILOT payment for that land as well and not only the land above the high water mark.\u201d\n\nIn terms of the hearing on April 26, both Saunders and Comerford thinks it was productive and encouraging.\n\nSaunders said, \u201cThe hearing went great. There are multiple people who testified in support of the bill, offered written testimony, testimony in person, testimony online. I haven\u2019t heard any opposition of the hearing.\u201d\n\nComerford added, \u201cThe hearing was very successful. I thought we had a lot of expert testimony. I am grateful for the committee to give it such an early hearing. A bill as complicated as this as a first time file will need the labor of the committee to make sure we gotten it correctly. I am heartened.\u201d\n\nSaunders said he and Comerford will continue to work with MWRA and the next steps are in the hands of the Environment and Natural Resources Committee.\n\n\u201cThe bill is going to sit with the Natural Resources Committee, and they will decide weather to move it to the next stop in the legislative process. We are hopeful that we will continue to move forward with the bill,\u201d Saunders added.\n\nThe committee heard around 25 bills at the same hearing, so Saunders expects it to take a few months to hear an update.\n\nSaunders added, \u201cIt is a two year session, so we do have time to work with. This isn\u2019t a situation where if somehow, they don\u2019t report in favor, we are behind the eight ball. The role the committee plays is important because there are going to look at the testimonies, merits of the bill and the circumstances that currently exist. We are happy to have them continue to look into the bill.\u201d\n<\/a><\/p>","headline-date":"This is 13760"},"media":{"url":"https:\/\/pelhamhistory.org\/pa\/media\/collectiveaccess\/images\/2\/2\/97289_ca_object_representations_media_2295_small.jpg","thumbnail":"https:\/\/pelhamhistory.org\/pa\/media\/collectiveaccess\/images\/2\/2\/24973_ca_object_representations_media_2295_icon.jpg","credit":"","caption":"<\/a><\/em>"},"display_date":"","0":"Array\n(\n [year] => 2023\n [month] => 5\n [day] => 8\n)\n-Array\n(\n [year] => 2023\n [month] => 5\n [day] => 8\n)\n","start_date":{"year":2023,"month":5,"day":8},"end_date":{"year":2023,"month":5,"day":8}},{"text":{"headline":"Newspaper Article: The Reminder 5\/16\/2023 - Pelham playground upgrades to improve accessibility (A2023.003.011) May 16 2023<\/a>","text":"13760

Pelham playground upgrades to improve accessibility\n May 16, 2023 | Doc Pruyne\ndpruyne@thereminder.com\nPELHAM \u2014 A child in a wheelchair can\u2019t get around the playground at Pelham Elementary School, the wood chips are too deep. That really bothers Venuta Carulli.\n\n\u201cThe playground is an extension of the school community,\u201d the mother of two said. \u201cWe should make the playground reflect the values of the school.\u201d\n\nCarulli and the school community want all kids, no matter their physical challenges, to have a great place to play. The Parent Teacher Organization set up the Pelham School Playground Committee, an ad hoc group, to manage the redesign and renovation of the outdoor space. Carulli chairs the committee and wants the greater community to put money into the project.\n\nAt May 13\u2019s spring Town Meeting, residents were asked to authorize $17,250 in Community Preservation Act monies for initial planning and evaluation of the site by Berkshire Design Group. The project will bring the playground into compliance with the federal Americans With Disabilities Act. Carulli didn\u2019t assume the article would attract support, but the committee anticipated a happy outcome and scheduled dates in May to take advantage of the remaining school year.\n\n\u201cWe will have our kickoff meeting on [May] 17,\u201d Carulli said. The committee and BDG will talk about the improvements they anticipate. A community engagement meeting will be scheduled for the end of May, \u201cwhere we would be inviting families, grownups and kids, and town members to come and\u2026share their hopes and dreams.\u201d\n\nBDG staff will meet with school officials and teachers to survey them for suggested changes. The designers will huddle with constituents around town to answer questions and gather information. That work will be completed before the end of the school year, after which BDG employees will start onsite survey work.\n\nThose wood chips will have to go. Carulli and other committee members visited newly renovated playgrounds in Amherst, Groff and Kendricks Parks, to check out alternative surfaces. New engineered wood fiber materials are now in use, but suitable options will have to be identified by the consultants.\n\n\u201cWe have a lot of concerns about PFAS materials,\u201d Carulli said. It\u2019s \u201cnot just what\u2019s in them, but what can come out of them from runoff...[and] where do they go when you need to replace them?\u201d\n\nSome of the equipment will be replaced. Carulli said that some existing swings, called belt swings for their U-shaped plastic seats, will be replaced with swings suitable for wheelchair bound children. Those new swings will be similar to a rollercoaster seat, which feature a safety restraint pulled down from overhead that locks in place and secures a child in the seat.\n\nThe old style merry go round may also be replaced. New merry go rounds have a deck at ground level so that children roll directly onto it, with no step up. The grips for riders to hold are wider apart to accommodate a chair. A wheel at the center of the merry go round gives riders control over the rate of spin, but also a way to get going without leg power.\n\nBDG submitted a five part planning and design proposal. The company will gather input from interested groups, establish a design that takes into account the soil, drainage, existing terrain, wetlands, fencing or the lack thereof, and other factors \u2014 but Carulli grew enthusiastic when talking about BDG\u2019s view of playgrounds as outdoor learning spaces. A pollinator garden on the edge of the playground, where kids learn about native plants and the lifecycles of caterpillars and butterflies, is a possibility.\n\nThe mother of a Pelham second grader and fifth grader, Carulli considers this important work for the community.\n\n\u201cIt\u2019s important because all children deserve a play space that is open and available to them, where they can go regardless of their abilities or who they\u2019re with,\u201d Carulli said. \u201cWe don\u2019t have that currently and it feels like we are remiss in that department.\u201d<\/a><\/p>","headline-date":"This is 13760"},"media":{"url":"","thumbnail":"","credit":"","caption":"<\/a><\/em>"},"display_date":"","0":"Array\n(\n [year] => 2023\n [month] => 5\n [day] => 16\n)\n-Array\n(\n [year] => 2023\n [month] => 5\n [day] => 16\n)\n","start_date":{"year":2023,"month":5,"day":16},"end_date":{"year":2023,"month":5,"day":16}},{"text":{"headline":"Newspaper Article: The Reminder 6\/6\/2023 - Communities to consider electricity aggregation plan (A2023.003.026) June 6 2023<\/a>","text":"13760

Communities to consider electricity aggregation plan\n June 6, 2023 | Ryan Feyre\nrfeyre@thereminder.com\nNORTHAMPTON\/AMHERST \u2014 Northampton, Amherst and Pelham are gauging interest from the public for a new municipal electricity aggregation program that could give residents and businesses more power over the price and environmental impact of the electricity they use.\n\nThe program is not live yet, according to Amherst Director of Sustainability Stephanie Ciccarello, but the three communities are currently asking for public input from the community to see if there is any interest in going this route in the future.\n\n\u201cThe program doesn\u2019t yet exist,\u201d Ciccarello said. \u201cBut this comment period is for people to ask questions and let us know whether or not they are in favor of becoming a community choice aggregation.\u201d\n\nIf implemented, the Valley Green Energy electricity program would allow the three communities to use their collective buying power to increase the amount of renewable electricity in the electricity supply for all three communities.\n\nAccording to the Valley Green Energy website, municipal electricity aggregation is a form of group electricity purchasing. An electricity aggregation program like Valley Green Energy replaces one\u2019s electricity supplier, and it changes the price that your utility, Eversource or National Grid, uses to calculate the supply charge on one\u2019s electric bill.\n\nWhile electricity aggregation can increase the amount of renewable electricity, it cannot replace one\u2019s electric utility.\n\nAccording to Ciccarello, most people in the three communities currently have National Grid or Eversource Basic Service prices, but if this Valley Green Energy program were implemented, prices for the aggregation program could be competitive.\n\n\u201cWith a community choice aggregation, we can offer competitive prices, but it doesn\u2019t guarantee that the prices will be below the basic service prices,\u201d Ciccarello said. \u201cWe can, however, offer more options and offer a greener supply of electricity.\u201d\n\nWithout Valley Green Energy, one\u2019s utility usually provides two services, and the electric bill includes charges for both of these services: electricity delivery and electricity supply.\n\nUnder Valley Green Energy, the same utility the user has \u2014 like National Grid or Eversource \u2014 still delivers one\u2019s electricity, but the user no longer has Basic Service for the supply portion of the bill. Instead, Valley Green would use the group\u2019s purchasing power of Amherst, Northampton and Pelham to choose an electricity supplier and to determine the price of one\u2019s electricity supply and the renewable energy content of your electricity.\n\nEven with Valley Green, the relationship between the utility and the user does not change and electricity still flows without interruption.\n\nIf Valley Green Energy is launched, \u201cAmherst, Northampton and Pelham will join more than 150 other cities and towns in Massachusetts with similar programs.\u201d\n\nFor now, though, the three communities are still in the preliminary phase of this process. According to Ciccarello, the communities must develop an aggregation plan and submit it to regulators for approval.\n\nTo ensure that the public is involved in this developmental process, the communities are asking the public to review and comment on the draft aggregation plan, which is available on each of the community\u2019s website, as well as the Valley Green Energy site. People may submit comments either through email or mail, and information on how to submit comments is on the Valley Green Energy website: https:\/\/www.masspowerchoice.com\/ValleyGreenEnergy?.\n\nThe comments will be submitted as part of an application package that is sent to the state\u2019s Department of Public Utilities for consideration. From there, the department will review the application, which can take up to a year. MassPowerChoice is overseeing the application process as well as the launch of the program if it happens.\n\nEventually, if the program were to be approved and implemented, Ciccarello said that the three communities would look to implement an umbrella organization where the community aggregation program would be housed along with other environmentally friendly programming that benefits electricity customers.\n\n\u201cTheoretically, the three communities can do more together than individually,\u201d Ciccarello said.\n<\/a><\/p>","headline-date":"This is 13760"},"media":{"url":"","thumbnail":"","credit":"","caption":"<\/a><\/em>"},"display_date":"","0":"Array\n(\n [year] => 2023\n [month] => 6\n [day] => 6\n)\n-Array\n(\n [year] => 2023\n [month] => 6\n [day] => 6\n)\n","start_date":{"year":2023,"month":6,"day":6},"end_date":{"year":2023,"month":6,"day":6}},{"text":{"headline":"Newspaper Article: The Reminder 6\/26\/2023 - Pelham Select Board talks new clerk, new walking path (A2023.003.014) June 26 2023<\/a>","text":"13760

Pelham Select Board talks new clerk, new walking path\n June 26, 2023 | Doc Pruyne\ndpruyne@thereminder.com\nPELHAM \u2014 It\u2019s back to the drawing board as far as the town clerk position. Select Board Chair Bob Agoglia told David Shanabrook, the other member present to open June 20\u2019s meeting, the person appointed by the board earlier this month backed out.\n\n\u201cI\u2019m kind of sad to say that the person that we hired, Chloe Delgatho, to the town clerk position, decided that it wasn\u2019t going to work for her, after she had roughly a little over a day in the position,\u201d Agoglia said. \u201cWe had appointed her as our town clerk, at our last meeting, with her appointment effective date of June 13.\u201d\n\nAgoglia\u2019s immediate plan of action was to re-appoint Sandra Burgess, officially the town clerk until June 15. Assuming Burgess is amenable, the lone sticking point was the correct reappointment date. Select Board assistant Susannah Carey told Agoglia the motion needed a specific date because towns are required to have someone in the position every day.\n\nAgoglia and Shanabrook voted to appoint Burgess as the interim town clerk. Agoglia then saw a second necessary action was to reconstitute the town clerk search committee. Agoglia, Carey, Nancy Blackmur and Jessica Barr served on that committee. Blackmur, as town clerk in Orange, is experienced in similar hiring processes.\n\n\u201cI\u2019ll reach out to them in the morning and explain to them what happened,\u201d Agoglia said. \u201cI\u2019ll see if everyone is willing to make it a do-over.\u201d\n\nTara Loomis, present for the board\u2019s next discussion, introduced the idea of installing a paved walking path around the playground, in the vicinity of the school. The idea was suggested to her by Karen Smith, from the Council on Aging.\n\n\u201cPerhaps you might consider adding a walking path, especially one that is accessible, due to the aging population in Pelham, to have a place to walk,\u201d Loomis said. \u201cThere are no sidewalks, for the most part, in the town,\u201d and few places for elderly residents to take a stroll.\n\nThe idea struck a chord with board members. Agoglia asked, \u201cDo we know if we actually have land there, to do that?\u201d\n\nLoomis didn\u2019t know whether the field is regulation size for a sport or if there are surplus square yards to accommodate a walking path around the perimeter. She knew regulations of the Americans with Disabilities Act may apply, which stipulate a minimum width of 3 feet for walking paths.\n\nRobert Rowell, a member of the Board of Assessors, was also in attendance. Rowell volunteered that a bowtie-shaped piece of land, adjacent to the playground area, included wetlands that prevent most uses. Rowell knew the land was owned by David Rabinowitz. He suggested it was an option to explore, since the possible uses for the land are limited.\n\n\u201cThere\u2019s probably enough room [there] to put 3 feet of walking space,\u201d Rowell said. He intimated the area is spacious enough to host additional uses. \u201cIt\u2019s just whether it\u2019s in wetlands or grubby stuff. The lot is like 10 acres of land for the playground, for the school.\u201d\n\nAgoglia commented that Richard Adamcek, supervisor of the Dept. of Public Works, would know what footage is available and whether a walking path was possible. The chair of the board also noted a project to make the playground ADA compliant was in the works. If a walking path becomes another feature in the area, the two projects could be nicely complementary.\n\nShanabrook reminded the board of the presence of the school and what that implies: reduced access during school hours.\n\n\u201cBob, I don\u2019t know if they\u2019re thinking about it being used by the public only on weekends, because it\u2019s on school grounds,\u201d Shanabrook said. \u201cI don\u2019t know if they would like that.\u201d\n\nThe library, adjacent to the elementary school, Agoglia said, is kept completely separated during the time the school uses it. The path would also have to be closed during school usage, a less than optimal condition, but required to maintain student safety.\n\nLoomis questioned whether space around the Rhodes Building could be used for a path within the general area defined by South Mountain Road, Jones Road and Cadwell Street. Shanabrook appreciated the suggestion.\n\n\u201cThe nice thing about having it at the community center, especially if we\u2019re still looking at the pavilion, it\u2019s like making it a center where a lot of stuff is going on,\u201d Shanabrook said. \u201cBut what about the other side of the fence? That was what you were originally talking about.\u201d\n\nThe Rabinowitz property lies on the other side of the fence. Motivated as he was by a good idea, Agoglia concluded that a call to Adamcek and Pelham Elementary School Principal Brenda Darling were in order. Shanabrook was also intrigued by the idea of a paved walking path.\n\n\u201cIt\u2019s a great idea,\u201d Shanabrook said. \u201cIt would be nice.\u201d<\/a><\/p>","headline-date":"This is 13760"},"media":{"url":"","thumbnail":"","credit":"","caption":"<\/a><\/em>"},"display_date":"","0":"Array\n(\n [year] => 2023\n [month] => 6\n [day] => 26\n)\n-Array\n(\n [year] => 2023\n [month] => 6\n [day] => 26\n)\n","start_date":{"year":2023,"month":6,"day":26},"end_date":{"year":2023,"month":6,"day":26}},{"text":{"headline":"Newspaper Article: The Daily Hampshire Gazette 8\/25\/2023 Pelham School Committee chairwoman Sarah Hall resigns (A2023.004.005) August 25 2023<\/a>","text":"13760

By SCOTT MERZBACH\nStaff Writer\nPublished: 8\/25\/2023 4:48:14 PM\nPELHAM \u2014 Pelham School Committee Chairwoman Sarah Hall recently resigned from her elected position, citing concerns about personal attacks and character assassination from a \u201csmall but vocal element\u201d during the ongoing Title IX investigation into alleged mistreatment of LGBTQ students at Amherst Regional Middle School.\n\nHall, a member of the Union 26 Committee responsible for hiring the superintendent for the Pelham, Amherst-Pelham Regional and Amherst schools, submitted her resignation on Aug. 18, becoming the first of the leaders of three of the four committees that make up the governance structure for the Amherst, Pelham and Regional schools districts to depart.\n\nHall\u2019s resignation came the morning after the Regional and Union 26 committees agreed with a request from Superintendent Michael Morris to step down on Aug. 31. Morris called his leadership untenable in the wake of a Title IX investigation and concerns in the community about whether the central office had done enough to intervene in the harms happening at the middle school.\n\n\u201cRegrettably, we have arrived at this place where community and school committee members have been forced to take of one of two positions: either they support LGBTQIA+ students or they support a fair and deliberate process for understanding what happened and how to move forward (and, by insinuation, are somehow anti-LGBTQIA+),\u201d Hall wrote in a statement accompanying her resignation. \u201cI feel strongly that not only is it possible to support both, but it is necessary.\u201d\n\nSince her resignation, Amherst representative Ben Herrington, who chaired the Amherst-Pelham Regional School Committee; Allison McDonald, who chaired the Amherst School Committee; and Peter Demling, a member of the Amherst and regional school committees, have all left their positions.\n\nIrv Rhodes, an Amherst representative, is the current chairman of the Union 26 Committee.\n\nHall, on the Pelham committee since November 2017 and its chairwoman since November 2018, went on to explain her decision:\n\n\u201cI am no longer willing to volunteer my time and energy countering the small but vocal element of the community that focuses almost exclusively on their righteous outrage at the expense of authentic and lasting healing and progress in our districts. The understandably frustrating but unavoidable silence as we await the conclusion of the Title IX investigation has been filled with harmful rhetoric and personal attacks \u2014 which belie this element\u2019s claims of civil, progressive discourse.\u201d\n\n\u201cSuch blatant attempts at character assassination in the absence of available public information have become the norm in this community, and fighting that force has almost completely detracted from the real work of ensuring student safety and achievement.\u201d\n\nDuring her tenure, though, Hall credited the thoughtful leadership of Morris, Douglas Slaughter, the district\u2019s finance director, and principal Micki Darling for addressing the budget challenges facing small, rural school districts, putting the elementary school in a strong position to focus on teaching and learning.\n\nSarahbess Kenney, a Pelham representative who chairs the Regional School Committee, said Hall was an excellent member and will be missed.\n\n\u201cShe ran thoughtful and efficient meetings with grace and a sense of humor even in our most challenging times,\u201d Kenney said. \u201cI completely understand and support her decision to step down.\u201d\n\nHall said she takes pride in the School Committee\u2019s 2019 vote in support of the \u201cLet\u2019s T.A.L.K.\u201d curriculum, a first of its kind gender- and sexuality- inclusive curriculum that starts in kindergarten. Proposed by researchers from the University of Massachusetts, including a Pelham parent, and then subject to the district\u2019s rigorous curriculum review and a thorough public process, Let\u2019s T.A.L.K has since been expanded to include more grade levels and has seen significant successes since its implementation.\n\nPelham Elementary also has a uniquely strong harassment prevention policy approved in December 2019, including a \u201chigher standard of conduct\u201d that reads, in part, \u201cthe district seeks to establish a higher standard of appropriate behavior to ensure the physical, social, and emotional safety and well-being of students and employees. This section of the policy clarifies that there is conduct that, although not unlawful harassment based on protected class status, could still interfere with work or academic performance by creating an environment that is not conducive to professional, academic and\/or social-emotional success for students or employees.\u201d\n\nThis language, Hall said, emerged after teachers expressed concerns about an incident at the school that was not covered under standard anti-harassment policies for public schools.\n\nScott Merzbach can be reached at smerzbach@gazettenet.com.<\/a><\/p>","headline-date":"This is 13760"},"media":{"url":"https:\/\/pelhamhistory.org\/pa\/media\/collectiveaccess\/images\/2\/2\/77099_ca_object_representations_media_2299_small.jpg","thumbnail":"https:\/\/pelhamhistory.org\/pa\/media\/collectiveaccess\/images\/2\/2\/75966_ca_object_representations_media_2299_icon.jpg","credit":"","caption":"<\/a><\/em>"},"display_date":"","0":"Array\n(\n [year] => 2023\n [month] => 8\n [day] => 25\n)\n-Array\n(\n [year] => 2023\n [month] => 8\n [day] => 25\n)\n","start_date":{"year":2023,"month":8,"day":25},"end_date":{"year":2023,"month":8,"day":25}},{"text":{"headline":"Newspaper Article: The Reminder 9\/12\/2023 -Pelham Selectboard hears about wetlands dumping (A2023.003.003) September 12 2023<\/a>","text":"13760

Pelham Selectboard hears about wetlands dumping\n Sept. 12, 2023 | Doc Pruyne\ndpruyne@thereminder.com\nPELHAM \u2014 On Sept. 5 the Select Board, meeting to discuss a wide range of topics, heard about two instances of dumping town officials may find difficult to deal with.\n\nSelect Board Chair Robert Agoglia apprised the board of a situation involving an employee of the Highway Department, Stephen O\u2019Brien, a resident of West Pelham Road in Shutesbury. O\u2019Brien often cleans out culverts for the Highway Deptartment Agoglia said O\u2019Brien asked Highway Department Supervisor Rick Adamcek if material remaining after culverts were cleaned out, which Pelham has no use for, be trucked over to his property.\n\nThe material, Agoglia said, \u201cwas brought up to his property in Shutesbury and was dumped into a wetlands, which the employee should\u2019ve known better\u201d than to do.\n\nAgoglia was already working to control the damage. He said Pelham must accept responsibility and do whatever it takes to remedy the situation. He requested Dana McDonald, chair of Pelham\u2019s Conservation Commission, appear at the scheduled Sept. 18 Select Board meeting to offer input on how the town should address the problem. He said the Pelham and Shutesbury conservation commissions were communicating.\n\n\u201cA Pelham employee\u2026made this violation, so we have to take responsibility here and determine what action we have to take too, with that employee,\u201d Agoglia said. \u201cI\u2019ll be talking with Rick [Adamcek] about that, as well. We\u2019ll wait to hear from Dana, what we should be doing.\u201d\n\nMark Conrad, an abutter on West Pelham Road, noticed the Pelham Highway Department dump trucks frequenting the O\u2019Brien property. Other neighbors noticed Pelham\u2019s trucks stopping on the O\u2019Brien property as much as two years ago. Conrad contacted town officials.\n\nO\u2019Brien, reached a number of days ago, raises meat cows for personal consumption, chickens, pigs and other animals at the property on West Pelham Road. The property has a house and barn and a large open area visible beyond. O\u2019Brien did not deny using fill from Pelham on his property. He did not specify any particular use.\n\nO\u2019Brien said Conrad complained unreasonably to him about other issues, suggesting the problem was antagonism between neighbors. He said Conrad complained when a hunter followed a wounded deer onto his property, where it was dispatched. O\u2019Brien said Conrad complained about the smell of his barn, the noise of his animals and the logging O\u2019Brien does for firewood and to clear land.\n\nConrad contacted Rebecca Torres, Shutesbury\u2019s town administrator, about a year ago, but did not get a response. Miriam DeFant, chair of Shutesbury\u2019s Conservation Commission, also commented that she recalled hearing mention of a complaint about dumping.\n\nPelham resident Rusty Rowell monitored the Shutesbury Conservation Commission\u2019s Aug. 30 meeting where the circumstances on W. Pelham Road were briefly discussed. He reported the Shutesbury ConCom was shooed off the property. He also reported the state Department of Environmental Protection was contacted.\n\n\u201cThe state\u2019s looking at it now, not the Shutesbury [Conservation Commission],\u201d Rowell said.\n\nMiriam DeFant, chair of the Shutesbury Conservation Commission, confirmed the state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) will be pursuing a remedy to the situation.\n\n\u201cAt this stage, DEP has said they are interested in taking over enforcement on this matter because it\u2019s a big complicated messy situation,\u201d DeFant told her committee. \u201cObviously, they have resources at their disposal that we do not have, staff attorneys and things. It\u2019s going to be complicated.\u201d\n\nThe Wetlands Protection Act, the governing regulations for the DEP\u2019s enforcement response, are different from Shutesbury bylaws, further complicating any enforcement action the state agency may take. Scott Kahan, a member of the Shutesbury Conservation Commission, questioned whether the buffer zones will be restored, since state and local law differ in that respect.\n\n\u201cWe don\u2019t even know what was altered,\u201d DeFant said. \u201cNobody\u2019s been on the site. It\u2019s all very conjectural right now. The abutters think there are some culverts and stream crossings that were added, and that the BVW [bordering vegetated wetland] was filled. When we were out there, we could see a large flat gravel parking driveway area went right up to a dip in the ground where you could see cattails. [It] certainly looked like this fill went all the way up to the edge of, bank of a BVW, or is in a BVW.\u201d\n\nDeFant said neighbors also think vernal pools were filled in. The timeline and extent of suspected violations suggests the remediation will be significant and involve a large area.\n\nJudy Eiseman, chair of Pelham\u2019s Planning Board, also attended the Selectboard meeting. She spoke about a dumping issue on North Valley Road that also may be a headache for the town. She said it had similarities to the West Pelham Road issue and the Selectboard was going to hear about it.\n\n\u201cEversource is taking some dirt from Amherst, up through Pelham, to put up in North Valley Road, in their rights of way,\u201d Eiseman said. \u201cStacey McCullough wondered about it, and I have asked the ConCom to look at it, and to see what else might be going on there.\u201d\n\nEiseman sounded an indignant note.\n\n\u201cI don\u2019t care who Eversource is,\u201d Eiseman said. \u201cThey\u2019re not supposed to be dumping dirt in Pelham without anyone knowing. I just thought you should be aware of that too.\u201d<\/a><\/p>","headline-date":"This is 13760"},"media":{"url":"","thumbnail":"","credit":"","caption":"<\/a><\/em>"},"display_date":"","0":"Array\n(\n [year] => 2023\n [month] => 9\n [day] => 12\n)\n-Array\n(\n [year] => 2023\n [month] => 9\n [day] => 12\n)\n","start_date":{"year":2023,"month":9,"day":12},"end_date":{"year":2023,"month":9,"day":12}},{"text":{"headline":"Newspaper Article: The Reminder 10\/17\/2023 - Local libraries talk state Senate bill to halt book banning (A2023.003.024) October 17 2023<\/a>","text":"13760

Local libraries talk state Senate bill to halt book banning\n Oct. 17, 2023 | Doc Pruyne\ndpruyne@thereminder.com\nLEVERETT \u2014 Librarians, in the business of keeping books accessible, are sensitive about banning them. Hannah Paessel and Jodi Levine, library directors in Leverett and Pelham, agree that provocative books shouldn\u2019t be banned. They should be in every collection.\n\n\u201cEvery library should have something that offends someone,\u201d Paessel said.\n\nLevine doesn\u2019t see careful thought behind book bans.\n\n\u201cThe challenges come from the same handful of people. They don\u2019t read the books, but they get all excited because of something they read on the internet,\u201d Levine said.\n\nBanning books is uncommon in progressive Massachusetts, but a recent incident in Ludlow of a formal challenge raised the hackles of two state legislators. Sen. Jake Oliveira, representing Ludlow, and Rep. Aaron Saunders, from Belchertown, introduced bills on Beacon Hill that would make it fiscally prohibitive for local school committees and library trustees to ban books.\n\nThe mechanism behind S.2447, the legislation put forth in the state Senate, works by requiring libraries to adhere to the American Library Association, or ALA, Library Bill of Rights. The ALA policy includes language that condemns book banning \u201cbecause of the origin, background, or views of those contributing to their creation.\u201d Under the legislation, libraries that do not adopt the Bill of Rights will lose state and federal grants and support, which significantly augment local funding.\n\nLevine introduced the topic of book banning to Pelham\u2019s library trustees after receiving a letter from Montague prompting the trustees to co-sponsor S.2447, \u201cAn Act protecting against attempts to ban, remove, or restrict library access to materials.\u201d The letter contended that most of the book bans attempt to get rid of materials about LGBTQ+ topics and literature about minorities.\n\nAccording to the letter, state governments in Montana, Missouri and Texas are severing ties with the ALA. The letter claims Oliviera and Saunders were prompted to file legislation because of the Ludlow incident, a formal request to ban several books from school libraries there. Confirming Levine\u2019s opinion, the letter concluded, \u201cThe sponsor admitted the proposal [to ban the books] had been copied directly off the internet.\u201d\n\nLiberal states recently enacted or introduced legislation similar to the bills of Oliveira and Saunders. Illinois became the first state to outlaw book banning in public libraries and schools. New Jersey has a bill under consideration. Those bills also require libraries to adopt the ALA Library Bill of Rights as a requisite for state funding.\n\nIn discussing book bans with her trustees last week, Paessel clarified that patrons may take exception to a book, but a specific form must be filled out and submitted before a concern becomes an official \u201cchallenge.\u201d The form then leads to formal consideration of a ban by trustees and library staff. Both librarians suggested that a patron\u2019s personal preferences shouldn\u2019t sway the process because libraries serve everyone, not just specific people.\n\n\u201cWhile I firmly believe every parent has the right to decide what\u2019s right for their child, they don\u2019t have the right to decide what\u2019s right for other people\u2019s children,\u201d Levine said. \u201cWe\u2019re not taking [a book] off the shelf just because one parent or another disagrees with it. That would become a very, very slippery slope.\u201d\n\nLevine faces a different set of challenges than Paessel, who oversees a strictly municipal library. Pelham\u2019s town library also serves as the school library. Discussions with trustees revealed that most school libraries do not have teen and adult sections, while Pelham\u2019s library does serve the full age range.\n\nDuring school hours, three days a week, Pelham\u2019s students are kept away from the sections for more mature readers. Some parents, Levine said, later visit and allow their children to browse those books, choose to expose their children to controversial topics. When a book ban is requested, Levine may find the reasons are misguided.\n\n\u201cThe Diary of Anne Frank,\u201d Levine said, is a classic example of a book that excites misguided objections. The classic coming of age tale about a young Jewish girl who hides from the Nazis during World War II is a perennial target for book bans. The reason for seeking a ban often misses the point of the book, Levine said, or objects to a minor element.\n\n\u201cIt has been challenged multiple times, nationwide, not because it was a Jewish child who was killed by the Nazis,\u201d Levine said. \u201cIt was [challenged] because it was about a young girl who fantasizes about being involved with a boy romantically. That\u2019s the part they objected to.\u201d\n\nDiscussion among the Leverett trustees quickly struck to the heart of the matter: concerns about morals and values and social trends. Chair of the Friends of the Leverett Library Leslie Fisette said, \u201cA big part of it comes from fear, right?\u201d\n\nLisa Sullivan-Werner, chair of the Leverett Library Trustees, and Trustee Rachel Flint agreed.\n\n\u201cI think so,\u201d Flint said. \u201cWords are dangerous. Ideas are dangerous.\u201d\n\nTrustee Judith Davidov introduced the topic among the trustees in Leverett and was tasked with writing a letter in support of bill S.2447. The trustees in both towns were also interested in other methods for opposing book bans and maintaining access to literature, which should be controversial, or becomes controversial as social standards change.\n\n\u201cIf you were to remove every book from the 1800s with racial stereotypes you would have very few classics left,\u201d Levine said. \u201cIt is a good opportunity for a conversation about times and places, and about how things have changed, and how we are glad things have changed.\u201d\n<\/a><\/p>","headline-date":"This is 13760"},"media":{"url":"","thumbnail":"","credit":"","caption":"<\/a><\/em>"},"display_date":"","0":"Array\n(\n [year] => 2023\n [month] => 10\n [day] => 17\n)\n-Array\n(\n [year] => 2023\n [month] => 10\n [day] => 17\n)\n","start_date":{"year":2023,"month":10,"day":17},"end_date":{"year":2023,"month":10,"day":17}},{"text":{"headline":"Newspaper Article: The Daily Hampshire Gazette 11\/8\/2023 Pelham\u2019s first affordable apartments going up (A2023.004.003) November 8 2023<\/a>","text":"13760

By SCOTT MERZBACH\nStaff Writer\nPublished: 11\/8\/2023 1:33:38 PM\nModified: 11\/8\/2023 1:32:58 PM\nPELHAM \u2014 Construction of the first affordable apartments in Pelham is underway at 20-22 Amherst Road, a $22 million project that will provide housing for 34 families when it is complete in early 2025.\n\nHome City Development Inc., a Springfield nonprofit, is using the previously developed 8-acre site to construct the multi-family Amethyst Brook Apartments, a mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom rentals for people earning up to 60% of the area median income.\n\nThe development, supported by the state\u2019s Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities, takes its name from the stream that runs along the back of the property. An existing farmhouse, a former factory building and other outbuildings will be removed from the site.\n\nPeter Serafino, director of real estate development for Home City, said the Nov. 2 groundbreaking comes after a lengthy process of putting together the funding and getting a comprehensive permit under the state\u2019s Chapter 40B law. That permit was approved by the town\u2019s Zoning Board of Appeals in August 2021.\n\n\u201cOne of the most notable aspects is having to go through Chapter 40B,\u201d Serafino said. \u201cIt was a great experience and we got a lot of support from Pelham for this undertaking. I give them a lot of credit for being engaged in it.\u201d\n\nThough Pelham is a small town with limited infrastructure, the property has both public water and sewer lines from Amherst. The town invested Community Preservation Act money and other support came from the Community Economic Development Assistance Corp., the Massachusetts Housing Investment Corp. and Dorfman Capital.\n\nA 16-month construction period is expected, with some of the work including retaining walls and stormwater treatment. The general contractor is Western Builders of Granby, with Architecture Environment Life of East Longmeadow handling the design, with the two new buildings to look like other homes in Pelham.\n\nBoth will be fossil fuel free, all electric, with rooftop solar. The larger building consisting of 28 apartments will be certified to Passive House standards, while the smaller building, with six apartments is being built to Energy Star standards. The property will contain charging stations for electric vehicles.\n\nTenants will be selected by lottery.\n\nSerafino said the project marks a significant investment and thanked Gov. Maura Healey, state Sen. Jo Comerford, D-Northampton, and state Reps. Mindy Domb, D-Amherst, and Aaron Saunders, D-Ludlow, for their support.\n\n\u201cThe need for all types of new housing throughout our region is well documented, and the town of Pelham has stepped up to make this development come to fruition,\u201d Serafino said.\n\nScott Merzbach can be reached at smerzbach@gazettenet.com.<\/a><\/p>","headline-date":"This is 13760"},"media":{"url":"https:\/\/pelhamhistory.org\/pa\/media\/collectiveaccess\/images\/2\/2\/9540_ca_object_representations_media_2297_small.jpg","thumbnail":"https:\/\/pelhamhistory.org\/pa\/media\/collectiveaccess\/images\/2\/2\/10966_ca_object_representations_media_2297_icon.jpg","credit":"","caption":"<\/a><\/em>"},"display_date":"","0":"Array\n(\n [year] => 2023\n [month] => 11\n [day] => 8\n)\n-Array\n(\n [year] => 2023\n [month] => 11\n [day] => 8\n)\n","start_date":{"year":2023,"month":11,"day":8},"end_date":{"year":2023,"month":11,"day":8}},{"text":{"headline":"Newspaper Article: The Reminder 11\/14\/2023 - Life With Bill: the gifts of Alzheimer\u2019s (A2023.003.028) November 14 2023<\/a>","text":"13760

Life With Bill: the gifts of Alzheimer\u2019s\n Nov. 14, 2023 | Doc Pruyne\ndpruyne@thereminder.com\nPELHAM \u2014 Many people think of Alzheimer\u2019s as a heartrending death sentence. Nick Kachulis found the disease enabled his dad to have special moments with him, to leave special gifts for his son before he passed away.\n\n\u201cMy dad was \u2026 from the World War II generation, which typically meant he didn\u2019t express those intimate feelings very much,\u201d Kachulis said. \u201cWhen he moved in with us, one of the blessings of dementia was the filter was off. I heard \u2018I love you\u2019 from my father more times in the last four years than I probably had in the last 60.\u201d\n\nThe poignant memories, the pleasures and hard challenges of living with a parent suffering from Alzheimer\u2019s \u2014 and the final loss of his dad \u2014 pushed Kachulis, a musician and writer, to stage a public celebration of Bill, his father. The hour-long performance of songs and stories inspired a community outpouring of support.\n\nKachulis, deeply gratified by the help from friends, neighbors and local businesses, created a film, Life With Bill, about his father\u2019s last four years, time when he lived with Kachulis, his wife and son at their home in Florence. The performance focused the broad story of a father and son and a fatal disease. A book will soon be published. The story will change lives, he was told, because it shows the joy, love and humor the afflicted may still bring to the family.\n\nThe chance for his father to live with the family, age in place rather than in a nursing home or institution, felt proper and correct.\n\n\u201cHaving dad in the house was a difficult experience,\u201d Kachulis said. \u201cHe was a great gift to us in his last years [but] I also felt, he\u2019s my father. I owe him that. Maybe that\u2019s an unpopular idea, I don\u2019t know.\u201d\n\nA trend toward aging in place, elders remaining with the family until the time of passing, is going mainstream. The choice is being facilitated by new organizations, like Valley Neighbors, that offer help with the many smaller tasks of daily life that seniors find difficult or impossible.\n\nKachulis told of an elder in the area who couldn\u2019t get an air conditioner into a window. A little help in the spring and fall took care of what seemed like an insurmountable job. A neighbor offered to shovel snow for a senior, a predictable difficulty. The local Council on Aging may have a handyman willing to do small repairs. Rides to grocery stores and medical appointments help the graying to preserve their independence and stay with the family.\n\nKachulis doesn\u2019t minimize the hardships. The disease lent an unpredictability to Bill\u2019s state of mind. Kachulis and his wife dealt with the changing moods and communication difficulties. Time away from the stress was necessary.\n\n\u201cWe have this idea that if somebody\u2019s not productive, they\u2019re not efficient and productive, then how valuable can they be,\u201d Kachulis said. \u201cBut \u2026 there were times when the whole house shook with laughter because he said something or did something. Some of it he knew he was being funny, some \u2026 he didn\u2019t.\u201d\n\nKachulis captured the bittersweet mix of feelings in a story he placed in a volume of the Chicken Soup for the Soul series of self-help books. The story told of when Kachulis took Bill to see his last baseball game. Local businessman Todd Barron, founder of Applied Mortgage, bought 100 copies of the book to give to those who attended the show.\n\nBarron rented the garden house at Look Park for the performance and video production and supplied refreshments. Two friends performed music. Other friends organized a three camera shoot. George \u201cShaker\u201d McNeil taught Kachulis how to edit the digital footage.\n\nChanges in Kachulis\u2019 creative work were a surprise dividend from the project. Learning a new creative process, filmmaking, changed his writing and musical compositions. He sees the world a little differently now that he knows when to use a fade and the proper time for a jump cut.\n\n\u201cIt was fascinating to just feel the detail of things,\u201d Kachulis said. \u201cHow long? Do we want to alter the color of that? Where\u2019s the cut? Do we want a fade in rather than a quick shot? All those details I found very absorbing and very satisfying.\u201d\n\nThe film, \u201cLife With Bill: A New Model for Aging,\u201d will be shown at the Pelham Public Library on Nov. 18 at 11 a.m., followed by discussion. A six minute trailer can be found on the project website at nickkachulis.com. To schedule a showing of the film email njkachulis@gmail.com.<\/a><\/p>","headline-date":"This is 13760"},"media":{"url":"https:\/\/pelhamhistory.org\/pa\/media\/collectiveaccess\/images\/2\/2\/21963_ca_object_representations_media_2294_small.jpg","thumbnail":"https:\/\/pelhamhistory.org\/pa\/media\/collectiveaccess\/images\/2\/2\/55476_ca_object_representations_media_2294_icon.jpg","credit":"","caption":"<\/a><\/em>"},"display_date":"","0":"Array\n(\n [year] => 2023\n [month] => 11\n [day] => 14\n)\n-Array\n(\n [year] => 2023\n [month] => 11\n [day] => 14\n)\n","start_date":{"year":2023,"month":11,"day":14},"end_date":{"year":2023,"month":11,"day":14}},{"text":{"headline":"Newspaper Article: The Reminder 11\/27\/2023 - Pelham Police Department wins equipment grants (A2023.003.018) November 27 2023<\/a>","text":"13760

Pelham Police Department wins equipment grants\n Nov. 27, 2023 | Doc Pruyne\ndpruyne@thereminder.com\nPELHAM \u2014 Police Chief Gary Thomann\u2019s department, with three full-time and three part-time officers, often has just one in the field at a given time. Now that the department won a grant for three BolaWrap devices Thomann won\u2019t have to worry if the criminals are fleet of foot or spoiling for a fight.\n\n\u201cIt\u2019s fairly new, within the last couple of years, and there\u2019s a number of police departments going to it,\u201d Thomann said of the restraining device. \u201cSpringfield\u2019s about to go to it. Pittsfield\u2019s had it for a couple of years.\u201d\n\nThe BolaWrap is based on the bola, a weapon used for thousands of years in South America to hunt wild game. Hunters threw the bola, ropes equipped with weights on each end, at the legs of a quarry. The weights caused the cord to wrap around the legs of the animal and trip it up, reducing the likelihood of escape.\n\nThe BolaWrap is a handheld device, equipped with a flashlight, that shoots a weighted cord. A suspect may be brought down to the ground and more easily controlled with the bola wrapped around their knees. The great benefit is that an officer can bring down a suspect from a distance.\n\nLt. Derick Lamoureux announced the grant award by writing on the town\u2019s website, \u201cThe BolaWrap device allows officers to apprehend non-compliant individuals without resorting to batons or pepper spray, effectively lowering the risk of injuries to all parties involved.\u201d\n\nThomann agreed. \u201cAny time we can use less lethal [force] it\u2019s always an enhancement. It prevents people from getting injured. Any time we can improve that, the better off we are.\u201d\n\nThe department secured three BolaWraps with a grant from the Massachusetts Interlocal Insurance Associate, the MIIA, for $5,895.49. Training in the use of the Bola-wrap will begin in early December.\n\nLamoureux also informed the community the department received word that a grant was also coming to Pelham from the Edward J. Byrne Assistance Grant Program, also known as the JAG program. The grant for $6,549.88 will cover the cost of two portable Microsoft computer tablets loaded with mobile reporting software from Central Square RMS.\n\nThe department\u2019s rolling units are equipped with computers. Those computers cannot leave the vehicle, a disadvantage if an officer gets out from behind the wheel. In the time they are out of the vehicle they are also out of touch with dispatch.\n\n\u201cIt\u2019s something they can take out of the car with them,\u201d Thomann said. \u201cIf they go into a scene or if they go into an interview, it gives them a little bit more ability, whereas the ones in the cars stay in the cars.\u201d\n\nLamoureux informed the community the new tablets will enable computer aided dispatch, the means to create a call record and access to vehicle inquiries. The tablets will also allow tracking of officers, their location while on a call or traffic stop.\n\n\u201cThe additional mobile reporting licenses that are loaded onto the tablets are critical for officer response and continued communication with both our dispatch center as well as officers in the field,\u201d Lamoureux wrote. \u201cThese two new licenses and tablets will be used by supervisors that currently do not have priority access.\u201d\n\nThe Police Department was informed of the grant from the JAG Program on Nov. 15.<\/a><\/p>","headline-date":"This is 13760"},"media":{"url":"","thumbnail":"","credit":"","caption":"<\/a><\/em>"},"display_date":"","0":"Array\n(\n [year] => 2023\n [month] => 11\n [day] => 27\n)\n-Array\n(\n [year] => 2023\n [month] => 11\n [day] => 27\n)\n","start_date":{"year":2023,"month":11,"day":27},"end_date":{"year":2023,"month":11,"day":27}},{"text":{"headline":"Newspaper Article: The Daily Hampshire Gazette 12\/11\/2023 State attorney general\u2019s office rejects parts of Pelham\u2019s solar bylaws (A2023.004.001) December 11 2023<\/a>","text":"13760

By SCOTT MERZBACH\nStaff Writer\nPublished: 12\/11\/2023 11:38:18 AM\nModified: 12\/11\/2023 11:38:00 AM\nPELHAM \u2014 The state attorney general\u2019s office is rejecting portions of an amended solar electric bylaw adopted by voters at annual Town Meeting in May, including requiring mitigation for loss of carbon sequestration and forest habitat and prohibiting standalone battery storage systems.\n\nThe Dec. 4 letter from Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell\u2019s office is similar to one Shutesbury officials received in November, which rejected its revised bylaw, though the concerns for Pelham\u2019s amended bylaw center on specific sections that could be in conflict with state law and the state\u2019s Supreme Judicial Court\u2019s Tracer Lane II Realty LLC v. City of Waltham decision. That ruling states cities and towns can\u2019t having zoning regulations that ban solar installations.\n\nPelham\u2019s revised bylaw specifies that large-scale solar installations, defined as those occupying 1.5 to 15 acres of land and in the Solar Electric Installation District, are allowed in the overlay district by special permit, while smaller installations \u201cwhich are accessory to an existing residential or non-residential use\u201d are as of right with site plan review. Building-mounted solar projects are entirely by right.\n\nWhile parts of the bylaw were turned down, Assistant Attorney General Nicole B. Caprioli warns that other sections were only approved because it is uncertain whether or not they are in compliance with state law.\n\n\u201cGiven the bylaw\u2019s extensive siting regulations and limitations, it is not clear whether there is sufficient land in the town to accommodate a large-scale solar installation,\u201d Caprioli writes. \u201cIf these provisions are used to deny a solar installation, or otherwise applied in ways that make it impracticable or uneconomical to build solar energy systems and related structures, such application would run a serious risk of violating\u201d the provisions of state general law, chapter 40A, section 3.\n\nOne section flagged for not being in compliance with state law related to forestland preservation and a demand to set aside four times the amount of woodland used in a solar project. The attorney general\u2019s office noted this is \u201cunreasonable regulation,\u201d since a 15-acre solar development would likely need to have a 75-acre parcel.\n\n\u201cThis requirement imposes a significant restriction on solar construction without any record evidence explaining why this restriction is necessary to protect the public health, safety or welfare,\u201d Caprioli writes.\n\nThere were also worries from the attorney general\u2019s office about the \u201cforest block fragmentation\u201d of the solar overlay district, which might cap the town at six large-scale installations.\n\n\u201cThis limitation amounts to a complete ban of all solar installations once the \u2018number indicated\u2019 on the 2020 zoning map is reached. In the bylaw record provided to this office, the town does identify any justification for this restriction, grounded in protecting the public health, safety, or welfare,\u201d Caprioli writes.\n\nPlanning Board Chairwoman Judith Eiseman said town officials are just beginning to review the decision and have 60 days to respond.\n\n\u201cWe admit to being concerned by some aspects of the AG\u2019s opinion given the current scientific data and policy that are available and pertinent,\u201d Eiseman said. \u201cState agency-generated reports and studies, as well as those conducted by Mass Audubon and Harvard Forest among others, emphasize the importance of maintaining protection of forest land and soils for carbon sequestration as we face the climate crisis.\u201d\n\nEiseman added that the town will continue to enforce bylaws and regulate solar appropriately.\n\nAnother part of the bylaw nixed was prohibiting energy storage systems that receive, store or transfer their energy from other solar installations.\n\n\u201cBy statute ESS qualify as \u2018solar energy systems\u2019 and \u2018structures that facilitate the collection of solar energy,\u2019\u201d Caprioli writes, noting also that \u201cthe town provides no justification for limiting the source of energy that an ESS can receive, store, or transfer.\u201d\n\nThe attorney general\u2019s office also turned down the town\u2019s attempts to prohibit use of herbicides and pesticides, which is preempted by the Massachusetts Pesticide Control Act, and a mandate that the owners or operators pay all expenses related to training police, fire and emergency management personnel for responses, a provision inconsistent with state law.\n\nOther parts of the bylaw that remain intact for large-scale solar installations include dimensional requirements, such as setback and lot size, mandated perimeter fences and how to counter the disruption of trail networks, the disruption of historic resources and properties and impacts to road integrity.\n\nScott Merzbach can be reached at smerzbach@gazettenet.com.<\/a><\/p>","headline-date":"This is 13760"},"media":{"url":"","thumbnail":"","credit":"","caption":"<\/a><\/em>"},"display_date":"","0":"Array\n(\n [year] => 2023\n [month] => 12\n [day] => 11\n)\n-Array\n(\n [year] => 2023\n [month] => 12\n [day] => 11\n)\n","start_date":{"year":2023,"month":12,"day":11},"end_date":{"year":2023,"month":12,"day":11}},{"text":{"headline":"Newspaper Article: The Reminder 12\/12\/2023 - Pelham village center the focus of working group (A2023.003.002) December 12 2023<\/a>","text":"13760

Pelham village center the focus of working group Dec. 12, 2023 | Doc Pruyne dpruyne@thereminder.com PELHAM \u2014 Volunteering for the town usually isn\u2019t considered fun, but the Planning Board convened a meeting on Dec. 6 to find residents who want to have fun planning growth in the village center. \u201cWe think it\u2019s sort of fun,\u201d said Judith Eiseman, a member of the Planning Board. \u201cSo far, that\u2019s how people are looking at it.\u201d The planning work has some degree of urgency. In about a year Amethyst Brook Apartments, an affordable housing development under the 40B laws, will bring dozens of new people into the town center. What will they do after move in? Eiseman thinks that\u2019s a good question. \u201cThere\u2019s been a long desired need for something as simple as a coffee shop,\u201d Eiseman said. \u201cWe\u2019re looking at the possibility of food trucks or coffee carts, things we can do to bring people together \u2026 some gathering place that\u2019s congenial to building community.\u201d Some momentum was built this year after a member of the Council on Aging suggested a walking track be installed near the town\u2019s community building and library. Attention turned to a two acre piece of land adjacent to the southern edge of the library parking lot. One task of the working group set up on Dec. 6 is to discover if those acres are usable. A portion of the adjacent plot is wetlands, which must be delineated before any of the land can be developed. The goal of the meeting was to set up a working group of five to seven people. Eiseman said the volunteers are \u201cdipping their toes\u201d into the planning process because, while extensive results are not expected, the group has an important near term goal. With the supervision of Planning Board members, the group will brainstorm ideas and prepare a report for presentation to Annual Town Meeting in the spring. Zoning work accomplished in 2020 defined the village center area. Work done in 2010 and 2018, with the findings posted on the town\u2019s website, shows a longstanding awareness among officials that amenities are necessary in the town center. The past planning work also justified a higher housing density in certain zones. Complicating the current planning effort, there may be several pieces of land, rather than one, to consider in the puzzle. \u201cAre there any other landowners interested in doing something other than what they are currently doing with any of their land?\u201d Eiseman said. \u201cWe don\u2019t know [and] it\u2019s going to take a few months to come up with any answers.\u201d Eiseman, a volunteer in town government for over four decades, said the current work follows on the suggestions for growth of prior planning efforts. The research done in 2010 identified two town centers, one occupied by the library, school and community building, the other at the top of the hill, close to Route 202. The recommendation 13 years ago was to emphasize developing the area around Cadwell St. and S. Valley Road. The proposal of 2018 sought to codify the village center area into three districts, each with specific zoning requirements. The heart of the village center is mixed use, with businesses and homes situated on smaller lots of a quarter acre, with access to town sewers. The district called village center neighborhood includes Amherst, South Valley and Jones Roads, and Cadwell Street. Those lots must have 125 feet of road frontage. Sewer services will soon be installed and connected to the Amherst sewer system. More diversity of housing is allowed. The outskirts of the village center, termed rural edge, including parcels on the south side of Jones Road and the north side of Amherst Road, are situated next to extensive forests or areas regulated by the Endangered Species Act. While two acre lots are required the preferred approach to development is clustered dwellings. Clustered dwellings allow for a higher density of residents and may better enable preservation efforts for the remaining land. The stated hope of the 2018 planning was to better integrate mixed uses, within walking distance of each other, including home businesses, cafes, restaurants and affordable housing. The Amethyst Brook project will respond to the need for affordable housing. The 40B laws that govern affordable housing, however, according to Eiseman, need to be amended. The dearth of places to eat or sip tea in the village center suggests that complimentary infrastructure should be given more weight as a consideration. \u201c40B is well intentioned, but it\u2019s really geared toward Boston and those larger surrounding communities,\u201d Eiseman said. \u201cWe all understand we need some housing. That\u2019s not the issue. The issue is how much and where and how fast, all of those things that go into good planning.\u201d The village center working group might meet again before the end of the year, but no date or time has been set.<\/a><\/p>","headline-date":"This is 13760"},"media":{"url":"","thumbnail":"","credit":"","caption":"<\/a><\/em>"},"display_date":"","0":"Array\n(\n [year] => 2023\n [month] => 12\n [day] => 12\n)\n-Array\n(\n [year] => 2023\n [month] => 12\n [day] => 12\n)\n","start_date":{"year":2023,"month":12,"day":12},"end_date":{"year":2023,"month":12,"day":12}},{"text":{"headline":"Newspaper Article: The Daily Hampshire Gazette 1\/2\/2024 State to cover more than one-third of Amherst\u2019s $19M Centennial water treatment plant project (A2024.001.001) January 2 2024<\/a>","text":"13760

AMHERST\n\nPlant gets large assist\n\nSome $7M in loans to be forgiven for Centennial water treatment facility\n\nBy SCOTT MERZBACH\n\nStaff Writer\n\nAMHERST \u2014 More than one-third of the almost $19 million cost to Amherst for rebuilding the Centennial water treatment plant in Pelham is being covered directly by the state through principal forgiveness on two loans.\n\nTown officials on Thursday announced that Amherst is in line for almost $7 million in principal forgiveness on the loans from the Clean Water Trust, with $6 million already awarded and nearly $1 million more pending.\n\nThe Clean Water Trust helps communities build or replace infrastructure that enhances ground and surface water resources, ensures the safety of drinking water and protects public health, through awarding low-interest loans and grants to cities, towns and water utilities through the Massachusetts\n\nState Revolving Funds.\n\n\u201cThese funds come at a crucial time as we continue to replace critical infrastructure for the town,\u201d Town Manager Paul Bockelman said in a statement. \u201cThis work must be done so we can continue to provide an adequate supply of clean drinking water to town residents and our institutional partners well into the future.\u201d\n\n\u201cThis significant grant will lessen the cost for the residents and others who depend on the town\u2019s water supply,\u201d he added.\n\nLast winter, the town accepted a low bid of $18.87 million from R.H. White Construction Co. Inc, of Auburn, to do the work on renovating and modernizing the plant that treats drinking water from the Hills and Hawley reservoirs in Pelham. The total cost, though, is around $21.5 million, with other expenses including engineering and contingency. Construction began in May with demolition of the\n\nSEE PLANT A4\n\n\n\nTreatment plant\n\nPLANT FROM A3\n\nexisting facility, with work expected to finish in May 2025.\n\nThe plant is using new filtration technology known as dissolved air flotation, improving operations by reducing the amount of disinfection byproducts from the current water treatment process, as well as cutting energy use.T he water treatment plant had filtered about one million gallons of surface water daily for Amherst, but has been offline in recent years, with the town\u2019s primary water sources being the Atkins Reservoir in Shutesbury, with its water going to a treatment plant in the Cushman section of Amherst, and wells in the Lawrence Swamp in South Amherst, supplying an average of 3 million gallons per day of drinking water to residents and businesses, as well as the Amherst College and Hampshire College campuses, the University of Massachusetts, and parts of Pelham, Belchertown, Leverett and Hadley.\n\n\u201cHaving this facility online gives us the resiliency we need to overcome things such as climate change that might impact our water system in the future,\u201d said Amy Rusiecki, the assistant superintendent for the Department if Public Works.\n\nThe State Revolving Fund program for clean water and drinking water infrastructure projects, a joint federal and state financing loan program that provides subsidized interest rate loans, is structured as a loan forgiveness program that is intended to make the project more affordable to communities and their rate payers.\n\nThe Massachusetts Clean Water Trust awarded a 2023 State Revolving Fund loan of $15 million, with principal forgiveness of $2.97 million that was later increased to $597,000. Additional support for this project is listed on the recently released 2024 draft SRF Intended Use Plans, including an additional $4.93 million loan to the town with principal forgiveness of $976,140. There is a public comment period on the draft Intended Use Plans, which is open through Jan. 31.\n\nScott Merzbach can be reached at smerzbach@gazettenet.com.<\/a><\/p>","headline-date":"This is 13760"},"media":{"url":"","thumbnail":"","credit":"","caption":"<\/a><\/em>"},"display_date":"","0":"Array\n(\n [year] => 2024\n [month] => 1\n [day] => 2\n)\n-Array\n(\n [year] => 2024\n [month] => 1\n [day] => 2\n)\n","start_date":{"year":2024,"month":1,"day":2},"end_date":{"year":2024,"month":1,"day":2}},{"text":{"headline":"Newspaper Article: The Daily Hampshire Gazette 1\/19\/2024 Amherst teen faces drug-related charges after Pelham traffic stop (A2024.001.002) January 19 2024<\/a>","text":"13760

Amherst teen faces drug-related charges after Pelham traffic stop\n\nBy SCOTT MERZBACH\n\nStaff Writer\n\nPublished: 01-19-2024 11:28 AM\nModified: 01-19-2024 12:39 PM\n\nPELHAM \u2014 An Amherst teenager with around $10,000 worth of cannabis- and flavored nicotine-related products, including vape cartridges and edibles, is facing a series of drug-related charges following a traffic stop on Route 202 Thursday afternoon, according to Pelham police.\n\nThe 17-year-old boy was arrested at around 4:10 p.m., after the vehicle he was driving was pulled over on the state highway near Shutesbury Road, police said.\n\nThe juvenile is facing two counts of possession of a class C drug, two counts of possession with intent to distribute a class C drug, as well as charges of possession of a class D drug, possession with intent to distribute a class D drug, possession of an open container of marijuana in a vehicle, and unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle following a search of the vehicle, said Police Lt. Derick Lamoureux.\n\nItems found in the vehicle, police said, included 8 ounces of plant-form marijuana, 100 THC concentrate vape cartridges, 51 500-800 mg THC edibles, about 400 foreign-manufactured flavored nicotine vapes, and around $5,000 in cash. Police estimated the street value of the items at around $10,000.\n\nPolice said that further investigation revealed that the products were intended for sale to high school students and young adults throughout the region who otherwise can\u2019t legally purchase marijuana and flavored nicotine.\n\nThis marks the second arrest this month on Route 202 of what Pelham police describe as a juvenile drug courier.\n\nThe first, on the evening of Jan. 3, led to the arrest of a Springfield teenager who had a backpack, located in the back passenger area of his vehicle, containing multiple baggies of heroin.<\/a><\/p>","headline-date":"This is 13760"},"media":{"url":"","thumbnail":"","credit":"","caption":"<\/a><\/em>"},"display_date":"","0":"Array\n(\n [year] => 2024\n [month] => 1\n [day] => 19\n)\n-Array\n(\n [year] => 2024\n [month] => 1\n [day] => 19\n)\n","start_date":{"year":2024,"month":1,"day":19},"end_date":{"year":2024,"month":1,"day":19}},{"text":{"headline":"Newspaper Article: The Reminder 2\/19\/2024 - Pelham Planning Board looks at town center project, solar bylaws (A2024.002.001) February 19 2024<\/a>","text":"13760

Pelham Planning Board looks at town center project, solar bylaws\n\nPELHAM \u2014 Last summer, Karen Smith of the Council on Aging suggested to Selectboard member Tara Loomis that, because seniors have few places to walk in town, a walking path behind the Rhodes Building and the school would be very popular. Seven months later, the Planning Board secured a map for the project so that everyone is on the same page at Town Meeting.\n\nIt is not yet clear what the project will be.\n\n\u201cOur intention was to have something to say at Town Meeting about what the working group and the Planning Board has decided or has discovered,\u201d said Judith Eisemann, chair of the Planning Board. \u201cWhat Daniel Saltz gave us was a preliminary plan. He\u2019s divided the town-owned land and the school property into three parcels.\u201d\n\nSaltz was tasked with creating a map of the area behind the public buildings that may be involved in the project. He submitted an unfinished plan because the working group doesn\u2019t yet know what is involved in the project. The land available for the project is also not defined.\n\nParcel A, the parking lot of the Rhodes Building, is the primary focus of the working group. South of the parking spaces, vacant plot of wetlands and trees, shaped like a bowtie, may also play a central role in the development.\n\nDelineating the limits of usable land on that lot, owned by the Rabinowitzes, is one preparation by the ad hoc committee for Town Meeting.\n\nJames Doubleday, a member of the ad hoc group, said members of his group have \u201cscaled out\u201d the wetlands borders and gauged the slope of the land in case a building may be involved. The group also sought feedback on what horticultural improvements residents might like to see. Group members talked with the town clerk and fire and police chiefs to gather feedback on public safety and other concerns.\n\n\u201cWe\u2019re putting that all into a Google Doc,\u201d Doubleday said. \u201cWe\u2019re still just gathering information. If the majority of the information we get is for one particular [version] versus another, it\u2019ll be weighted that way.\u201d\n\nTown officials have known for over a decade the town center was in need of walking and gathering places. The 2010 Pelham Village Centers Study Committee reported that bylaws are often drawn up to encourage a vibrant center and \u201cTo encourage pedestrian activity by creating a positive pedestrian experience.\u201d\n\nThe Rabinowitz property offers some challenges in light of the the town\u2019s wetlands regulations, which Eisemann helped draw up. The local bylaws are more restrictive than state laws. Planning Board member Stacey McCullough relayed that Ward Smith of Wendell Wetlands Services said the wetlands may not need a setback. A setback would further constrict the land available for the project \u2014 but that would only be true under state law and not Pelham\u2019s bylaws.\n\nIt was still to be discovered whether the wetlands need a setback. Eisemann said it was a case where the Conservation Commission would have to weigh in and make a determination. Some incursion into the 100-foot buffer would be allowed, depending on what populates the soggy area.\n\n\u201cIt depends on what that wetland actually has in it,\u201d Eisemann said. \u201cThere would have to be some investigation to see if there\u2019s some ferry shrimp or turtles, whatever is actually living in that wetlands. If it\u2019s small, it may not support much life \u2014 but the ConCom will deal with that.\u201d\n\nDoubleday said the Conservation Commission won\u2019t be able to make much progress in applying the bylaws until a project has been decided on. He noted the differences between regulations for a picnic table, a building or a residence. The commission can\u2019t determine much, in relation to the wetlands, until the type of project is settled.\n\nEisemann agreed. A plot plan would be required before the commission\u2019s blessing could be sought.\n\nPlanning Board members also discussed the town\u2019s difficulties with the solar bylaw. The rewrite of the solar bylaws was submitted to Attorney General Andrea Campbell, who disallowed several points. Other amendments were added on Town Meeting floor, with the result that officials are not quite sure residents were fully aware of what they voted for.\n\nThe commission asked Eisemann if the Planning Board considered any further amendments to the bylaw.\n\n\u201cMost of our solar bylaw was left intact, and we still have most of the authority we had, accept for a couple of things the AG didn\u2019t like, so we\u2019re not going to amend our solar bylaw,\u201d Eisemann said. Commission members, she said, \u201cfelt very stongly, after the confusion in Town Meeting, people did not understand what they were voting on, because of the amendments that were made.\u201d\n\nEisemann also said the significant cost of contesting the attorney general\u2019s decisions on the solar bylaw would be prohibited by the cost of litigation.\n<\/a><\/p>","headline-date":"This is 13760"},"media":{"url":"","thumbnail":"","credit":"","caption":"<\/a><\/em>"},"display_date":"","0":"Array\n(\n [year] => 2024\n [month] => 2\n [day] => 19\n)\n-Array\n(\n [year] => 2024\n [month] => 2\n [day] => 19\n)\n","start_date":{"year":2024,"month":2,"day":19},"end_date":{"year":2024,"month":2,"day":19}},{"text":{"headline":"Newspaper Article: The Reminder 3\/12\/2024 - Pelham previews upcoming Town Meeting warrant (A2024.002.002) March 4 2024<\/a>","text":"13760

Pelham previews upcoming Town Meeting warrant\n\nPELHAM \u2014 Select Board members Tara Loomis and David Shanabrook met March 4 to vote to include articles on the warrant for this year\u2019s spring Town Meeting.\n\nLoomis and Shanabrook did not vote to recommend articles for passage, a later step in the process. The first five articles were numbered, the next 14 were not.\n\nArticles 1 and 2 will allow the town to accept the votes of officials and committees, or gives the treasurer, with Select Board approval, the authority to borrow money. Many articles will authorize some of the basic activities of the town. Another article will give authority to the Library Trustees to spend money raised through the sale of books, gifts, bequests and subsidies from state and federal sources.\n\nArticle 3 asks voters to approve the fiscal year 2025 proposed budget. That budget includes $529,757 for general government expenses, $105,225 for boards and commissions, $3,055,820 for school related costs and levy and $474,225 for public works. Voters will also be requested to fund other departmental budgets of $418,127 for public safety, $22,761 for health and sanitation and $880,844 for employee benefits and insurance.\n\nThe proposed FY25 budget is $5,506,759. The proposed town budget in 2024 was $5.22 million. The increase is about $287,000.\n\nThe pay rates for elected and appointed officials are set by a vote on Article 4. A vote in favor will establish rates of pay at $1,000 for the chair of the Board of Assessors, $5,000 for the other assessors, the county commissioner at $9 per hour, $1,200 for each Select Board member and $1,500 for the tree warden.\n\nArticle 5 asks voters to fund a variety of town functions from free cash, the town\u2019s savings account. If approved by voters those funding amounts will include a regional school district capital reserve of $21,000 toward a total capital assessment of $29,311. The Cemetery Commission will be funded for $1,000, the Housing Committee for $4,000, the Sustainability Committee for $500 and the tree warden for $2,500.\n\nAppropriations from free cash will total $213,066.\n\nVoters must also approve limits for all revolving accounts, which enable the spending and receipt of monies in the course of official business. The proposed amounts for FY25 include the archivist for $2,500, $30,000 for the building inspector, $5,000 for the Community Garden Committee, $7,000 for the community hall, $7,500 for the Fire Department and $1,500 for the gas inspector.\n\nThe revolving account for the DPW will start at $7,500 while the Planning Board will initially receive $15,000, $1,500 will go to the plumbing inspector and $3,000 to the electrical inspector. The Police Department will be funded under the article at $7,500. The Zoning Board of Appeals will initially receive $1,000.\n\nTown officials are also asking voters to authorize a different handling procedure for funds received from the settlement of opioid lawsuits. The article asks voters to approve a special revenue fund for those monies.\n\nThe Community Preservation Committee, or CPC, which manages funds from the commonwealth disbursed through the Community Preservation Act, if voted favorably, will be able to appropriate and transfer estimated annual revenues of $8,400.\n\nAn article will also empower CPC members to reserve for later appropriation $17,000 for open space, $17,000 for community housing, $17,000 for historic resources, while $108,600 will be reserved for later uses.\n\nAn article will ask voters to appropriate $10,774 from the PEG Access and Cable related fund for technology services.\n\nVoters are likely to be familiar with an article regarding the school assessment paid by the town to the regional school district, an amendment to Section 6 that limits an increase in the assessment to no more than 4%. The requirements of the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education for a local contribution from the town must still be met.\n\nThe new running track and other expenditures for repairs on regional school buildings asks voters to appropriate an undefined amount for those repairs.\nTown voters will also be asked to raise $52,467 for a project or projects, including $12,657.72 transferred from the Massachusetts School Building Authority.\n\nOne article voted onto the warrant asks voters to approve a plan involving Amherst and Northampton in an intermunicipal energy aggregation plan. That plan was developed in conjunction with Valley Green Energy and has been in development for quite some time, including community information meetings.\n\nVoters will also be asked to decide whether $8,278.74 should be transferred to a project under a grant from the Municipal Vulnerability Plan. The funds will cover a shortfall in expenses left uncovered by the grant.\n\nExecutive Assistant to the Select Board Susannah Carrie said of the source of the money to cover the shortfall, \u201cIt will more than likely be from free cash.\u201d\nIf approved by a vote, one warrant article will empower the Cultural Council to expend such monies as it receives from the commonwealth.\n\nThe last two articles voted onto the warrant give the Select Board the authority to enter into contracts with the Massachusetts Department of Transportation for public highway maintenance and to apply for any state or federal grants that may become available.\n\nThe Town Meeting is scheduled for May 11.<\/a><\/p>","headline-date":"This is 13760"},"media":{"url":"","thumbnail":"","credit":"","caption":"<\/a><\/em>"},"display_date":"","0":"Array\n(\n [year] => 2024\n [month] => 3\n [day] => 4\n)\n-Array\n(\n [year] => 2024\n [month] => 3\n [day] => 4\n)\n","start_date":{"year":2024,"month":3,"day":4},"end_date":{"year":2024,"month":3,"day":4}},{"text":{"headline":"Newspaper Article: The Daily Hampshire Gazette 3\/12\/2024 Biologists, governor visit bear den in Pelham (A2023.004.006) March 12 2024<\/a>","text":"13760

Staff report\nPublished: 03-12-2024 3:17 PM\nModified: 03-12-2024 5:08 PM\n\nPELHAM \u2014 State biologists took the governor for a visit to a black bear den in Pelham last Friday that is part of ongoing statewide research throughout the state.\n\nEach winter, biologists from the Massachusetts Department of Fish & Game Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (MassWildlife) visit the dens of female black bears, called sows, with radio tracking collars to assess the health and number of new cubs. The study provides critical information about the growing bear population in Massachusetts.\n\nThe biologist this year escorted Gov. Maura Healey and several other officials on the visit, where they were able to get an up-close look at the sow and her three cubs located at the den after trained staff immobilized the adult animal.\n\n\u201cWe had a great time learning from our wildlife experts and getting to know our bear neighbors,\u201d Healey said in a statement. \u201cMassachusetts is home to an impressive variety of habitats and wildlife. We are committed to using the best possible science to conserve biodiversity in Massachusetts. This black bear research is a great example of how we are making that happen.\u201d\n\nWhile at the den, biologists checked the health of the cubs and mother and replaced the sow\u2019s GPS tracking collar. Signals from the collar are used throughout the year to see whether bears are using natural areas or developed, residential areas.\n\nAfter all the data was collected from the sow and cubs, biologists carefully returned the bears to their den and left the area. Many black bears are becoming more active during this time of year, but sows with cubs remain in their dens for several more weeks.\n\nJoining Healey on Monday were Rebecca Tepper, secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs; Tom O\u2019Shea, commissioner of the Department of Fish & Game; Mark Tisa, MassWildlife director; and first partner Joanna Lydgate.\n\nTepper said the MassWildlife\u2019s black bear research program is the longest of its kind in New England.\n\n\u201cThe goal is to understand bear behavior, population size, and movements across Massachusetts,\u201d Tepper said.\n\nO\u2019Shea said that despite Massachusetts being the third most densely populated state in the country, black bear populations are thriving and have expanded their range as far east as the Interstate 495 corridor.\n\nCollecting this vital data helps MassWildlife understand populations, educate the public, and minimize conflicts with these important creatures, he said.\n\nMassWildlife\u2019s Black Bear Project Leader Dave Wattles said, \u201cOur goal is to keep these impressive animals wild by understanding their movements and by encouraging people to take actions like removing bird feeders and securing trash in their yards.\u201d<\/a><\/p>","headline-date":"This is 13760"},"media":{"url":"https:\/\/pelhamhistory.org\/pa\/media\/collectiveaccess\/images\/2\/3\/92784_ca_object_representations_media_2324_small.jpg","thumbnail":"https:\/\/pelhamhistory.org\/pa\/media\/collectiveaccess\/images\/2\/3\/15935_ca_object_representations_media_2324_icon.jpg","credit":"","caption":"<\/a><\/em>"},"display_date":"","0":"Array\n(\n [year] => 2024\n [month] => 3\n [day] => 12\n)\n-Array\n(\n [year] => 2024\n [month] => 3\n [day] => 12\n)\n","start_date":{"year":2024,"month":3,"day":12},"end_date":{"year":2024,"month":3,"day":12}}]}