Jake Catlin of Smith's Cheese Appointed to Fill Last Empty School Committee Seat
At a joint meeting of the School Committee and Board of Selectmen on Monday, September 11, local farmer and businessman Jake Catlin was appointed to fill the last empty seat on the Winchendon School Committee left by the resignations of Alicia Jordan, Dr. Ryan Forsythe and Greg Vine earlier this year.
Four candidates had submitted letters of interest for the seat and all were present to speak. The candidates were called forward in alphabetical order, with Mr. Catlin coming to the microphone first.
"My wife and I, and my brother and his wife purchased Smith Country Cheese seven years ago from the Smiths, and we've been in town since then," he began. "My wife and I have three children. Eight, six and one about to be three years old. So I have two in the school system right now and have one in the school system in two years. I grew up in Ashburnham." He went on to say that his grandparents lived in Winchendon and he spent time visiting the town. His mother was born and raised in Winchendon and attended Murdock High School.
"I went off to Northeastern University where I started studying criminal justice. After Northeastern, I got my Master's in Science in Accounting and became a federal agent with the United States Department of Labor," Mr. Catlin continued. Then the opportunity came up to purchase the farm, and they're still thriving after seven years. "We're very happy to be back here where we grew up, and be a part of our community. So we're here. You know, I'm here as a business owner, and family man, a husband and dad, and I want to see Winchendon continue its upward trajectory...I think it starts with the schools. You have to have good schools, you have to have good kids, you gotta raise proper kids in order to do that. And I want to help out as much as I can. I believe that every decision made by the school board should be with the kids' best interest at heart, nothing else."
Asked what the primary role of the School Committee is, Mr. Catlin compared it to the relationship of a board of directors to a CEO. The Committee "needs to first and foremost take into account every student, their needs for the whole district and make decisions based for them, not outside factors, not news, not politics but the children's best interest and every decision to be made with that perspective."
Responding to another question, Mr. Catlin said, "I believe my best interest at this point is to come in and sort of serve as a conduit for some of the parents that are out there who...don't come to the meetings. Don't serve on the school board, do any of that stuff...I feel like I can at least be a conduit for a lot of concerns, their priorities and the things that parents want, any issues they want to address."
Mr. Catlin said he "absolutely" had the time required for the Committee's demands. "I took that into consideration when making this decision. So I wouldn't do it, wouldn't even waste your time if I wasn't fully committed," he said.
Asked what he would change, Mr. Catlin said, "I feel like you can always do a better job of bringing people together. So the more community events, the new park, we're going to continue to find ways to get people out, get people exposed to school board members or council member, they'll understand that they are regular people like me, and they can put a face to the name and talk to them, and vocalize their concerns and hopefully they can get some of those things through, coming together. Communicating is one of the most important things."
The most pressing issue facing the schools, Mr. Catlin said, was all the turnover in all the schools. Constant new policies and change "doesn't lend itself to smooth transitions for the kids. If they have a steady calm presence in there year after year after year and they know what to expect, when they know what's coming, then the transitions from grade to grade and school to school become easier and easier."
The second candidate to come to the microphone was Chris Cyganiewicz. Ms. Cyganiewicz said that she'd lived in Winchendon for over 30 years and has two children in the school system, with her eldest daughter having graduated from Murdock last year. She also has nieces and nephews in the schools. "So I'm pretty invested in what happens in the schools, personally," she said. "I don't really have any experience sitting on the School Committee. I'm not going to be 100 percent sure what responsibilities that I know are sometimes involved, but I have one shot at the moment. So I'm just kind of throwing my hat in the ring because somebody has to step up."
Asked what she thought the primary role of the School Committee is, Ms. Cyganiewicz stated "making good solid decisions" and making sure policies corresponded to "whatever the laws may be."
Ms. Cyganiewicz described herself as "very solution-oriented," having worked for years as an Operations Training Manager. "If there's a problem, I'm constantly thinking about like, okay, what can we do, how can we make this better? What resources do we have? Who can help us...I'm pretty sure I'm pretty opinionated. But I'm always willing to listen to what the other side is."
Ms. Cyganiewicz admitted she wasn't sure how much time commitment was involved, but said firmly that she felt she had all the qualifications for the job.
Asked what she would change, Ms. Cyganiewicz said, "I always felt that, like all the staff at our school really worked very cohesively. And communication was good. Whether it was like following policies, everybody was always on the same page, and consistently following everything. I feel like Winchendon has a big opportunity there."
Asked what she saw as the most pressing issues facing the schools, Ms. Cyganiewicz named staffing shortages "across the board," from para-professionals to principals, and budget.
The third candidate to come forward was Ed Ford, Jr. He did not speak long and did not answer questions from the Committee or Board members.
The final candidate to come to the microphone was Trenton Solomon. Mr. Solomon stated that he has been a resident of the town for about 15 years and has four children in the school system ranging from 5th to 10th grade. He said he believes that if you have complaints, you need to be part of the solution.
Asked what the primary goal of the School Committee is, Mr. Solomon said "To be an advocate for children and also take into account parents and teachers." He said that he had the time to devote to the Committee and he felt he had all the necessary qualifications. Asked what he felt the most pressing issues were for the school district, Mr. Solomon responded, "Accountability and transparency."
After hearing all four candidates, members of the School Committee and Board of Selectmen each gave their nominations for the seat. Chris Cyganiewicz and Jake Catlin both received nominations. The Committee and Board then voted, and elected Mr. Catlin who received six votes. (BOS Chair Audrey LaBrie was not present.)
Each of the three seats filled by appointment will expire at the end of the fiscal year. Each seat will be up for election in the May 2024 Town Election, and anyone interested in serving will need to pull nomination papers at the Town Clerk's office and run for election on the ballot. The elected School Committee seats have a term of three years.
Millers River: Life Flowing Through Our Backyards
Photo courtesy of Mount Grace Land Conservation Trust
Photo by Keith Kent
On Sunday, September 17, at 12:00 noon, the public will have a rare opportunity to hear experts speak about our own Millers River.
Since the beginning of time, human settlements were built near water, and Winchendon is no exception. While first located up in Old Centre, town operations proliferated down the hill on the Millers River as the mills and other industries flourished. Dams on the North Branch of the Millers River formed the 600-acre Monomonac Lake. The North Branch and main stem of the Millers River combine at Whitney Pond, and flow over 50 miles west through Athol and Orange to meet the Connecticut River. The river attracted outdoor enthusiasts and at one time was considered by anglers to be "the best trout stream in the state."
The Millers River was largely responsible for the growth and success of Winchendon through its heyday as a thriving mill town. The mills are now closed, but the river is ever constant, running through the heart of our community.
So what does it mean to us today? The answer is: everything. Fortunately, we have organizations today who recognize this and educate and advocate for its protection in tangible ways. The Unitarian Universalist Church of Winchendon is pleased to welcome Anna Wilkins, Executive Director of the North County Land Trust (NCLT) and Ivan Ussach, Executive Director for the Millers River Watershed Council (MRWC), on Sunday, September 17. They will speak at noon on the Millers River watershed and its critical importance to our community and beyond. They'll follow with a Q&A session. Admission is free.
Both speakers are seasoned experts in their field. Anna holds a degree in Wildlife and Wildlands Science and has headed up NCLT since 2017. Ana is looking forward to Sunday's talk, hoping to "get Winchendon folks excited about the beautiful Millers River and their role in keeping it protected and clean." Ivan's career spans a broad array of environmental roles, in toxicology, advocacy, protection, and more. He has been involved with MRWC and statewide watershed matters for over 18 years.
NCLT is a regional land conservation organization founded in 1992. Their mission is "to conserve the forests, landscapes and farms that define the character of our region." NCLT's focus area includes the Route 2 corridor from Templeton to Ayer, with Winchendon fitting in its northwest corner. For more information visit: https://northcountylandtrust.org/
Dating back to 1970, MRWC's Mission is to "protect and enhance the health of the Millers River and its watershed for the long-term benefit of its human and non-human residents," with a goal of "helping people discover what makes the Millers River and its tributaries a natural treasure." They oversee many programs spanning from education, advocacy, monitoring and recreation. For more information visit: https://millerswatershed.org/
Join these learned stewards on Sunday. We promise you will learn something new and hopefully walk away with a newfound appreciation for this natural resource...flowing through our very backyards.
The Unitarian Universalist Church of Winchendon is located at 126 Central Street and is fully accessible. The presentation will be in the church sanctuary.
Beals Memorial Library is Throwing a Birthday Party
Library Director Manuel King and Hardcover the Library Dragon invite you to the Beals Memorial Library's 110th birthday celebration on Saturday, September 30, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Photo courtesy of Beals Memorial Library
The Beals Memorial Library's Board of Trustees invites the public to come celebrate the library's 110th birthday! On Saturday, September 30, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., the library will be hosting a Birthday Open House in commemoration of this special anniversary. Put on a party hat and join the celebration!
At the open house, party guests can take a tour of the library and learn some interesting facts about the library's rich history over the last 110 years. There will also be an opportunity to learn about future plans for the library. Guests will also get to enjoy a cupcake as everyone wishes the library a happy birthday.
This event is supported by the Friends of the Beals Memorial Library and is free and open to the public.
The Beals Memorial Library is located at 50 Pleasant Street in Winchendon. For more information, contact the library at 978-297-0300 or bealsmemoriallibrary@gmail.com, or visit the library's website at bealslibrary.org.
MassArt Announces Common Good Awards, Celebrating Contributions to Civic Life Through the Arts
Nominations are now open for the MassArt Common Good Awards to celebrate the contributions of individuals and organizations at the intersection of civic life, arts, and culture
BOSTON, MA (SEPTEMBER 12, 2023) - Massachusetts College of Art and Design (MassArt) is proud to announce the MassArt Common Good Awards. The college is establishing this annual award as a part of its 150th anniversary year to recognize the inclusion of arts and culture in civic life and practice.
The MassArt Common Good Awards will celebrate the valuable impact of arts and culture by honoring individuals and organizations that push boundaries of advocacy, teaching, placemaking, design thinking, and making in the realm of arts and culture, placing an emphasis on the public influence of arts and its role in problem solving and quality of life.
"Art, culture, and design are everywhere, embedded in all facets of our lives," said Dr. Mary K. Grant, President of MassArt. "As a public institution, we exist at the nexus of service, civic life, arts, and culture. The MassArt Common Good Awards will honor those people and organizations who are improving our lives through art and design by tackling society's most critical problems and bringing the community together."
The college is issuing an open call for nominations. For this award, arts and culture should be broadly defined, and include visual and performing arts, literature, film, fashion, design, advocacy, administration, and creative economy.
"As the only independent, public college of art and design in the United States, MassArt has been the catalyst for an important conversation about how art, culture, and design can and should be considered in everything we do," said Patrick Tutwiler, Secretary of Education for Massachusetts. "These awards serve as the impetus of that work here in Massachusetts and an important reminder to reimagine the value of arts and culture in public life."
Nominees are not required to be affiliated with MassArt or Massachusetts, though those with ties to the Commonwealth will be prioritized. MassArt expects to honor five or six awardees. The Alumni Award will be given to an individual who attended MassArt, and the Frances Euphemia Thompson Award for Excellence in Teaching will acknowledge the contributions of a current or retired public school K-12 teacher in Massachusetts. The remaining awards will recognize a wide range of individuals and organizations.
Nominations are now open and will be accepted through October 2, 2023. Anyone is eligible to nominate, and self-nominations are also accepted. Awards will be presented in a public ceremony at MassArt on Saturday, December 16 at 11 a.m. The event will be open to the public and more information about this will be available in early November.
To nominate someone for the MassArt Common Good Awards or for more information about the awards visit massart.edu/massart-common-good-awards.
Don't Wrestle With Trying to Find Your Unclaimed Property, Visit FindMassMoney.Gov
Boston (September 12, 2023) - Today Massachusetts State Treasurer Deborah B. Goldberg has announced the latest grouping of names added to the state's list of unclaimed property owners.
Over 50,000 new properties worth millions of dollars belong to individuals and businesses throughout the Commonwealth.
"We currently have over $3.4 billion in unclaimed property at Treasury, and it could be yours," said State Treasurer Deborah B. Goldberg. "Unclaimed property's time is up; your time is now. So call our office today to begin the claims process."
Unclaimed property includes forgotten savings and checking accounts, un-cashed checks, insurance policy proceeds, stocks, dividends, and the contents of unattended safe deposit boxes. These accounts are turned over to the state after three years of inactivity. This newly released list includes only individuals and businesses with unclaimed property over $100.
Treasurer Goldberg urges all citizens to check the comprehensive list for all amounts at https://www.findmassmoney.gov/ or call our live call center at 888-344-MASS (6277).
All new individuals and businesses added to the unclaimed property list will be published in the Boston Globe on September 10 and will be in the Boston Herald on September 17. In addition, the names will be published in over 30 regional and local papers.
One in ten Massachusetts residents are owed money. Last year, Treasury processed over 153,000 claims and returned over $163 million in property to its rightful owners.
United Way of North Central MA Assisting Leominster Residents
FITCHBURG, MA: September 14, 2023 - United Way of North Central Massachusetts (UWNCM) has created a fund to assist local community members impacted by recent catastrophic flooding in the city of Leominster. The Leominster Flood Relief Fund will provide financial assistance and supplies to residents impacted by the flash flooding.
During the evening of September 11, Leominster was inundated with nearly 10 inches of rain, creating flash floods that washed out roads, stranded vehicles, and damaged many homes and businesses. The city declared a state of emergency as residents were evacuated from multiple areas due to a dam collapse and the formation of sinkholes. A town school served as an emergency shelter.
Support will be especially critical as more rain is anticipated in the days to come.
UWNCM has a long history of supporting North Central communities in times of disaster and crisis. UWNCM President Kory Eng shared, "Our hearts go out to the families and individuals in Leominster impacted by this once-in-a-lifetime storm. Our Day of Caring is this Friday, but we've already seen our region's caring in action as so many people and businesses have stepped up to help, to donate, to volunteer."
UWNCM has coordinated with the City of Leominster to launch the Fund, and through a collaboration with the Community Foundation of North Central Massachusetts (CFNCM) and the Greater Worcester Community Foundation (GWCF), donations to the Fund will be matched dollar for dollar, up to $75,000. One-hundred percent of donations given to the Fund will go to support residents impacted by the flooding.
Steve Adams, President of CFNCM, states, "The recent devastating floods in the City of Leominster have left some citizens homeless and many in need of essential services. Clean-up after this will be immense. This Fund will help residents recover, and we’re humbled to have a hand in helping them rebuild their lives."
"Our thoughts are with our neighbors in Leominster as they work to recover from this unexpected devastation to their community," shared GWCF President Peter Dunn. "Contributions to the Flood Relief Fund will go a long way in helping them do so."
Many residents of Leominster are facing horrific losses, as historically dry homes and basements unexpectedly filled with water and destroyed foundations, belongings, and precious memories. One Leominster resident commented, "The rainfall came down so quickly, and before I knew it, I had water rushing into the basement and a river running through my backyard where there never was one before. Pieces of my road floated away. It was truly terrifying."
UWNCM is appealing to the community to support those impacted by the flood by making a donation to the Fund. To donate, text FLOODRELIEF to 50155 or visit https://uwncm.org/leominster-flood-relief/.
