Autumn in the North Cemetery.

Sixty miles west of Boston, Massachusetts there is the small New England town of Sturbridge. Located at the junction of I-90 (The Mass Pike), and I-84 it has become known as the "Crossroads of New England". The town was first settled over 300 years ago, and like other small New England towns it has grown just enough over the years to be in a difficult place today. How do we embrace the future without forgetting how we got to our present? How do we attract the right kind of growth, and maintain who we are? And, what about our culture out here in Central Massachusetts?



These pages will cause one to think about how to protect what we have, our future direction, and how to move on in the very best way.


Those thoughts, and other ramblings, will hopefully inspire more thought, conversation, action, and occasionally a smile...

...seems to be working so far

Friday, January 11, 2008

Poll Results Are In

The recent poll asking "What Can you Offer" in reference to giving your talents to making our town better place are in.

I am a Town Board member. (60%)
I know several business owners in town on a first name basis. (80%)
I am an artist. (20%)
I am a photographer. (0%)
I have access to maps. (40%)
I am very familiar with flora and fauna of our area. (40%)
I am very familiar with the geography of our area. (60%)
I am very familiar with the geology of our area (20%)
I am very familiar with the hydrology of our area. (20%)
I am very familiar with the wetlands of our area. (40%)
I am familiar with the endangered and threatened species of our area.(40%)
I can volunteer my time in the field. (60%)
I can volunteer my time at home. (40%)
I have equipment to assist with trail clearing.(20%)
I know the history of the area very well.(20%)
I have "connections" (non-political) to assist us in our efforts. (60%)
My skill is not listed, and I will email you. (0%)

What does this tell us? Well, for one there are a lot of talented people here in town that are able, and willing to lend their talents to projects in town. Whether their talent is being an artist, or just "having connections", they are all extremely useful. So, what now? Begin by offering your talents to the town. Apply to be on one of the boards that have a vacancy, write to the chairperson of a particular board and volunteer your talent, or attend a meeting in town and, when the opportunity presents itself, offer up yourself. There will be a regional Trail Meeting on January 14th at 6:30 PM at the American Legion (see previous post: http://aroundsturbridge.blogspot.com/2008/01/regional-trail-meeting-january-14-2008.html ). This may be a good place to begin.

What we have accomplished thus far? We have found a common voice for change and improvement within our town. We have established that we are pro-active, and not reactive, we are talented, and we are willing to volunteer our time. Sounds like a good start.

We are also becoming privy to the town plans for improvment, and we are responding to the plans in a good way.

All in all, it seems that this space has done some good. As the "catalyst" I can only do so much, now take your skills, and willingness to help to those that will appreciate it. Attend the Town Meetings, and use your voice there.

We are going to make things happen in our lifetime, the ball is already rolling.
Scribbled by on

4 comments:

  1. AnonymousFriday, January 11, 2008

    A few suggestions:
    Add maps and pictures of our land/lakes to the Sturbridge tourism website. www.sturbridge.org
    Make that inventory and get the word out. (great example are the pix from Carol/Dave)Right now on that website the only Point of interest is Breezeland Orchards (love their cider donuts!) We probably can fill a page from what folks have put on this blog! Let's get the word out! Let's get the tourists in! We have Wells State Park (with marked trails, beach etc.), public recreation with a skate park, public beach, tennis, basketball, etc., We have some great fishing spots, trails-trails-trails, etc., etc. etc. So what next?

    Homework assignment: You are a potential tourist and are going to do some homework to decide if you come to Sturbridge and how long you would stay? You visit the visitors section of our town website and directed to www.sturbridge.org, what do you see? Knowing what you KNOW, what can Sturbridge offer? THAT is what will bring people in and that is what we need to get the word out.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Wally HerseeFriday, January 11, 2008

    By Jove, I think she's got it!!!
    You are absolutely correct! The website you referred to is run by The Sturbridge Area Tourist Association. It is a gorgeous site. Maybe someone can approach someone there and make those recommendations?? (hint, hint).

    Now, that's a homework assignment!

    ReplyDelete
  3. AnonymousSaturday, January 12, 2008

    Dear thinking: Due to to pending snow sorm on Monday the regional trail meeting has been canceled, and will we reschedueled at a later date.

    Tom Chamberland

    ReplyDelete
  4. Wally HerseeSaturday, January 12, 2008

    Thanks for the update, Tom. I posted the cancellation notice at the top of the Blog as well. When it is rescheduled, let me know.

    ReplyDelete



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