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

Saturday, May 30, 2009

Sturbridge Resident And The Carpenters Union Steps Up

I received a message on my answering machine yesterday. It was left by Sturbridge resident, Chris Mattioli. The message was short, and to the point, he said he would like to help with the putting picnic tables on the common, and asked that I call him.

I called him immediately.

Chris is a Union carpenter, and is involved at the Carpenters Union Training facility over in Millbury. He ran an idea he had by his boss yesterday. What if the carpenter apprentices built the table for the Sturbridge Town Common for free? All they would need is the stock, the money for which could continue to be raised on this site, and hopefully from individual businesses in town.

I was floored.

Someone finally has stepped up with an idea that would make placing the picnic tables on the common possible for one half the price. If we could get just two 6 foot tables it would be great.

This is how things are supposed to work. An idea is born, and then shared. Others look at the idea, and if they feel it is worthwhile, then they will add to it from their end. They may know someone, or have a certain skill that may be invaluable for the completion of the idea. Chris has both.

As a result, I will extend the deadline for the collection of funds for the picnic tables. Those that do give will find their names listed here, and the businesses that give will be given FREE advertising space on this site for one year, along with an acknowledgment of their donation.

Picnic tables at half the price of what was originally projected. In these times, that is as good as Donald Trump stopping by and helping out himself.

I like this idea. The Carpenters Union has stepped up as well, and they are not even located here in town, so I challenge those businesses here in Sturbridge to do the same, and to step up. Restaurants, liquor store, retail stores, gift stores, motels, hotels, coffee shops, and manufacturers please give what you can.

The tables are a simple thing, but they will bring a great deal of enjoyment to our towns residents and visitors.
Scribbled by on

2 comments:

  1. AnonymousSaturday, May 30, 2009

    Now that you've mentioned receiving recognition and even free advertising I'm sure you'll receive more money than needed for two tables.

    Please stick to your plan of TWO tables. Yucking up the common is something that greatly concerns me. Maybe you could plan for the extra money to go towards benches for other town owned lands. With trails being built and thousands of acres of beautiful open space there are many special places to sit and relax in town.

    Please do not put more than two picnic tables on our Town Common, it's simplicity is its beauty.

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  2. Wally HerseeSaturday, May 30, 2009

    Keeping things simple is essential. Any "extra" funds would be donated to the town for benches, and or tables at other locations. Maybe, along some of our fine trails. Personally, I would like to see some "Scenic Views" carved out along our Scenic Roads here in town. A bench would be great to sit, relax and take in what lies in front of ones eyes, but one project at a time! Please donate if you can.

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