Archive for September 23rd, 2010

September 23rd, 2010

Lowell’s Pawtucket Dam Named One of the Most Endangered Historic Sites in Massachusetts

by PaulM

 News Release from Preservation Massachusetts, Old City Hall, 45 School Street, Boston, MA 02108, 617-723-3383, www.preservationmass.org

Contact: Jim Igoe or Erin Kelly, 617-723-3383

PAWTUCKET DAM LISTED AMONGST MASSACHUSETTS’ MOST ENDANGERED HISTORIC RESOURCES:

Landmark 19th Century Dam Facing Irreversible Damage in Proposed Hydroelectric Project

“The Pawtucket Dam in Lowell has been named one of Massachusetts’ “Most Endangered Historic Resources”. Since 1993, this list is compiled annually by Preservation Massachusetts, the state’s historic preservation advocacy organization, as part of an advocacy and education program.“The Pawtucket Dam is an integral part of the Lowell Canal System, and contributes much to the interpretation of the waterpower resources that make up the Lowell National Historical Park. The dam is made up of two sections, built in 1847 and 1876 and constructed of squared granite. Atop the granite sits a row of wooden flashboards, held in place with iron pins. The flashboards serve as flood relief system; should the water level rise, the pins bend and allow the boards to give way and hold back water. The flashboard system was part of an earlier dam on this site, and subsequent dam work has always retained this historic feature. The dam is a focal point of the National Park and has many overlapping historic designations, including being a National Historic Civil and Mechanical Engineering Landmark.

“The owners of the dam are currently proposing a project that would have severe adverse effects on the appearance and historic fabric of the dam. The proposal would remove the wooden flashboards in favor of a “crest gate” system. The granite dam would be covered by over 2,000 cubic yards of concrete that would provide a base for large metal gates and large air-filled bladders to control the dam systems. Five, 5-foot concrete piers would separate each section of the bladder system. The project would render the bottom of the dam totally dry during much of the year, as overflow as it exists now is seen as a waste of hydro-energy. Though energy production could be improved by up to 10%, it comes at an extremely high cost to the historic character and integrity of the dam and the Lowell Canals.

“Jim Igoe, President of Preservation Massachusetts feels strongly about listing the Pawtucket Dam. “When most of us think of Lowell, we think of major preservation success and all they have accomplished. This listing proves that historic resources in every community face extreme threats, even cities as preservation minded as Lowell. We hope that this listing will add additional weight and support to the many citizens and groups who are banding together to keep this dam from facing irreversible alteration.”

“The hydroelectric project has met with major concern from Lowell citizens, neighbors and elected officials. Citizen groups, preservation agencies, the National Park, Lowell’s City Council and Congresswoman Niki Tsongas have all voiced opposition to the installation of the crest-gate system and the effect the project will have on this character defining feature of Lowell’s heritage.

“It is hoped that the designation as an endangered resource will create even more broad-based awareness and support for retaining the historic features of the dam and resonate with Federal commissions and agencies that are reviewing this project and its effects on Lowell.

“Also listed on the 2010 Most Endangered Historic Resources list was the East Parish Meeting House in Haverhill.

“The other endangered resources for 2010 are: the Speedway Building (Boston/Brighton), Notre Dame Church, (Southbridge), the Abiel Williams House (Dudley), Newbury Lower Green (Newbury), Odd Fellows Home (Worcester), Oakham West School (Oakham), and 25-27 Elliot Street (Springfield).

“Please visit www.preservationmass.org or call 617-723-3383 for more information on this year’s endangered list.

 

 

“About the ‘Massachusetts Most Endangered Historic Resources’ List

“2010 marks the 17

th anniversary of the Massachusetts Most Endangered Historic Resources program. This list has become an effective tool for preservationists to focus statewide attention on the condition of individual historic properties and their importance to communities. Of the more than 130 historic sites designated as endangered since the list’s inception in 1993, less than a twenty have been lost.

“This year’s list was culled from nominations submitted by preservation-minded groups and individuals throughout the state. Submissions are judged by several criteria, including their historic significance, the extent of the threat and the community’s commitment to preserving the resource.

“Founded in 1985, Preservation Massachusetts is the statewide non-profit organization that actively promotes the preservation of historic buildings and landscapes as a positive force for economic development and the retention of community character.”

 

 

September 21, 2010

CategoryCulture, Education, Greater Lowell, History, Lowell | Comment2 Comments »

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September 23rd, 2010

“Lowell Open Studios” by Nancye Tuttle

by DickH

Nancye Tuttle writes about this weekend’s Lowell Open Studios art extravaganza. Besides checking out Open Studios, be sure to visit Nancye’s blog, as well:

Arts abound

This is the weekend for artists and art lovers in Lowell with the 10th annual Lowell Open Studios taking place both Saturday and Sunday, noon-5 p.m.

Where to begin? That’s hard to say, since there are over 120 artists, plus Lowell’s major museums and galleries participating. Here are a few places I suggest you don’t miss.

Western Avenue Studios is a warren of activity with half of its 200 artists participating – and I wager a bet that the others will throw open their doors for a piece of the action when the weekend rolls around. I stopped by Mark Fisher’s nifty space the other day, and you won’t want to miss it. He’s created innovative sculpture from found pieces. And they are reminiscent of the Tin Man from Wizard of Oz fame. He calls these pieces his Metal Men and they each seem to have a distinct personality. Fun and funky, to be sure. Also observe his graphic designs, some of which he’s made for Antiques Road Show on PBS. I’d love posters of all this art to hang on my walls.

Also don’t miss the interesting glass studios popping up at WAS or the photographers, including Meghan Moore at Mexpix, who will be doing her painless sitttings on Sunday, complete with make-up advice from a Saks Fifth Avenue pro. Fun and painless, for sure.

Also visit Ashlee Welz Smith, Jay Hungate, Bill Bradbury, Don Sullivan, Friends Fabric Art, John Cascio, all among my favorites at WAS. The Space is open both days for lunch and snacks, yummy!

Downtown bustles, too, with long-time Lowell artist Janet Lambert Moore showing her work at the Whistler House Museum of Art. Also visit the Brush with its resident artists. And sculptor Patrick Pierce re-opens his studio on Market Street for the first time in a couple of years.

There’s a block party at the Brush on Saturday evening, plus brunch there on Sunday, starting at 11 a.m. so you can munch and browse. Lowell’s restaurants are open and the vibes should be positive, fun and definitely artsy.

Shuttles run between the National Park Visitors Center on Market Street and Western Ave. Studios. Check out my story in the Sun’s Steppin Out on Thursday or visit www.lowellopenstudios.org.

CategoryCulture, Lowell | CommentNo Comments »

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September 23rd, 2010

Lowell Remembers: “Prelude to the Civil War” on Sunday October 3, 2010

by Marie

 Save the Date as the commemoration of the Civil War Sesquicentennial begins in Lowell.

The Lowell Historical Society &

The Moses Greeley Parker Lecture Series Present

Sunday October 3rd at 12 noon

Lowell Memorial Auditorium-Hall of Flags

50 Merrimack St. Lowell MA 01852

Prelude to Civil War

Join author and UMass Lowell professor Michael Pierson as he discusses the tumultuous time when the country careened towards civil war, from the crucial Democratic Convention of April 1860 to the contentious crossing of Massachusetts troops through Washington in April 1861.

Professor Pierson’s most recent book, Mutiny at Fort Jackson: The Untold Story of the Fall of New Orleans, has been honored with the 2010 Albert Castel Book Award for Civil War writing. Copies will be available forsale after the talk. Current and new Lowell Historical Society members receive a 33% discount off the cover price.

CategoryCulture, Current Events, History, Lowell | Comment1 Comment »

September 23rd, 2010

Health Care Reform Begins

by PaulM

From AOL News, here’s a summary of six items related to the new health care reform legislation that are set to take effect in about a week. Read the news item here.

CategoryCurrent Events, Election 2010, History, Lowell, Politics | CommentNo Comments »

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September 23rd, 2010

Chelmsford…Run for Ryan’s Cup Pics

by Tony

Ryan Apostolakes drowned in Heart Pond in 2003. In his memory a 3.1 mile road race is sponsored each year. The proceed go to the Chelmsford Police Department and in particular athletic and educational programs. Here are some scenes from this year race

This video was originally posted by picsforyou2000

CategoryUncategorized | CommentNo Comments »

September 23rd, 2010

In the Merrimack Valley: Lawrence General Hospital and Beth Israel Deaconess Partner-up

by Marie

At a time when another Merrimack Valley hospital and health care system – Cartis Christi Holy Famly Hospital – is in the midst of  a possible sale to a for-profit capital management entity, Lawrence General Hospital is forging a different kind of partnership. Articles in both the Boston Globe and the Eagle-Tribune note the affiliation of Lawrence General Hospital with Boston’s Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. While characterized as “not a merger” the relationship coincides with the possible shake-up in health care services for the Merrimack Valley and the concern of added pressure on other community hospitals like Lawrence General.

In the  Eagle-Tribune article writer Cindy Huang notes:

The affiliation will extend a more limited agreement begun last year that allows Lawrence General to draw on doctors and other resources at Beth Israel’s CardioVascular Institute, which has enhanced catheterizations, angioplasty and other heart procedures at Lawrence. The broader affiliation announced yesterday will extend those collaborations into areas that have not yet been agreed on, but could include treatment of diabetes, vascular surgery, podiatry, pregnancy, eye care and pancreatic transplants, said Nicholas Zaharias, a vice president at Lawrence General…

The affiliation would link a Goliath in the state’s health care system with a relative David. Beth Israel’s $1.4 billion budget is about three time’s what Lawrence General spends, Beth Israel has 621 beds; Lawrence has 230. Beth Israel delivered 5,000 about babies last year; Lawrence delivered 1,667.

Lawrence does significantly more business in at least one area: Beth Israel’s emergency room saw 53,270 patients last year; Lawrence saw 72,700, making it the third busiest ER in Massachusetts.

Both hospitals said they expect the affiliation will fortify their institutions at a time of flux in hospital care in Massachusetts and nationwide.

Read the full article in the Eagle-Tribune here.

CategoryGreater Lowell, History | CommentNo Comments »

September 23rd, 2010

Car Independence, Part II

by DickH

Last month Lowell attorney Matt Donahue wrote about his plan to “shed his car.” Thirty days into the experiment he files this report:

30 Day Report:

Lowell Environmental Attorney Tries to Declare Car Independence! Part 2

Well, the first reaction is of course the caliber of the Richard Howe Blog. Thanks for the positive feedback and the fascinating discussion of how we become “Car independent,” which would of course lead to energy independence. I appreciate the loyalty to the car; it is tough to stare it down each day and take public transportation or bike or walk. I have become so lazy about it that the best part of this exercise – no pun intended – is that you have to think about your transportation choices and plan accordingly.

Yes, that sounds silly, but those things that we take for granted we do not think about; we just do it or go and the car helps us do things more conveniently. But what is the problem with waiting a bit?

Well that’s a topic for another day…

The New Economy

The fact of the matter is that with a laptop and now a Droid, I have access to my paralegals, secretaries and associates in my law firm via phone, internet and e-mail all the time. So if I am on a bus or waiting for a bus, or a ride, I can review e-mails and respond. In fact, many things are done before I even arrive at the office. So when staff arrives at 8AM, I can provide them a list of things to do and they can ask me questions upon my arrival. These things I could not do if I was in a car – though I could talk on the phone which I did for ten years, but that was adding more neck and shoulder pain. It was not as effective as a thoughtful well thought out conversation or e-mail planning your day — Or managing staff for that matter. read more »

CategoryLowell, Science | Comment2 Comments »

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September 23rd, 2010

The Grotto and Pawtucketville Ghosts at the Kerouac Festival

by PaulM

Lowell’s own Roger Brunelle, who invented the guided tours of Kerouac’s literary sites in Lowell, will lead several tours during the Jack Kerouac Literary Festival, Sept. 30 – Oct. 3, including “Ghosts of the Pawtucketville Night” on Friday, Oct. 1, at 6.30 pm. Explore many of the locations written about in Kerouac’s novel “Doctor Sax,” set in 1936, the year of “The Flood.” The tour begins at Cumnock Hall, UMass Lowell, One University Avenue. Wear your walking shoes and bring a flashlight if you wish. Festival organizers suggest a donation of $5 for the adventure. To see the full schedule of tours and other events, visit www.uml.edu/artsandideas or www.lowellcelebrateskerouac.org

You may see the ghost of Bob Dylan at the Grotto of our Lady of Lourdes and Way of the Cross behind the Franco-American School (former Ayer Mansion), which figures prominently in “Doctor Sax.” Dylan visited in 1975.

CategoryCulture, History, Lowell | Comment1 Comment »

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