Be sure to read Nancye Tuttle’s post on the many events in Lowell this coming Saturday. Whether it’s the City of Lights Parade, the Stocking Scavenger Hunt, or the hot chocolate competition, there’s something for everyone and Nancye’s preview is a must read for anyone planning to attend.
November 22nd, 2010
“Lowell Doughboys” joins local blogosphere
Please welcome “Lowell Doughboys“, a new blog written by Eileen Loucraft who has become our local expert on the contributions of the men and women of Lowell in World War One. Earlier this month, Eileen shared with us a number of stories about soldiers from Lowell who died in that war that we posted on the days leading up to Veterans Day. Now Eileen has launched her own site. In her inaugural post (reproduced below) she describes her interest in WWI:
I became interested in the World War while researching my husband’s family genealogy. His grandfather returned from the war, a decorated hero who became very active in American Legion and veteran affairs for the state. I also found that his maternal grandfather’s cousin never returned from the war and is buried in France. He has a square that is named for him in the Collinsville section of Dracut – Costello Square.
There are at least 46 squares in the greater Lowell area that have been named for men who died during the great war. Some of these squares/playgrounds no longer exist or may have been moved. More investigation is needed.
My goal is that these heroes should not be forgotten.
November 22nd, 2010
Mark Twain Is Hot
Who says reading is at risk and that people don’t want to buy books? The trick is to give people what they want to read. Look what’s happening with Mark Twain’s long awaited autobiography published by the Univ. of Calif. Press.
November 22nd, 2010
Merrimack Valley Rep L’Talien Director of Government Affairs for Treasurer-Elect Grossman
WickedLocal.com is reporting that Treasurer-elect Steven Grossman has chosen Representative Barbarba L’Italien of Andover as his Director of Goverment Affairs along with Francis Orlando as her Deputy Director and Al Gordon as Director of Policy.
“I am pleased to have people of this caliber on our team,” Grossman said. “They have distinguished records of accomplishment and a deep dedication to public service. We have an ambitious agenda for the Treasury – protecting the public’s money, helping create jobs, and boosting small businesses. I am confident that Barbara, Al, and Francis will help us achieve our goals.”
Read the full article with Rep L’Talien’s full biography and government background here at WickedLocal/Boxford.
November 22nd, 2010
Globe Santa Nixes Merrimack Valley Families in Lowell, Lawrence and Haverhill
According to Bill Kirk’s story in today’s Eagle-Tribune, the “helping hand” of the annual Globe Santa Fund will not reach out to families in the Merrimack Valley cities of Lowell, Lawrence and Haverhill as it has done in the past. Citing the economy and anticipating fewer donations as happened last year and noting that these cities have successful “Santa” funds locally, they were the only communities that made the Globe “cut” list.
Faced with this situation we made a very difficult decision to reduce the area of service we could reasonably handle. We regret any hardship this action may cause for the Lowell, Lawrence and Haverhill areas.” Powers said that at least part of the reason for the cut-back has been the continuing success of fund-raising programs by organizations such as The Eagle-Tribune, which sponsors the Santa Fund. That fund benefits families served by the Salvation Army. Of the 167 communities served by Globe Santa, Haverhill, Lawrence and Lowell were the only three cut.
The number of families gifted by the fund last year and who will lose out this year is significant:
Last year, Powers said, Globe Santa helped 1,694 households in Lowell, 1,893 households in Lawrence, and 553 in Haverhill. Overall, Globe Santa helped 31,585 families and gave presents to 55,815 children last year.
For those who want to help the two major newspaper “Santa Funds” in the Merrimack Valley, check here for the Eagle-Tribune Santa Fund story and here for information on the Lowell Sun Santa Fund.
What do you think about this Globe scrubbing of these Merrimack Valley communities and their needy families?
Read the entire Eagle-Trbune article on the Globe Santa cuts here.
November 22nd, 2010
A Sculpture on North Campus
Tony Sampas provides two views of a piece of public art on the UMass Lowell North Campus. The sculpture now peeks out from behind a construction trailer.
November 22nd, 2010
Marty Meehan & the UMass Presidency
There’s a fascinating story by Frank Phillips on the front page of this morning’s Globe: “UMass top post concerns Patrick: Trustees to defend search as Meehan’s candidacy rises.” At first glance, the story appears to be a setback for Meehan’s quest for the number one job in the University of Massachusetts system, but I think the exact opposite is the case.
The public launch of Meehan’s candidacy occurred back in July with an editorial in the Springfield Republican that said the “recent growth in stature and popularity [of UMass Lowell] has been remarkable” and that it was “perhaps time to bring [Meehan's] talents to the entire university.” The Globe story today reports that Meehan “emerged from the [first] round of interviews with strong support on the search committee” and that Meehan is now the “leading candidate” with the “inside track to get the job.”
The Phillip’s story reports that two of the leaders of the search committee have scheduled a meeting with Governor Patrick to assure him that the search process has been open and fair. The story suggests that Patrick remains sensitive to the extremely negative public backlash that occurred a year or so ago when he appointed State Senator Marian Walsh to a high paying government job (a job she did not get in the end) that had long been vacant. The governor, according to the story, does not want a repeat of that exercise should Meehan get the UMass Presidency.
This story tells me that Marty will soon be moving out of the Allen House, home of the UMass Lowell Chancellor’s office. Far from being a negative, today’s Globe story is a pre-emptive attack on anyone who might criticize the coming selection. Phillips, of course, was the Lowell Sun’s City Hall reporter long ago, but not so long ago to not have established a relationship with Meehan, a relationship that has only grown stronger as their respective careers have progressed. Now, once Meehan’s elevation to the UMass Presidency is formalized, the Governor will be able to say he scrutinized the process in advance, found it to be fair and open, and is pleased the trustees found the best person for the job.
Assuming all goes according to plan, Meehan’s elevation to the UMass Presidency will be a great thing for UMass Lowell and for the city. No matter where Marty’s desk is located, Lowell will always be part of his life. From all appearances, UMass Lowell has undergone a remarkable transformation during his tenure with the addition of the Tsongas Center and the Inn & Conference Center and a general revitalization of the look and feel of the campus. Hopefully, whoever follows him as Chancellor will be able to continue that momentum.
November 22nd, 2010
Bob Dylan @ Tsongas Center
Bob Dylan in Lowell on November 20 (Saturday night) performing “Like A Rolling Stone”. What a great song, but this isn’t the way I remember it. Anyway…Dylan’s place in musical history is unmistakable.
This video was taken by Citizen Journalist fflbrgst.
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