December 25th, 2011
by Marie
The Eagle-Tribune writer Mark E. Vogler is reporting this morning that rumors coming from a neighborhood meeting that Mayor William Lantigua and perhaps some City Councilors are planning to oust Lawrence Police Chief John Romero have riled many in the rank and file as well as the superior officers. A note in the monthly newsletter by Mount Vernon Neighborhood Association Frank Incropera warned city residents of a plan instigated by the mayor to get rid of Chief John Romero. Incropera described Romero as one of “very few bright lights that actually care about the city among those in power.” Romero told the Eagle Tribune that he had heard “rumors and rumblings.” A comments from Lawrence City Council President Frank Moran downplayed reports of any plan to remove Romero or seek a vote of no confidence against him - calling them “rumors” and “speculation.” At-large councilors Dan Rivera and Roger Twomey – both from District E - say that ”the chief’s performance has been exemplary.” Both denied telling Incropera of a plot to remove Romero. Councily Eileen Bernal – also of District E – supports the chief - noting that “my constituents seem to be very happy with him.”
Chief Romero has held his position since 1999 and seen by most as a high quality professional who is committed to the citezens of Lawrence and their safety. Stay tuned as this new situation in the annual of the city of Lawrence plays out.
Reead the full article here at eagletribune.com.
Greater Lowell, History, Politics | 
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December 25th, 2011
by Marie
MassMoments reminds us today that the Puritans of Massachusetts led by minister Increase Mather thought the celebration of Christmas a vulgar, pagan-like and “profane and superstitious custom.” Over those early years the custom was never totally stamped-out. In the early 19th century when the revelry – especially drinking and merry-making that some associated with Christmas – was claimed to pose a threat to public order, middle- and upper-class Americans moved to re-make Christmas as a family holiday. The appearance of the poem – “A Visit From Saint Nicholas” by Clement Moore -presented an idealized, child-center Christmas. Santa Claus became the image of Christmas.
An 1856 Massachusetts law accorded legal holiday status to Christmas, Washington’s Birthday, and July 4 th. The success of including Christmas in this measure was due to the growing number of Irish Catholics in the electorate. To this day, Christmas Day is one day when public offices, government and most business shuts down.
On this day
…in 1659, a law was passed by the General Court of Massachusetts Bay Colony requiring a five-shilling fine from anyone caught “observing any such day as Christmas or the like, either by forbearing of labor, feasting, or any other way.” Christmas Day was deemed by the Puritans to be a time of seasonal excess with no Biblical authority. The law was repealed in 1681 along with several other laws, under pressure from the government in London. It was not until 1856 that Christmas Day became a state holiday in Massachusetts. For two centuries preceding that date, the observance of Christmas — or lack thereof — represented a cultural tug of war between Puritan ideals and British tradition.
Read the full article here at MassMoments.com.
Happy Christmas to All!
Culture, Education, History, Poetry | 1 Comment »
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