Public Service Announcement

NEW MILLENNIUM SEPERATED/DIVORCED SUPPORT GROUP: Meets every Sunday from 7-9 p.m., at St. Michael’s School, 15 Sixth Street, off Bridge Street (Route 38) in Lowell. New subject matter is addressed every meeting dealing with topics such as: anger, loneliness, surviving Divorce, lawyers, Judges and our Court system, Alimony, Child Support, Child Custody, Visitation Rights, asset/property entitlements, children, finances, forgiveness, acceptance, faith and prayer, moving on, and, planning for your new life. This is a non-profit support group. No fees are required. For further information, please either attend this Sunday’s meeting, or contact Carlos Kilberg @ 978-957-2063 (cck3353@MSN.com).

Since Jesus is the Reason for the Season, Please be sure to Keep Christ in Christmas!

Subject: Please be sure to send the wonderful folks @ the ACLU a, "Merry Christmas" card this year Author: Duplicate Dawg [Edit] Date Posted: 15:00 11/29/09 Sun A Christmas idea I can agree with: Yes, Christmas cards. This is coming early (really early) so that you can include an important address on your list. Want to have some fun this CHRISTMAS? Send the ACLU a CHRISTMAS CARD this year. As they are working so very hard to get rid of the CHRISTMAS part of this holiday, we should all send them a nice, CHRISTIAN card to brighten up their dark, sad, little world. Make sure it says "Merry Christmas" on it. Here's the address, just don't be rude or crude. (It's not the Christian way, you know) ACLU 125 Broad Street 18th Floor New York, NY 10004 Two tons of Christmas cards would freeze their operations because they wouldn't know if any were regular mail containing contributions. So spend 41 cents and tell the ACLU to leave Christmas alone. Also tell them that there is no such thing as a " Holiday Tree". . . It's always been called a CHRISTMAS TREE! And pass this on to your email lists. We really want to communicate with the ACLU! They really DESERVE us!! For those of you who aren't aware of them, the ACLU, (the American Civil Liberties Union) is the one suing the U.S. Government to take God, Christmas or anything Christian away from us. They represent the atheists and others in this war. Help put Christ back in Christmas! 'Twas the month before Christmas when all through our land, Not a Christian was praying nor taking a stand. Why the PC Police had taken away, The reason for Christmas - no one could say. The children were told by their schools not to sing, About Shepherds and Wise Men and Angels and things. It might hurt people's feelings, the teachers would say December 25th is just a " Holiday ". Yet the shoppers were ready with cash, checks and credit Pushing folks down to the floor just to get it! CDs from Madonna, an X BOX, an I-pod Something was changing, something quite odd! Retailers promoted Ramadan and Kwanzaa In hopes to sell books by Franken & Fonda. As Targets are hanging their trees upside down At Lowe's the word Christmas - was no where to be found. At K-Mart and Staples and Penny's and Sears You won't hear the word Christmas; it won't touch your ears. Inclusive, sensitive, Di-ver-is-ty Are words that were used to intimidate me. Now Daschle, Now Darden, Now Sharpton, Wolf Blitzen On Boxer, on Rather, on Kerry, on Clinton! At the top of the Senate, there arose such a clatter To eliminate Jesus, in all public matter. And we spoke not a word, as they took away our faith Forbidden to speak of salvation and grace The true Gift of Christmas was exchanged and discarded The reason for the season, stopped before it started. So as you celebrate "Winter Break" under your "Dream Tree" Sipping on Starbucks, listen to me. Choose your words carefully, choose what you say Shout MERRY CHRISTMAS, not Happy Holiday! [ Post a Reply to This Message ] Replies: Merry Christmas vs. Happy Holidays -- Always Wondering, 11:11 12/04/09 Fri Merry Christmas vs. Happy New Year -- Senior Lady, 12:29 12/09/09 Wed You Know What Happens when you ASSUME Something? -- Always Wondering, 16:35 12/10/09 Thu Merry Christmas vs. Happy Holidays -- Senior Lady, 17:06 12/11/09 Fri Blah blah blah -- Always Wondering, 09:56 12/12/09 Sat Merry Christmas vs. Happy Holidays -- Senior Lady, 11:53 12/13/09 Sun don't stoop to their level -- krusty, 15:23 12/11/09 Fri A happy Holiday too ALL!!!! (NT) -- Senier, 15:08 12/15/09 Tue

Subject: WCAP’s marque talk show host publicly brags about his own Illegal Parking, & being Derelict Author: Nostradamus [Edit] Date Posted: 14:28 12/13/09 Sun Teddy Panos (far left) is apparently about to partake on a nice nutritious breakfast with a few of his esteemed colleagues at WCAP. Here’s an item you won’t see anytime soon on either the Lowell Sun, WCAP, or even Shawn Ashe’s pissant little blog. Apparently, ‘CAP’s lone weekday morning-thru-early afternoon talk show host, Teddy Panos, has been bragging and gloating a little more than he probably should over on the popular local Internet blog, Lowell Sun Forum Topix. Last week, Panos admitted that he may be parking his vehicle illegally every morning on Jackson Street, which is adjacent to WCAP’s studio in downtown Lowell. Teddy then tried to divert attention to the accusation by assuming he knew who the poster was that made the accusation, but not before the damage had been done. It’s almost as if Teddy was saying, “Hey, I’m the marque talk show host here at ‘CAP. I definitely have friends in high places in this city who could easily ‘fix a parking ticket’ if I were to get one.” Incredible! Several months earlier, on the same forum but a different subject string, Panos was accused of being derelict by posting comments on that Lowell Sun Forum Topix simultaneously while radio show was actually on-the-air. On that particular string titled, “Who listen to WCAP?”, there are exactly 500 comments, as of the date and time of this message, posted on that string beginning from October ‘08, which just Teddy himself authored about 200 – or at least one-third – of those postings. Now I may not be a Psychiatrist or anything like that, but there’s got to be some type of obsessive ambulance-chasing syndrome associated with somebody from the mainstream media acting like that. Did you ever hear about Howie Carr, Jay Severin, or Gerry Callahan posting on local Boston blogs several dozen times a day telling everyone just how wonderful their respective radio stations are? And if they were posting messages while their shows were actually on-the-air, their reputable stations would probably give them their pink slips in a New York minute. Desperate times call for desperate measures Among the focal points mentioned on that, “Who listen to WCAP?” string, was the news reported a month before that string was initiated in the Lowell Sun about ‘CAP having the absolute worst Arbitron radio station ratings in the entire local region. So what else is new? Maybe this “obsession” by Panos to constantly sing the praises of WCAP on the Lowell Sun Topix blog was nothing but a cheap, desperate ploy by that station’s upper management to try to turn its piss-poor ratings into a more positive direction. If that is, in fact, the case here, I honestly don’t believe that stupid strategy is working. Now into their third year since the new owners, Sam Poulten and Clark Schmidt, have taken over ‘CAP, their main attractions in the regular weekday lineup include, but not limited to, a dog grooming show and a weekly segment with a Podiatrist (foot doctor). Pretty exciting stuff, eh? Can anybody really blame the radio listeners of the Merrimack Valley for going out in droves to switch their stations from anything else but ‘CAP for news, information, and entertainment? Can anybody really blame Teddy Panos for being more interested with the discussions taking place on the blog, Lowell Sun Forum Topix than his own radio show? It’s really hard for me to figure out here, just who exactly the biggest suckers are in this whole ‘CAP fiasco: Teddy Panos, owners Sam Poulten and Clark Schmidt, or the imbeciles who actually pay money to advertise their product and/or service on WCAP radio. Perhaps it’s high time for WCAP to appropriately change its slogan from “Everybody Gets It” to either: “Nobody Gets It”, “Nobody Has Ever Gotten It”, or “Nobody Will Ever Get It”. Anywho, due to the rather lengthy nature to these blog exchanges – and it’s an extremely small sample of everything that was mentioned on these respective strings – I’ll post them both on subsequent links to this particular message. [ Post a Reply to This Message ] Replies: Teddy P. "rationalizes" his own Illegal Parking habits -- N., 21:51 12/13/09 Sun Panos refers to being Derelict as, "multi-tasking"???!!! -- N., 22:01 12/13/09 Sun His family resturant has bathroom on second floor!! -- Handicappe, 15:07 12/15/09 Tue

Subject: Grimard court trial set to begin tomorrow -- FINALLY Author: Duplicate Dawg [Edit] Date Posted: 07:20 12/13/09 Sun (published in, Lowell Sun, 12-13-09) Ex-Dracut High grid star charged with beating girlfriend By Lisa Redmond lredmond@lowellsun.com LOWELL -- Putting his college plans on hold, former Dracut High School football star Matthew Grimard's freedom now hangs in the balance as he goes on trial accused of beating his teenage girlfriend. Grimard faces charges that he tried to drag his girlfriend by the hair at a party last spring and when she resisted, he punched her in the jaw. His trial, which was originally scheduled for October, is now set for tomorrow in Lowell District Court. At Grimard's arraignment, shortly after the alleged assault on May 24, the 18-year-old gridiron star pleaded innocent to one count of domestic assault and battery. If convicted, Grimard could face up to 2 1/2 years in jail. Grimard quarterbacked Dracut High's Super Bowl champion football team in 2008. He was The Sun's Player of the Year, the Massachusetts Gatorade Player of the Year, and one of only 50 players in the United States named a National Old Spice Red Zone Player of the Year. According to court documents, police say that on May 24 at 2:30 a.m., a jealous Grimard poured beer over his 17-year-old girlfriend's head after he spotted her speaking to another boy at a party at 51 Ellis Ave., in Lowell. Embarrassed, the girl ran outside, only to have Grimard follow, according to court records. Prosecutors allege that the 6-foot-4-inch, 235-pound Grimard grabbed his girlfriend's hair and tried to drag her back to the party. When she resisted, police say, he punched her in the jaw. When police showed up at Grimard's home at 590 Mammoth Road, No. 6, in Dracut, he immediately picked up his cell phone, called his girlfriend and said, "I'm being arrested right now, thanks to you," according to court documents. Grimard had warned his girlfriend not to bother calling police because "they all know" him, and nothing would happen, according to court documents. Grimard, who graduated in June with plans to attend St. Anselm College, has been free on personal recognizance on the condition that he avoid the consumption of alcohol, submit to random alcohol screenings at the Probation Department and stay away from his girlfriend. [ Post a Reply to This Message ] Replies: Coach Moore -- Saddend, 10:56 12/14/09 Mon JOKE -- No Way, 21:49 12/14/09 Mon

Subject: Real estate transaction of the Rich & Famous Author: Duplicate Dawg [Edit] Date Posted: 00:08 12/13/09 Sun 47 Mildred Street: BS Dracut LLC to Paul Gaudette and Paul Mercier, $74,500 [ Post a Reply to This Message ] Replies: Makeing a living -- Dan, 16:27 12/13/09 Sun

Subject: Chief R. sez: Deputy Chartrand is pure as the driven snow, while Police Union is full of BLEEP Author: Duplicate Dawg [Edit] Date Posted: 07:43 12/02/09 Wed (published in, Lowell Sun, page 1, 12-2-09) Dracut police chief clears deputy of wrongdoing in off-duty incident, rips union By Erin Smith esmith@lowellsun.com DRACUT -- Tension between Police Chief Kevin Richardson and police union leader Jerry Flynn will not be smoothed over by yesterday's release of Richardson's report into allegations that his off-duty deputy chief was intoxicated while responding to a domestic incident. Richardson cleared Deputy Chief Dave Chartrand of any wrongdoing in the Sept. 26 incident, in which Chartrand was nearly shot by his own officers, according to the report submitted to Town Manager Dennis Piendak. In his Nov. 30 letter to Piendak, Richardson blasts Flynn and union officials with the New England Police Benevolent Association for their allegations against Chartrand, labeling the charges as "just another over exaggerated attempt by the leadership of the NEPBA to attack" Chartrand. Police administrators and union leaders have a long history of animosity and have accused each other of everything from public drunkenness to having a poor work ethic. Flynn sent a letter to Piendak on Nov. 9, accusing the off-duty deputy of being too drunk to hear the police commands to drop a shotgun he was carrying at the scene. The case turned into a political fray. Selectmen Chairman George Malliaros questioned the timing, saying he suspects the union is trying to tarnish the department as it prepares to release its findings into the theft of $80,000 in marijuana from a locked police-evidence storage trailer more than six years ago. According to Richardson's report: On Sept. 26, Chartrand was off duty and drinking Michelob Ultra Light beer at a block party on B Street. He said he was at the party for about 90 minutes when, just after 10 p.m., someone told him about a domestic situation involving a man with a gun nearby. A woman was fighting with her boyfriend and had called three male friends to her boyfriend's B Street home to help her remove her belongings from the house. The boyfriend allegedly pulled a 20-gauge, single-barrel shotgun on the three men. The gun was not loaded, according to police. Chartrand arrived at the home, just before on-duty officers, and found the three friends had put the gun in a closet, according to reports. Chartrand took the shotgun for safety reasons and was walking down the unlit street, carrying the weapon diagonally across his chest. Officer Derek Scribner and Lt. Michael Fleury came upon him. The pair almost fired on Chartrand before recognizing him. "As Mr. Flynn stated I was off duty that evening, and as a citizen of the United States I am entitled to enjoy an alcoholic beverage with my friends. His inflammatory depiction of my condition as highly inebriated is not based in fact," Chartrand wrote in his account. In his report, Richardson wrote: * Chartrand did not hear the police commands because of the noise from the block party. * Chartrand was able to perform duties of an officer because he secured the gun and talked with people inside the house. * Fleury did not inform him of any inappropriate behavior by Chartrand during the incident the next morning. Scribner has accused Chartrand of being under the influence of alcohol the night of the incident and alleged Chartrand hinted for him to keep what happened quiet. Chartrand said he called Scribner to his office because Scribner repeatedly failed to fill his police reports on time and there had been complaints. Richardson said Scribner reported being upset at being disciplined, penned his report with the help of union leaders and was unaware union leaders forwarded his report to The Sun, according to the inquiry findings. Flynn did not return a call for comment. Scribner's superiors asked him to write a report explaining why he did not file his report on a car accident that occurred earlier in the night on Sept. 26, before Scribner claims he almost shot Chartrand in the darkness on B Street. "He included his description of the incident to let me know that after it occurred, he was too upset to have completed the required crash report," Chartrand stated in his report. "I informed him that the manner in which the report was written could be construed by others, who harbor ill will towards me, to depict the incident as something other than what it was. That was the extent of our conversation about the incident on B Street." In his account, Chartrand also ponders what would have happened if he had decided not to respond that night. "I believe that I would then be subjected (to) the charges of failure to act, and dereliction of duty. Because I was off duty that evening, I made the conscious rational decision to involve myself only to the minimum level possible," Chartrand wrote. Piendak, Assistant Town Manager Glen Edwards and James Hall, the town's attorney, also released reports stating they independently reviewed the report and found Chartrand did not break laws or violate department rules. [ Post a Reply to This Message ] Replies: should have been shot -- Lily, 12:23 12/02/09 Wed Reputation of Police Dept.? -- Concerned, 16:54 12/02/09 Wed Former Lt. A.A. Lives right around the corner. Why didn't HE respond? (NT) -- Joe Mannix, 20:33 12/03/09 Thu The drunk says the drunk wasn't drunk! (NT) (NT) -- Fuzzy Wuzzy, 16:41 12/02/09 Wed The following words are the only truth in Deputy's report -- Polly Graph, 22:44 12/03/09 Thu Open letter to Lt. Michael Fleury -- So help me God, 13:43 12/04/09 Fri Lt. Fleury -- resident, 11:36 12/07/09 Mon OFFICER MIKE SHOULD HAVE STEPPED UP AND DEALT WITH THIS RIGHT AWAY' (NT) -- BROTHERS, 17:43 12/07/09 Mon Dracut police chief clears deputy of wrongdoing in off-duty incident, -- Disgusted, 15:35 12/08/09 Tue Lt. Mike's Role -- Mike Brennan, 13:37 12/08/09 Tue Just another useless midget -- frank the potato chip, 21:44 12/08/09 Tue NEXT!!!!!!!!!!!! -- Concerned, 09:22 12/09/09 Wed Yo, Officer Derek Scribner – What say YOU??? -- Duplicate Dawg, 17:06 12/09/09 Wed Temporary Sgt will receive 2009 award! -- Larry Stork, 17:25 12/09/09 Wed Lowell Sun's message to Police Union: Grow Up! -- Lowell Sun's editorial, 12-11-09, 08:35 12/12/09 Sat Chief R. sez no new rules for Dracut PD from the Chartrand controversy -- Duplicate Dawg, 07:31 12/13/09 Sun easily influenced -- The Phantom, 10:39 12/13/09 Sun

Subject: Firefighter Bernard Saja settles his discrimination lawsuit versus Town Author: Duplicate Dawg [Edit] Date Posted: 08:13 12/12/09 Sat (published in, Lowell Sun, 12-12-09) Dracut firefighter settles discrimination case By Lisa Redmond lredmond@lowellsun.com WOBURN -- A retired veteran Dracut firefighter has reached a settlement agreement in his employment discrimination-lawsuit against the town and fire officials. According to court documents, lawyers representing Bernard Saja and the town of Dracut, Dracut Fire Chief Leo Gaudette and the Dracut Board of Selectmen settled Saja's 2005 lawsuit with undisclosed terms. Attorneys representing the town and Saja could not be reached for comment.When reached at his Dracut home, Saja declined to comment except to say, "It was not a happy ending. I just want to leave it behind.'' Saja, 40, sued in Middlesex Superior Court claiming age and handicapped discrimination claiming he was passed up for promotion to lieutenant several times in favor of sometimes younger, but less experienced in-house candidates. Saja's attorney, Jeffrey R. Mazer, argued in court documents that his client, who had been a full-time firefighter since 1998 and retired since June, had a series medical issues including brain surgery, gallbladder surgery and hypertension that he claims were held against him when he applied for promotions. He argued that Dracut fire officials unfairly listed him as the firefighter with the second-highest number of missed days -- 31 missed shifts -- in a 2006 article in The Sun that outlined how possible sick-time abuse among police and firefighters led to a jump in overtime costs. The town, through its attorney Adam Simms, argued in court documents that Saja wasn't necessarily more qualified or older than some of the people promoted. Since Dracut uses a collective-bargaining agreement and not civil service, sick leave and overtime were used as a "tiebreaker." As for any handicapped discrimination, Simms argued that Saja never disclosed to fire officials that he had any long-term chronic disability and never requested any special accommodations. At an earlier hearing, Middlesex Superior Court Judge Kenneth Fishman allowed a request for summary judgment by Dracut selectmen, ruling that the board had no hand in promoting firefighters. Saja did file a complaint with the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination which sided with Dracut. The MCAD ruled that it was "unable to conclude that the information obtained establishes a violation of the statute. There is no probable cause." [ Post a Reply to This Message ] Replies: good ridance -- concerned citizen, 14:13 12/12/09 Sat what handicap -- concerned citizen, 14:25 12/12/09 Sat

Subject: Housing approval prompts lawsuit -- WTF Author: Duplicate Dawg [Edit] Date Posted: 08:25 12/12/09 Sat (published in, Lowell Sun, 12-11-09) By Erin Smith esmith@lowellsun.com DRACUT -- A local man is suing the town for allowing a developer to build 20 new homes in exchange for two new sports fields and a parking lot. George Richardson, of 150 Methuen Road, sued Andover-based developer Kevin O'Brien and the town for approving O'Brien's building permits to build on farmland at 160-200 Methuen Road in East Dracut. Richardson's lawyer filed the lawsuit in Middlesex Superior Court on May 4. The suit questions the town's ability to make such a deal with O'Brien, and charges that the development will hurt the neighborhood. Richardson's lawyer, Samer Obeid, declined to comment. The battle began several years ago, when the Dadak family wanted to sell 24 acres of farmland at 200 Methuen Road to O'Brien and his company, O'Brien Homes Inc. The land was designated as agricultural, meaning the Dadaks paid lower taxes on the property under state law. O'Brien sued Dracut in July 2006 after the town decided to buy the land, according to court documents. To settle that case, O'Brien and town officials recently agreed that O'Brien will buy the land from the Dadak family in exchange for gifting land for sports fields to the town. In April, the Planning Board granted O'Brien an "open space subdivision" building permit, which allowed him to build 20 homes on lots as small as 20,000 square feet. Dracut normally requires homes to be built on 40,000-square-foot lots, said Phil Thibault, chairman of Planning Board. "(The permit) allows smaller lot sizes and the space that's left over essentially becomes the open space," said Thibault. The plan would have left 9 open acres, with two public ballfields bordering Diane Lane, according to town officials and Robert Burke, the Lowell-based attorney who has been representing Dracut in the case. "I think the town's chances of winning are high," said Burke. "I don't think there's any merit to the Richardson case." No trial date has been set. Burke said town officials are hoping Richardson and O'Brien can come to an agreement about the development before the case goes before a judge. Diane Tillotson, O'Brien's lawyer, said she has been in discussion with Richardson's lawyer but declined to elaborate. Tillotson said she also plans to file a motion to dismiss the case. She said she believes Richardson can't show evidence that the development will harm his property. [ Post a Reply to This Message ]

Subject: Anonymous poster publicly takes Brian Flaherty to task on his pissant little blog Author: N. [Edit] Date Posted: 17:19 12/09/09 Wed (posted on, Brian Flaherty's pissant little blog) Anonymous said... Brian, lets take a look at your blog site shall we. In the last 20 posts 11 have gone without any comments! Of the remaining 9 posts there were 17 comments posted. 6 of those posts were from either Shawn or youtself!! The remaining 11 posts were ANONYMOUS. So lets summarize, shall we. In the past 20 posts the only people that have posted on this site have either been you or Shawn or ANONYMOUS. So therefore one would have to conclude that you feel that ALL of the respondents to your blog are cowards!! Why would you give the option of anonymous if you did not want people to use it? Or rather is it because when you are proven wrong, as is so often the case, you get upset. Or is it because so often, in fact the majority of the time, it is as if you are speaking to yourself. Brian if you had no anonymous comments you would have no activity at all!!! December 8, 2009 8:15 AM [ Post a Reply to This Message ]

Subject: Big meeting tonite (Wed., 12-2-09) @ 7 on whether or not Parker Ave School should remain open Author: Duplicate Dawg [Edit] Date Posted: 07:59 12/02/09 Wed (published in, Lowell Sun, 12-2-09) Dracut weighs closing Parker Avenue School By Erin Smith esmith@lowellsun.com DRACUT -- Parents at the Parker Avenue School are gearing up to defend their neighborhood school tonight. The School Committee has been careful to say future plans for the schools are only discussions at this point as officials tiptoe around the idea of shuttering the school to save money and sending students to the three other elementary schools in the town. "We've actually heard the rumors for years, but this year it seems the rumors have gotten louder. They've actually formed a subcommittee," said Shawna Lamarche, the co-president of the school's PTO with her husband, Wayne. The School Committee is meeting at 7 p.m. tonight at Dracut High School to discuss whether to close the school or not. Parents are expected to show up at the meeting. The PTO started a petition to keep the school open about two weeks ago and already has 50 signatures, it said. Parents and teacher don't want school officials to close the Parker Avenue School, a close-knit community of about 200 kids where teachers, parents and students all know each other, the kids walk to school and getting called to the principal's office often means a student is not in trouble but being rewarded for good behavior. Wayne Lamarche said closing the school could have a ripple effect and could mean bigger class sizes at other schools where Parker Avenue School students are transferred. "Well, I definitely think it's a mistake to close the school," said Wayne Lamarche. "I just think that kids all around aren't going to be getting the services they need." The Lamarches' daughter, Madison, is in the first grade at the Parker Avenue School and has been going there since kindergarten. Shawna had a baby about eight weeks ago on the same day as school picture day, so she called the school secretary to find out what time Madison's class would have their photos taken. "The response was, 'What time can you get her here?'" said Shawna, explaining that the secretary delayed school photos for Madison's class until she arrived at school. There are problems with the two-story school building. There is no room at the school for all the students and the 28 fourth-graders attend class in extensions built onto the Englesby Intermediate School. There is also no gymnasium and the library consists of a couple carts of books stored in an upstairs closet. But Michelle McCarthy, whose son Aidan attends first grade at Parker Avenue Elementary School, said the lack of library and gymnasium is no match for the amount of personal attention their kids get. "We don't want to turn into a credential for someone because they saved the school X amount of dollars for Dracut schools," said McCarthy, vice president of the PTO. McCarthy is hoping for a large turnout of parents against the school closure and hopes her 2-year-old daughter Isabella will attend Parker Avenue Elementary School when she's old enough. Said McCarthy, "I would really be sad if the schools redistricted the community and she was forced to go to a larger school." [ Post a Reply to This Message ] Replies: Parents make plea to keep Parker School open -- Duplicate Dawg, 08:02 12/03/09 Thu Problem Solved! -- Common Sense, 12:46 12/03/09 Thu Jimmy O'Loughlin want this school for the Town Hall. Time for him to go (NT) -- Parent, 21:22 12/03/09 Thu Good idea -- JJ, 20:47 12/05/09 Sat Thats the stupidest thing I've ever heard -- Saadam Hussein, 15:04 12/07/09 Mon

Subject: A Dracut lady won 500K on a $5. Lottery ticket this past Augest Author: Senior [Edit] Date Posted: 11:01 10/29/09 Thu She went to Dracut Pharmacy convience store on the corner of Bridge right in front of Town building Depts. She thought she had won 500 or 5K. When she asked the owner to check her ticket,he quickly looked at it and said;"no winner! no winner"! Knowing she had won something the ladies male friend yelled at the owner behind the counter! And they both demanded her ticket back!! Than they left the store with her winnibg ticket,went to Lottery sub station in Burlington they were told it was worth 500K !! She signed it and than was told to go to main office. My concern is what if this lady was alone at the store or she was elderly on any type of medication???? The Massachusetts State Lottery reviewed the stores camera's and gave this Indian store owner a written warning! Thats it??? For attempting grand larceny as a state agents for the lottery this fellow should have been arrested and lost his State permit!!!!!! He owens this business along with his brother,they don't allow outside the family employees to handle and cash/tickets transactions!! When will our State lottery officals over see ALL agents selling lottery tickets. Calif.has a dept.that does nothing but investagate'set up sting operations when they catch a crook they end up in Jail with heavy sentences and heavey fines! Plus lost of Lottery permits for life!!!!! [ Post a Reply to This Message ] Replies: Scum -- Gandi, 07:25 10/30/09 Fri It's located at the corner of Bridge street & Springpark ave. I believe -- Rosco, 15:56 10/30/09 Fri TIME TO GET RID OF THESE OUT OF COUNTRY PEOPLE (NT) -- AND DO BUSINESS WITH THE AMERICAN PEOPLE, 23:02 11/20/09 Fri OUt of the Country People -- eclectacat, 18:30 12/05/09 Sat ENGLISH SHOULD BE THE NUMBER 1 (NT) -- LANGUAGE, IN THIS COUNTRY!!!, 16:40 12/06/09 Sun Owners -- Former_Local, 09:50 10/30/09 Fri two owners -- Narin Guy with glasses...Kamel Tall guy, 17:19 11/30/09 Mon Why do all these Indian people own all these (NT) -- businesses in town??, 16:43 12/06/09 Sun it's just greed -- money=root of all evil, 11:04 10/30/09 Fri Always print & then sign your name on back of lottery tickets – ASAP -- Common Sense, 21:32 10/30/09 Fri Voice Confirmation -- John Billson, 11:00 10/31/09 Sat Interesting -- Dracuteer, 22:50 10/31/09 Sat Your wrong my lil' story telling friend,it did happen!!! -- Was there, 08:22 11/02/09 Mon BOTTOM LINE: Gambling is a sin, & nothing positive ever comes out of playing the lottery -- just me, 09:11 11/02/09 Mon then start explaining -- Lil Story Teller, 22:34 11/02/09 Mon The procedure of the lottery is to place copies of winning tickets -- Mia, 19:21 11/19/09 Thu Well maybe then sir (NT) -- you must be the Indian owner on this post, 16:45 12/06/09 Sun Isn't this the same store that had there liquor license suspendid for serving minors? (NT) -- NOT ON THE BALL', 18:39 11/19/09 Thu

Subject: Man loses fight with beer cooler Author: Duplicate Dawg [Edit] Date Posted: 09:18 12/01/09 Tue (published in, Lowell Sun, 12-1-09) By Erin Smith esmith@lowellsun.com DRACUT -- Police say a Dracut man on a mission for beer lost his battle with a locked alcohol cooler Thanksgiving Day. The 24-year-old Dracut man walked into Li'l Peach convenience store at 1217 Mammoth Road on Thursday about 12:45 p.m., and tried to buy some alcohol, according to police. "I guess he didn't see the sign on the cooler that they weren't selling alcohol because of the holiday," Deputy Police Chief Dave Chartrand said. The man continued to pull on the locked cooler door with such force that the lock broke off the door and hit him in his left eye, according to Chartrand. The man refused medical treatment at the scene and is not expected to be charged in the incident. "It doesn't appear there was any malicious intent on this person's part," Chartrand said. A Li'l Peach manager referred questions about the incident to the company's corporate office. Corporate representatives did not return a call for comment. [ Post a Reply to This Message ] Replies: No name given. Sure it was'nt Deputy Chartrand? (NT) -- Just Curious, 22:54 12/01/09 Tue Beer Mission - Deputy Chatrand? -- eclectacat, 18:22 12/05/09 Sat

Subject: Jerry Flynn denies prepping any cop in Chartrand’s gun controversy Author: Duplicate Dawg [Edit] Date Posted: 09:35 12/05/09 Sat (published in, Lowell Sun, 12-5-09) Jerry Flynn Union chief denies pressuring Dracut officer to make allegations in gun case By Erin Smith esmith@lowellsun.com DRACUT -- Police union boss Jerry Flynn denies he pressured a rookie officer to make allegations against the Police Department's second-in-command and is calling for the district attorney to investigate whether Deputy Chief David Chartrand broke any departmental rules in an off-duty incident that nearly got him shot by his own officers. Flynn, who is head of the New England Police Benevolent Association, is unhappy that Police Chief Kevin Richardson and town leaders cleared Chartrand of any wrongdoing in a Sept. 26 incident in which the off-duty Chartrand was nearly shot by fellow officers after seizing an unloaded shotgun from a suspect's home. "This is a case of grooming by the chief and you can quote me on that," said Flynn. In his report, Richardson blasted the charges against Chartrand as "just another over exaggerated attempt by the leadership of the NEPBA" to discredit police administrators. Police administrators and union leaders have a long history of animosity and have accused each other of everything from public drunkenness to having a poor work ethic. Officer Derek Scribner has said Chartrand was intoxicated on the night of Sept. 26 and that he almost shot Chartrand on a darkened B Street after Chartrand failed to put the confiscated shotgun down, according to reports. Flynn, who was not at the scene, said Chartrand was too drunk to hear commands to drop the gun. Several weeks later, Officer John Cotnoir, the union president, approached Scribner and asked if he wanted to consult with union officials about the incident, according to Scribner's Nov. 13 letter to Richardson. Flynn denies union officials were the first ones to approach Scribner, who has been on the force about two years, and pushed him to make the allegations against Chartrand. "The first time I laid eyes on Derek Scribner is when he walked into my office," said Flynn. In his letter, Scribner said union lawyer Gary Nolan helped him draft a letter with the allegations against Chartrand. He put the letter in Richardson's mailbox, but then reconsidered and took it out, according to Scribner's report. "I didn't feel the union members were directly pressuring me on having to turn in the letter, however I did feel pressure from the whole situation," Scribner wrote. Union officials later asked for a copy of the letter and forwarded the document to The Sun, unbeknownst to Scribner, according to reports. Sgt. Gregg Byam also said he heard that Scribner may have been under pressure to make the allegations. Byam sent Richardson a memo on Nov. 15 detailing a conversation he said he overheard between Scribner and a more senior officer in the police station parking lot on Nov. 3, just days before the allegations against Chartrand became public. "If I don't do this, will you guys still have my back on the street?" Scribner allegedly asked Officer Leonard Wagner. Flynn maintains the union didn't put any pressure on Scribner. "Why don't we just do a lie-detector test as they require their officers to do, and then we'll know the truth," said Flynn. Last year, nine Dracut officers were given lie-detector tests as part of Richardson's renewed effort to find out who stole more than $80,000 in marijuana from a locked police-evidence storage trailer more than six years ago. The tests are still a sore spot among some in the department. Selectmen Chairman George Malliaros has also tied the marijuana-theft case to the allegations against Chartrand. Malliaros has questioned the timing of the union's allegations and suspects the union is trying to tarnish the department as Tewksbury Police Chief Alfred Donovan, who was put in charge of the investigation, prepares to release its findings into the marijuana theft later this month. [ Post a Reply to This Message ]

Subject: A Tiger Woods '09 Christmas Card Author: P.O.W. (Pal of Warren's) [Edit] Date Posted: 08:28 12/03/09 Thu [ Post a Reply to This Message ] Replies: Is it fair to judge a man's character by a few extramarital flings he might have had? -- Duplicate Dawg via Jay Severin, 21:53 12/04/09 Fri Tiger’s achy-breaky new tune -- Duplicate Dawg via Howie Carr, 22:31 12/04/09 Fri

Subject: Happy Thanksgiving, everybody Author: The gang at, Dracut After Dark [Edit] Date Posted: 07:51 11/26/09 Thu Let's all root for the Middies crushing Methuen in a couple of hours -- also, doesn't the winner of this year's game go on to compete in the high school football play-offs? I believe they do. It should be a lot more interesting than anything the Detroit Lions will be involved with today. The main priority of today's holiday, however, is just to spend some good "quality time" with those near and dear to your hearts. Have a Happy Thanksgiving Day, ladies and gentlemen. [ Post a Reply to This Message ] Replies: PlayOffs!!! -- Bongo 1970, 17:12 11/26/09 Thu Say what you will about Jeff Moore, he's turned the Middies into a respectable football team (NT) -- The ends obviously justify the means, 19:27 11/26/09 Thu Respectable? -- Respectable?, 08:46 11/27/09 Fri Respectable -- Dracut Teacher, 18:13 11/30/09 Mon Consistent? -- Not Sure, 23:36 11/30/09 Mon Then why weren't Red Sox the world champs in '03??? -- just me, 09:15 12/01/09 Tue JM -- Personal?, 17:18 12/01/09 Tue Dracut defense picks off MVC title, but Silva hurt in big win -- Duplicate Dawg, 08:28 11/27/09 Fri Middies denied bid for 2nd straight Super Bowl, lose to Reading in play-offs, 20-6 -- Duplicate Dawg, 07:18 12/02/09 Wed

Subject: Is Jimmy O posturing himself for a run at State Rep next year? Author: Nostradamus [Edit] Date Posted: 18:29 11/29/09 Sun State Representative Jim O’Loughlin – it has a nice ring to it, I suppose. The blurb in the Lowell Sun’s, The Column, this morning listed both Jimmy O, as well as fellow selectman Bob “Captain Kangaroo” Cox, as perhaps the most rumored challengers to take on incumbent Colleen Garry next year for her seat. Cox sort of dispelled the rumor surrounding him by basically saying the timing for him and his family for this type of campaign, at this time, just wasn’t right. Translation: If Cox were to quit the Dracut Board of Selectmen and then lose to Colleen Garry in the State Rep race, where could he possibly get FREE health insurance for him and his family? It’s absolutely crucial for Captain Kangaroo to stay on and continue to bilk the Dracut Town Employees’ health insurance coverage for as long as he possibly can. I mean, what if Cox or one of his family members contract the Swine Flu or something like that? The medical bills alone would send that poor sucker into Bankruptcy for sure. O’Loughlin, however, is a little more intelligent than that and is not even remotely dependent on the Town of Dracut for his health insurance coverage. Jimmy O was quoted in this morning’s Sun as saying, "If I don't pull nomination papers for selectman in February, you'll know why." Granted, that may not exactly sound like a campaign announcement, but it ain’t exactly a “No” either. We’ll all know for sure, I guess, within about four months from now on whether or not Jimmy O will be a candidate for State Rep in 2010. If not, I think it’ll be a crying shame if Ms. Garry just waltzes in, unopposed, to yet another term in office. Heck, I'd rather even see Jim Ogonowski run against Colleen Garry next year (hint, hint) than nobody at all. I think contested races maintain incumbent’s perspective, as well as keeps them honest and on their toes. No disrespect to Colleen, but I’d like to see her in a position every four years or so, that she humbly and respectably comes before her constituents and tells us all what she’s accomplished in the past, and what she plans to do for us in the future. It’s what pure democracy should be all about. [ Post a Reply to This Message ] Replies: Collen is smoke screen for Bobby Cox gang! -- Tsongas, 20:59 11/29/09 Sun

Subject: Middie’s pigskin coach Jeff Moore facing Dereliction of Duty allegations Author: Duplicate Dawg [Edit] Date Posted: 21:25 10/11/09 Sun (published in, Lowell Sun, The Column, 10-11-09) Dracut probe puts Lowell cop under gun A Sun Staff report THE JOY that the Dracut High School Middies enjoyed last season when the team won the Division 1A Super Bowl has hardly been in the air this year at Beaudry Field. For instance, the Matt Grimard-less Middies have already racked up multiple losses. There’s the unresolved flap over Vice Principal Hank Golec and whether he tampered with school surveillance equipment to secretly record what he apparently viewed was an out-of-season football practice conducted by coach Jeff Moore. Now comes word that Moore, a Lowell police officer, is the subject of an Internal Affairs investigation related to his Dracut job. Police Superintendent Kenneth Lavallee confirmed last week that Golec notified Lt. Timothy Crowley, the current head of the IA Division, of alleged shenanigans on Moore’s part. Moore works the overnight shift, either 1-9 a.m., or 12:30-8:30 a.m. It is alleged that Moore was videotaped in Dracut, at the high school, during work hours when he was supposed to be keeping Lowell safe. “We’re attempting to acquire the evidence,” said Lavallee. [ Post a Reply to This Message ] Replies: Rat -- Former Middie, 10:14 10/13/09 Tue been in DHS (NT) -- and heard him swear at kids..., 18:17 11/22/09 Sun Coach Moore -- Middie Mama, 21:37 11/02/09 Mon Bologna -- Shrek, 15:22 11/03/09 Tue Coach Moore is a great role model for our students!! -- Parent, 16:57 11/03/09 Tue Work Schedule -- Two Cents, 10:19 11/04/09 Wed heat too hot -- sad middie (surprize), 10:57 11/18/09 Wed Moore -- Middie Teacher, 08:04 11/20/09 Fri He Won? -- Kidding?, 08:52 11/27/09 Fri Are you Hank Golec posting under a pseudonym? -- just me, 23:58 11/27/09 Fri Just Me? -- IS THAT MOORE?, 06:49 11/28/09 Sat Groton -- Record, 06:52 11/28/09 Sat Compare & contrast coaches: Jeff Moore vs. Hank Golec -- just me, 22:41 11/28/09 Sat Arrest -- Problems, 12:00 11/29/09 Sun Furthermore, those who guess at pseudonyms will have their postings rejected, as well. (NT) -- ?????????, 07:39 11/28/09 Sat

Subject: "The Government Can", a.k.a. "Warren Shaw's Theme Song" Author: Duplicate Dawg via Tim Hawkins [Edit] Date Posted: 21:59 11/28/09 Sat [ Post a Reply to This Message ]

Subject: Despite Cpt. Kangaroo shouting "NO" like an idiot, Louisburg Sq. officially dies @ Town Meeting Author: Duplicate Dawg [Edit] Date Posted: 07:50 11/03/09 Tue (Published in, Lowell Sun, 11-3-09. Nickname inserted for emphasis.) Town Meeting OKs sewer fees for new homes By Erin Smith esmith@lowellsun.com DRACUT -- Aside from a brief debate over raising sewer rates on new homes, the only allusion to fireworks at Town Meeting came after one voter could be heard muttering that the constant feedback from the town manager's microphone sounded like the Fourth of July. Town Meeting lasted only about 45 minutes, and many voters had already left their seats and were moving toward the door when they shouted unanimous approval for the final warrant article to add Chuck Drive to the town's street list. Town Meeting also approved new sewage-hookup fees for any new homes or commercial buildings. The fee increased from $5,000 to $7,500. Gary Marsella, chairman of the Finance Committee, argued that the increased rates for new construction would protect the rates for the current residents paying sewage costs. "To not pass it would put them in peril," said Marsella. Selectmen had voted 4-1 in a recommendation to refer the matter to the Town Meeting in June to give them time to study the issue. Selectman John Zimini was the only selectman who wanted to vote to approve the new sewer rate rules last night. Selectman James O'Loughlin called Marsella's remarks a "scare tactic" and doubted the town's sewage rates would be affected between now and June. O'Loughlin said he was trying to protect the young people of the town who are trying to buy homes during hard economic times. The selectmen were ultimately outvoted, and Town Meeting passed the sewer rates for new construction with the most enthusiastic voice vote of the night. The most contentious article on the Town Meeting agenda -- whether to rescind $2.68 million set aside to pay for the controversial Louisburg Square project -- became moot last month after commissioners at the Housing Authority voted down the effort to buy the apartment complex at 1476 Mammoth Road for affordable housing for seniors. Barbara Dickinson, who lives at 1476 Mammoth Road and was the only voter to speak on the subject, said she is disappointed that the project had been scrapped. "I just feel so bad that the seniors are treated this way," said Dickinson to applause. The motion to rescind the funding passed easily, with a few voters in opposition, including Selectmen Robert "Captain Kangaroo" Cox, a strong proponent of the project, who quickly stood to shout his "No" vote. Town Meeting also approved money to cover a $315,000 deficit for last winter's snow and ice removal, about $2.4 million in funding for Greater Lowell Technical High School and a $250,000 cut to the School Department's budget. [ Post a Reply to This Message ] Replies: Cox sounded like a bar room owner.It's over. (NT) -- townie, 21:21 11/28/09 Sat

Subject: Dracut Center property now targeted for affordable senior housing proposal Author: Duplicate Dawg [Edit] Date Posted: 21:37 11/20/09 Fri (published in, Lowell Sun, 11-20-09) Affordable-housing plans return in Dracut By Erin Smith esmith@lowellsun.com DRACUT -- In the wake of a failed affordable-housing plan for seniors, some town officials are quietly lining up support behind a new proposal. About a month after the Dracut Housing Authority called off plans to buy the 38 units at 1476 Mammoth Road known as Louisburg Square as affordable housing for seniors, Brian Bond, vice chairman of the Community Preservation Committee, is looking at a proposal to buy 17 acres of farmland on Greenmont Avenue and build 64 one-bedroom homes for seniors. Bond said he's hoping the project, which could take at least three years to complete, could be brought before Town Meeting in June 2010. The new proposal is still in its infancy but Ken Cunha, a Housing Authority member, imagines walk-in showers, washers and dryers in the units, environmentally friendly buildings and green space built on farmland at 144 Greenmont Ave. Cunha, Bond and Selectman John Zimini said they began working on the plan several months ago. Cunha, a fierce opponent of the Louisburg Square project, said he hasn't reached out yet to gain support from his political opponents, Selectmen Joe DiRocco and Robert Cox. Cox and DiRocco had accused Cunha of working to sabotage the Louisburg Square project to exact political revenge and punish their political adversaries. "I certainly didn't like that project but you know what, it's time to move on from Louisburg Square," said Cunha. Cunha and those behind the plan sought help and support from other town officials, including Community Preservation Committee member Ken Lania. Lania, a civil engineer, assessed the land to come up with a proposed number of housing units. Phil Thibault, chairman of the Planning Board and an architect, provided floor plans for cottage-style elderly housing. Bond is confident town leaders and the Housing Authority can work together on a new housing plan for seniors. "I don't know if it has a better chance (of succeeding than the Louisburg Square project), but it's a chance to add more senior housing," said Bond. "I think the town can work with the Housing Authority. I don't see a problem with that." John Hassan, chairman of the Community Preservation Committee, cautioned that it's too early to discuss the new proposal publicly. The committee needs to find out how much of the land is wetlands, figure out whether 64 units would fit on the land and appraise the property. "To get people's hopes up that we're building something only to have it squashed again -- it's just way too early," said Hassan. Hassan said the CPC looked into preserving the Richardson land as farm space about two years ago. That deal fell apart after the town, the Richardson family and the group that farmed the land couldn't agree on a sale price. James Richardson, whose family controls the farmland in a trust, said Bond and other officials first approached his family in the early fall. The land is behind the Richardson's Dairy stand at 1480 Bridge St. and Richardson said there are no plans to sell the farm store at the moment. Bond said the new Greenmont Avenue proposal will hinge on whether the town can obtain state funding. The state Department of Housing and Community Development would have paid $2.9 million toward renovations for Louisburg Square, but that money isn't transferable to new projects. Housing advocates have told The Sun there is a long waiting list for funding. Zimini said he wants to work with neighbors near the proposed site and would also need to see a new appraisal. "It's in a great area. It's on a bus line, so I think it's just a real good place to put in elderly housing," said Zimini. Bond estimates the Greenmont Avenue plan could cost about $6.3 million with about $3.84 million -- or about $60,000 per unit -- going toward building costs. That would leave about $2.46 million available to buy the land, roadwork, landscaping and build a community center at the site. Town records show the one-story home owned by James Richardson at 1530 Bridge St. is assessed at $231,200. The 17 acres owned by the Richardson family at 144 Greenmont Ave. are worth $252,000, according to town records. Dracut assessing officials said the farmland was last assessed in February 2003 and a field review was last done in spring 2008. About 5.5 percent of the town's housing stock is considered affordable. Because that figure is less than 10 percent, developers may be allowed to bypass local zoning laws. Seniors pay reduced rent at Louisburg Square but the state does not count that as affordable housing because those rents are higher than what state considers affordable. [ Post a Reply to This Message ] Replies: Hey Bond can you get the Town Hall built next (NT) -- watcher, 21:59 11/20/09 Fri Why is my CPA money targeted for this?? (NT) -- Sick and Tired, 10:31 11/21/09 Sat Roger L. Daigle sez if the State ain't paying 100% for this, then he's against it (NT) -- Dracut tax $$$ should NOT be used, 10:57 11/21/09 Sat I'm a little confused -- Dracuteer, 21:25 11/21/09 Sat isn't this land,wet lands as stated by E.P.A.? (NT) -- Lilly, 01:50 11/23/09 Mon Subdvision -- Another neighbor, 19:40 11/25/09 Wed OR A 40B (NT) -- Doctor Magoo, 21:19 11/25/09 Wed What a great idea" (NT) -- Hot Dog''', 21:10 11/28/09 Sat

Subject: School Board weighs option of hiring Espindle as a fill-in for Superintendent's position Author: Duplicate Dawg [Edit] Date Posted: 23:53 11/24/09 Tue (published in, Lowell Sun, 11-24-09) Dracut eyes Espindle for interim schools post By Erin Smith esmith@lowellsun.com DRACUT -- Barely two years after local politicians ousted former Superintendent of Schools Elaine Espindle, some school officials are hoping to bring her back as interim leader of Dracut schools. School Committee members have been scrambling to find an interim replacement for current Superintendent of Schools W. Spencer Mullin, who made the surprise announcement earlier this month that he plans to retire March 3 after only about 19 months on the job. School Committee member Mike Miles said he wants to ask Espindle if she would be interested in the job. Miles was careful to say the board is not making a job offer but wanted to gauge whether Espindle would want to serve as interim superintendent for the remainder of the school year. "To find somebody who's knowledgeable of the schools and the budget and everything that's going on, to me that would be a no-brainer," said Miles, who said they need Espindle's budget expertise because the Dracut school system is in "crisis mode." Espindle, Mullin's predecessor, spent 10 years leading the town's school system before deciding not to renew or extend her contract in May 2007. "I don't want to put all our eggs in one basket," said School Committee member Ron Mercier, who advocated for the board to seek other options. Miles and Mercier were the only two School Committee members on the board when Espindle was ousted. Miles was the lone member in favor of extending Espindle's contract In the end, School Committee member Mike McNamara's motion to advertise the interim position in local newspapers won out over asking Espindle directly. However, School Committee Chairman Matthew Sheehan and School Committee member Bonnie Elie both suggested they would be open to rehiring Espindle while they search for a permanent superintendent. Elie said asking Espindle to step in is a "no-brainer" that could save the town money. According to pension laws, Espindle would only be able to earn the difference between her retirement pay and the current salary for the position. "She did a really good job while she was here. She's amazing with the budget," said Sheehan. But Sheehan said he doesn't want to spend a large amount of money searching for a permanent replacement for Mullin. The Massachusetts Association of School Committees wants to charge more than $12,000 to help find Dracut a new superintendent, while the New England School Development Council quoted town officials about $17,000 and the Merrimack Education Center requires a $14,000 fee. Two other companies -- J.A. Roy Associates and Future Management Systems -- declined to give quotes or help with the Dracut search, according to school officials. Sheehan sought to downplay rumors that the two companies had declined to work with Dracut because of the town's reputation for being a political hotbed. Sheehan said officials at both companies called him to say they are too busy. At last count, about 40 school districts are expected to be searching for superintendents in the coming year, according to Elie, who suggested the School Committee take the search national in anticipation of competition from other school districts. McNamara offered a compromise: Use the free services offered by the Massachusetts Association of School Committees without paying for a consultant and have the town form its own screening committee. [ Post a Reply to This Message ] Replies: when will the back room deals stop? -- Fly on the wall, 12:37 11/25/09 Wed Joking -- Dracut Resident, 14:07 11/25/09 Wed Bring D.J. Back! -- Lone Wolf, 11:54 11/26/09 Thu ARE U NUTS? -- wolf hunter, 02:06 11/27/09 Fri Espindle -- Bring Her Back, 08:54 11/27/09 Fri Graet job by Sheehan and Miles -- Dracut Parent, 20:55 11/27/09 Fri

Subject: Findings from DHS surveillance camera probe going to committee Author: Duplicate Dawg [Edit] Date Posted: 07:53 09/20/09 Sun (published in, Lowell Sun, 9-20-09) Hank Golec By Jennifer Myers jmyers@lowellsun.com DRACUT -- The internal investigation into allegations that Dracut High School Vice Principal Hank Golec tampered with school surveillance equipment and secretly recorded a football practice was concluded on Friday and School Committee members are expected to receive the findings tomorrow, according to committee Chairman Matthew Sheehan. Sheehan said he has been advised not to comment on the situation. School Committee member Mike Miles said Superintendent of Schools W. Spencer Mullin met Friday afternoon with School Department attorneys Ed Morris and Kevin Murphy and possibly an attorney representing Golec. "I have not heard from anybody of authority what the outcome of that meeting was," Miles said. Last week, a Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association spokesman acknowledged that the organization received an anonymous letter and DVD from someone claiming that Dracut's head football coach, Jeff Moore, was conducting out-of-season practices. The MIAA spokesman, Paul Wetzel, said the letter and video were forwarded to Dracut High Principal James Generoso. According to sources at the school, the video showed students during weightlifting and conditioning sessions. Wetzel referred to the MIAA handbook, which states that those activities are permissible as long as they are not sports-specific, are sponsored by the school and open to all students, not just those involved in a particular sport. Several sources told The Sun that officials believe the letter and DVD were sent to the MIAA by Golec and not by a parent of one of the students. Golec has spent 34 years working for the Dracut schools as a teacher, varsity baseball coach and administrator. According to a source, after reviewing the DVD, school officials, including Generoso and Athletic Director Tim Woods, determined that the video was taped on a school-owned camera. When officials tried to examine the equipment on which the video was believed to have been recorded, the machine was found to be inoperable. Sheehan called for an investigation into the allegations last week. Golec did not return a call seeking comment. [ Post a Reply to This Message ] Replies: Why? Why? Why??? Porky Pig offers his "professional" analysis -- D.D., 13:59 09/20/09 Sun Malliaros is Hanks brother-in law,dont you think he might have told him to keep quiet? (NT) -- Law Student, 19:41 09/20/09 Sun There is a very easy solution to this! -- Lawyer George, 20:17 09/23/09 Wed Excellent suggestion -- treat Golec the same way Chartrand was treated in stolen drug incident (NT) -- What's good for the goose..., 21:11 09/23/09 Wed Hank Golec scandal -- Townie, 08:36 09/22/09 Tue If no closure in this case, Miles & McNamara can explain why @ Election -- Never forget the stolen drug incident, 22:21 09/27/09 Sun Latest Info -- Ricky ticky toc, 10:14 09/27/09 Sun If it's true, I wonder if he'll be paid -- tired of my taxes being wasted, 15:29 09/27/09 Sun Of course -- RESIDENT, 10:17 10/07/09 Wed Is it OK to burn sick time on School Side of budget? -- Almost Chief Tom Mcstiffed, 13:10 10/07/09 Wed Even after 1 month of being gone from DHS, Golec's future status remains a mystery -- Duplicate Dawg, 07:58 11/05/09 Thu This guy had a dream job in Dracut! Why did he blow it!! (NT) -- Help mehank, 11:29 11/05/09 Thu I work in DHS -- Anom, 20:40 11/06/09 Fri Cover-up by redirecting -- Curious, 11:28 11/07/09 Sat ya right, let him lose his pension (NT) -- a nobody would lose his, 18:15 11/22/09 Sun 1969 Grads. -- insider, 22:12 11/06/09 Fri Taxpayers have a right to know what's going on in their school system -- Lowell Sun -- Two thumbs down, 14:48 11/08/09 Sun Payed leave -- Heartbroken, 17:22 11/08/09 Sun HARD WORKING!!??!! Hank????? What planet ar' yo'from? (NT) -- Bullet, 12:16 11/09/09 Mon I agree with Anom -- Past Student, 14:45 11/10/09 Tue It's official: Golec to retire on Jan. 21 (surprise, surprise) -- Duplicate Dawg, 08:01 11/17/09 Tue He will utilize sick time until his retirement. -- Confused Resident, 23:31 11/17/09 Tue Confused Resident. (NT) -- What a point. Will anyone look into this??, 01:53 11/19/09 Thu This is a joke. (NT) -- Disgusted, 21:30 11/20/09 Fri Hank -- Hank, 08:56 11/27/09 Fri

Subject: Seemingly nepotism hiring for Englesby principal's job sparks school dept. controversy Author: Duplicate Dawg [Edit] Date Posted: 08:26 11/21/09 Sat (published in, Lowell Sun, 11-21-09) Dracut principal promotion questioned By Erin Smith esmith@lowellsun.com DRACUT -- How did Superintendent W. Spencer Mullin make his decision to hire the new principal for Englesby Intermediate School? School Committee member Mike McNamara wants to know, after he said complaints surfaced from screening committee members who felt their voices weren't heard. "People put their time and effort into serving on screening committee and their work should be valued," said McNamara. McNamara said he heard complaints from Joyce Desjardins, president of the teachers union, that several people on the screening committee felt they weren't being listened to during the hiring process. Desjardins, one of the seven screening committee members, referred all questions to the School Committee. "We wish to be recorded as having no comment," said Desjardins, who said she is speaking for the other teachers on the screening committee. McNamara made a motion for more information on the hiring process at last week's School Committee meeting, and said he's now waiting for School Committee Chairman Matthew Sheehan to set up a subcommittee to investigate. Mullin appointed seven people to the screening committee, including parents and teachers. Under state law, the superintendent retains sole hiring power for Dracut schools and has the final say over all teachers, principals and staff. At last week's School Committee meeting, Mullin announced Assistant Principal Jacqueline Perrin would take over at Englesby. Principal Robert Young retired this month. Perrin's sister is former School Committee member Mary Gail Martin. Mullin said speculation about the connection is unfounded. "I can assure you she was the most qualified candidate with the best credentials, and if she wasn't the best person for the job, I wouldn't have hired her," said Mullin. Sheehan said he hadn't heard about any complaints or controversy surrounding Perrin's promotion until McNamara's motion. "That's the first I had heard about it, and I had talked to people on the screening committee," Sheehan said. [ Post a Reply to This Message ] Replies: just maybe Mullin is sleeping (NT) -- with herrrrr !!, 18:12 11/22/09 Sun Doubt that!?!?!?! -- Saadam Hussein, 19:05 11/23/09 Mon move her up -- new guy on the block, 17:59 11/23/09 Mon she's marygails sister -- she had no qualifications to be the v.p., 21:39 11/23/09 Mon so what -- new guy on the block, 09:43 11/24/09 Tue SHE'S A BITCH (NT) -- AND THATS THAT-, 22:08 11/25/09 Wed

Subject: Is it safe to assume that Hank Golec is abusing his sick leave??? Author: Duplicate Dawg [Edit] Date Posted: 23:37 11/24/09 Tue (published in, Lowell Sun, The Column, 11-22-09) No one was surprised when it was revealed last week that Dracut High School Vice Principal Hank Golec will officially retire Jan. 21. Golec has been the center of a controversy since allegations surfaced that he misused school video-surveillance equipment in a failed attempt to prove a rival coach (DHS Middies football head coach Jeff Moore) was breaking high-school sporting rules. Golec hasn’t showed up to work since the scandal became public in mid-September. He is collecting a town paycheck by claiming sick leave time. And he’s expected to keep receiving a paycheck from his sick time until he retires in January. Golec doesn’t seem to be sick enough to stay away from his varsity football line coaching position with Greater Lowell Technical High (Voke). He gets paid $4,560 per year for that gig. So, is he really sick? [ Post a Reply to This Message ] Replies: That was my point in my earlier post. -- Confused Resident, 14:15 11/25/09 Wed Wasn't Phil Berard forced to resign for allegedly abusing his sick leave? (NT) -- School Dept should have same policy as Police, 19:45 11/25/09 Wed

Subject: School Committee neuters Mullin’s hiring authority till his tenure ends Author: Duplicate Dawg [Edit] Date Posted: 19:36 11/25/09 Wed (published in, Lowell Sun, 11-24-09) School board KOs Mullin’s hiring ability By Erin Smith esmith@lowellsun.com DRACUT – The School Committee doesn’t want Superintendent of Schools W. Spencer Mullin hiring anymore teachers, principals or staff without their approval. It’s not because they don’t trust Mullin, said School Committee Chairman Matthew Sheehan. The School Committee unanimously approved Sheehan’s motion to freeze all hiring without prior approval from the school’s governing body. The move essentially gives Mullin, who had hiring authority for the entire school system, a lame-duck status. Mullin plans to retire in March. That means School Committee would have final say over the new hires for every open school position that needs to be filled, including the vice principal jobs at the high school and Englesby Intermediate School, a part-time kindergarten teacher at Greenmont Elementary School, a special-education teacher slot and several paraprofessional positions. “I think it’s pretty much standard procedure when you get a resignation from a superintendent,” said committee member Bonnie Elie. Earlier this month, Elie sparked a controversy after her fellow committee members accused her of quietly working on a plan to promote the high school’s part-time Athletic Director and teacher Tim Woods to a job as full-time administration who would also serve as a part-time vice principal. The vice principal job at the high school will be vacated in January, after Hank Golec resigns. Mullin was not at last night’s School Committee meeting. Steven Stone, executive director of special education, took notes for Mullin, who had asked Stone to attend the meeting in his place. Stone said he didn’t know why Mullin did not attend. [ Post a Reply to This Message ]

Subject: Further investigation on Chartrand incident still to be determined Author: Duplicate Dawg [Edit] Date Posted: 10:19 11/25/09 Wed (published in, Lowell Sun, 11-25-09) Dracut chief gives inquiry findings to town manager By Erin Smith esmith@lowellsun.com DRACUT -- The town's police chief has finished his inquiry into allegations that his second-in-command was intoxicated when he responded to a late-September domestic incident while off duty. Deputy Dave Chartrand was almost shot by his own officers during the Sept. 26 incident because he didn't respond to commands to drop a shotgun and they didn't recognize him on the dark street. Chief Kevin Richardson submitted his findings to Town Manager Dennis Piendak on Friday, but the results still remain a mystery to the public. Yesterday, Piendak said he was consulting the town's attorney to decide what to release publicly from the inquiry's findings. Richardson, who did not return a call seeking comment yesterday, has said those findings will determine whether a full investigation into the incident is warranted. Richardson opened the preliminary inquiry into the incident Nov. 9 after Jerry Flynn, police union representative through the New England Police Benevolent Association, sent a letter to Piendak accusing Chartrand of being too drunk to hear the police commands to drop the shotgun he was carrying at the scene. Officer Derek Scribner, who responded to the domestic call, has also alleged Chartrand was under the influence of alcohol and said he inferred that Chartrand wanted him to keep the incident quiet, even though Chartrand did not specifically order him not to tell anyone else what happened that night. Selectmen Chairman George Malliaros has questioned the timing of the allegations, suspecting that police union officials are attempting to distract the public as the Dracut police chief prepares to release the findings of a long-running investigation into who stole $80,000 worth of marijuana from a locked police-evidence storage trailer more than six years ago. On Sept. 26, Chartrand, who was off duty, had been at a block party on B Street for about 90 minutes when someone told him about a domestic situation involving a man with a gun nearby about 10:15 p.m., according to Richardson. A woman had fought with her boyfriend and asked three male friends to ride their motorcycles out to her boyfriend's B Street home and help her remove her belongings from the house, according to reports. As she cleared out her things, the boyfriend allegedly pulled a 20-gauge shotgun on the three men. The shotgun turned out to be unloaded, according to police. When Chartrand arrived at the home, just before his on-duty officers, the bikers had already allegedly disarmed the boyfriend, pinned him to the ground and put the single-barrel shotgun in a closet, according to reports and police witness statements obtained by The Sun. Chartrand took the unloaded shotgun from the house for safety reasons and was walking down the unlit street carrying it when Scribner and Lt. Michael Fleury came upon him and almost fired on him before recognizing Chartrand on the dark street, according to officials. Richardson has praised Chartrand for taking the shotgun away from the suspect's home that night. [ Post a Reply to This Message ]

Subject: So why did Spencer Mullin REALLY resign as Dracut school chief??? Author: Duplicate Dawg [Edit] Date Posted: 10:31 11/23/09 Mon (published in, Lowell Sun, The Column, 11-22-09) The Dracut School Committee is still on the hunt for someone to lead the school system after Superintendent W. Spencer Mullin dropped the surprise bombshell that he will leave in March. About a week before he gave the School Committee his notice, Mullin was still looking to negotiate his current contract. Recently released meeting minutes from the School Committee's executive session on Oct. 26 show officials were discussing Mullin's request to add three more sick days, paid and unpaid consultant work, and arbitration to his contract. School Committee member Ron Mercier wanted Mullin to make the request during a public meeting. But that never happened. Mullin gave his resignation notice Nov. 4. [ Post a Reply to This Message ]

Subject: Which of these “outstanding” Dracut cops do you think is more handsome & intelligent? Author: P.O.W. (Pal of Warren’s) [Edit] Date Posted: 14:10 11/11/09 Wed Chief Kevin Richardson ____________________________________________________________ Deputy Chief David Chartrand [ Post a Reply to This Message ] Replies: Two Great Leaders, Serve & Protect!!!! (NT) -- El'der, 12:07 11/12/09 Thu Sleeping at the 99 BAR -- Charlie Doe, 14:51 11/12/09 Thu Who took it??? You and Jerry Flynn???? Did Jerry take the bus?? (NT) -- Magic Bus ride!, 00:48 11/13/09 Fri Talk is cheap -- The Observer, 22:08 11/14/09 Sat Flynn verses Chartrand -- Referee, 22:01 11/14/09 Sat funny -- Lily (OMG), 13:08 11/16/09 Mon Friend of Dave -- Rev. Anthony A. Artchinski, 02:21 11/17/09 Tue Hay Rev.! On your way to driving Dave maybe you can pick up!... -- Jesus, 12:24 11/17/09 Tue Note to J.C. re: Your Post -- eclectacat, 20:18 11/20/09 Fri DEF. THE CHEIF (NT) -- HE OWNS DRACUT-HE'S LIKE A CELEB., 23:07 11/20/09 Fri

Subject: Real Estate Transaction of the Rich & Infamous Author: Duplicate Dawg [Edit] Date Posted: 22:11 11/14/09 Sat Joseph “Narcissus” DiRocco 1440 Mammoth Road: Joseph and Jeanne A. DiRocco to John P. and Cheryl A. Nowak, $250,000 [ Post a Reply to This Message ] Replies: Is he storing acorns in his cheeks? (NT) -- Fat Albert, 17:34 11/19/09 Thu

Subject: Jimmy O publicly takes Brian Flaherty to task over "irresponsible" blog comments Author: Duplicate Dawg [Edit] Date Posted: 09:24 11/07/09 Sat (The following was a response by Selectman Jim O'Loughlin to Brian Flaherty on his pissant little blog regarding the recent resignation of DATV -- local access cable TV -- executive director Steve Russo. Jimmy O's criticism couldn't have been directed to a nicer guy.) Mr. Flaherty, When you state "Perhaps Russo said there was enough politics and wanted out" where do you get this from? Would it be fair to say that "Perhaps Mr. Flaherty was visited by space aliens and they told him to say that" -- Would both statements be equally irresponsible? Did you speak to Mr. Russo? Perhaps Mr. Russo is recieving a substantial pay increase. Did you check any sources? Me thinks not! Mr Russo himself stated "this opportunity gives me the chance to grow professionally and put my technical knowledge to use." On another matter I did not request the need for a new board to "oversee DATV", the manager spoke of the need of appointing a cable advisory committee which would act as a liason to DATV as well as be available to meet with representatives of any competing cable company that may be interested in locating in Dracut. I did ask if there was a member of DATV who was acting as a liason to the board of selectman to give us updates on DATV board meetings, personnel changes, policy changes, etc. I was told there is not. Blogs can be a great tool when used responsibly. Thanks, Jim O'Loughlin [ Post a Reply to This Message ] Replies: $64,000 Question: Why can't DATV keep a station manager for any length of time? -- Duplicate Dawg, 08:18 11/17/09 Tue Gary Meuse is expected to "hit the ground running" as our new DATV station manager -- Duplicate Dawg, 09:32 11/19/09 Thu

Subject: Meadow Creek fires general manager in hopes for increased usage & membership Author: Duplicate Dawg [Edit] Date Posted: 08:45 10/27/09 Tue (published in, Lowell Sun, 10-27-09) Meadow Creek ousts manager By Erin Smith esmith@lowellsun.com DRACUT -- Earlier this month, Meadow Creek Golf Club opened a new clubhouse. That same week, the board that oversees the club voted to oust the general manager. The move is the latest twist at a public golf course that has gone through many changes since it opened three years ago. "We're going forward with a different philosophy with club management," said Jeff Brem, general partner and president of the golf course. Brem said timing of the board's decision to fire Kevin Shepple was a coincidence. Shepple had served as the general manager at the tournament-caliber, 18-hole golf course for the past two years, since Brem and the other new owners took over the course. Shepple's last day on the job was Friday. He did not immediately return a call for comment. Board members are hoping the new management company they've hired, Affinity Management, will increase club membership and use of the golf course, according to Brem, who says those figures have largely remained stagnant during the the past two years under Shepple's management. Brem said Affinity was hired to manage the restaurant and banquet hall at the clubhouse and the golf course. Affinity, which is based in Charlottesville, Va., specializes in membership recruiting, marketing and club operations, according to the company's Web site. Aaron Crear, who has been a member at the club for the past two years, said he doesn't understand why the board decided to fire Shepple. "He definitely had the experience and was doing a good job," said Crear. In a letter sent to club members last week, Brem acknowledged that not everyone would be happy with the decision. "Some of you have become friends with Kevin, others have had close associations and for you this change will not be welcome. I know that many of you will be concerned and anxious," said Brem in the letter. The club owners plan to hold meetings for members to explain the change in management this month, according to Brem. Meadow Creek Golf Club is privately owned with club memberships, but the course and restaurant at the clubhouse are open to any paying member of the public. Meadow Creek Golf Club, which is surrounded by 178 house lots, opened three years ago. More than 100 lots have been sold, and homes ranging in price from $550,000 to $1.5 million have been built or are under construction. When the golf course opened, an agreement was inked with the town to build a clubhouse on the property within 30 months or relinquish 27 house lots to the town. The clubhouse, which opened Oct. 15, includes a golf shop, a 72-seat restaurant, and a banquet hall and cocktail reception area that serves more than 200 people. There's also a covered terrace outside with service and seating for 48 people. The 14,000-square-foot structure hosts locker-room space, a members-only lounge and administrative offices in the basement, and cost about $3.3 million to build, according to Brem. [ Post a Reply to This Message ] Replies: Hamburgers are 8 dollars with fries! Soda 2.75 -- Trump, 12:51 10/27/09 Tue $550,000 is a lot higher than the going price now -- Housing costs, 15:52 10/27/09 Tue Yes, they are lower. Some would be upside down if they tried to sell now (NT) -- Meadow Deep, 13:19 11/12/09 Thu Lower your prices -- $$, 19:52 11/04/09 Wed

Subject: Spencer Mullin calls it quits just after 1 year as Dracut's School Superintendent Author: Duplicate Dawg [Edit] Date Posted: 16:05 11/04/09 Wed (posted on, lowellsun.com , Breaking News, 11-4-09) Dracut School Supt. Mullin to retire DRACUT -- Just about one year into his tenure, School Superintendent W. Spencer Mullin notified the School Committee Wednesday he will retire effective March 3 to spend more time with his family. Last month, Mullin told The Sun that his first year as superintendent was a learning experience, but he feels he met the goals he set for the school system last year, including working to increase test scores, adding an alternative program at the high school for at-risk students and bringing new technology into the classroom. Mullin said he added 55 new computers at the high school and purchased LED projectors and instituted training for teachers to file electronic report cards. Mullin took over for Elaine Espindle at the end of last summer. Espindle had been on the job for 10 years. She had replaced the iconic Christos Daoulas, who had been at the helm of Dracut's school system for 37 years. For more on this story read Thursday's Sun or click on http://www.lowellsun.com [ Post a Reply to This Message ] Replies: Calls to Bring back Elaine Espindle to come Next???? -- Back in Time, 17:20 11/04/09 Wed Great Choice!! Ms.Espindle doesn't need a learning curve! -- Charly, 11:27 11/05/09 Thu Need to bring in NEW Talent !!! -- Going back only stirs up the petty politics, 09:58 11/06/09 Fri Ya think the School Com learned its lesson NOT to hire the local yokel??? (NT) -- Hire somebody OUTSIDE THIS AREA!!!, 21:13 11/04/09 Wed No Big Surprise -- Bob, 00:02 11/05/09 Thu Heard the same -- Curious, 21:23 11/05/09 Thu I agree -- Parent, 10:14 11/06/09 Fri Mullin claims he wants to spend more time w/family & then stiffed The Sun on further comment -- Duplicate Dawg, 07:41 11/05/09 Thu He just wanted to boost his pension. (NT) -- What a disgrace., 12:24 11/05/09 Thu A new beginning -- Charlie, 00:33 11/06/09 Fri Next job for Spencer Mullin? Doting grandpa -- Duplicate Dawg, 10:27 11/06/09 Fri Dracut shouldn't act too hastily when hiring a new school superintendent -- Lowell Sun editorial, 10:34 11/06/09 Fri Espindle -- Thank God I am out of Dracut, 20:18 11/06/09 Fri Should dept. heads leaving before contract ends lose $$$ in severance package? -- just me, 21:37 11/11/09 Wed TEDDY K FOR SUPERINTENDENT! (NT) -- Of Zimini's campaign!, 13:12 11/12/09 Thu

Subject: Will Tim Woods replace Golec as the DHS vice principal? Author: Duplicate Dawg [Edit] Date Posted: 12:32 11/10/09 Tue (published in, Lowell Sun, 11-10-09) Charges fly in Dracut School-board member accused of handpicking Golec replacement By Erin Smith esmith@lowellsun.com DRACUT -- School Committee members are accusing one of their own of quietly and illegally handpicking a replacement for embattled Dracut High School Vice Principal Hank Golec, who is facing allegations of breaching the school's security system and misusing surveillance equipment. Last night, School Committee member Bonnie Elie told The Sun that Golec, who hasn't shown up to his job since mid-September, is retiring in January. The admission marks the first time school officials revealed Golec's employment plans since The Sun learned in September about an investigation into allegations against Golec. Golec allegedly used a school-owned surveillance camera to secretly tape DHS football coach Jeff Moore leading a summer weightlifting session, then sent the recording to the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association, arguing that the session was in violation of MIAA rules. It turned out the session was legal by MIAA standards because the weightlifting session was open to all students, not just the football team. Elie's fellow committee members accused her of quietly working on a plan to promote the high school's part-time athletic director to a full-time job, while making him an administrator who also serves as a part-time vice principal, filling in for the principal as needed. Tim Woods, currently a full-time teacher with a community-service class at Dracut High, receives a $9,000 stipend per year to serve as the part-time athletic director, according to Superintendent of Schools W. Spencer Mullin. Committee member Ron Mercier questioned the wisdom of creating an administrative position at the expense of eliminating a full-time teaching job at the high school during the economic downturn. When Mercier accused Elie of illegally overstepping her bounds by micromanaging the superintendent, Elie denied specifically calling for Woods to be promoted to the position. The committee is only charged with hiring and firing the superintendent and setting school policy. "We'll just make sure that there's nothing illegal," said Kevin Murphy, the School Department's lawyer, about Elie's call for talks between Murphy and Mullin to create the new position. Committee member Michael McNamara blasted Elie for a lack of transparency after he found out she was the only member to receive a memo addressed to the School Committee highlighting talking points about Woods' position to help her pitch the proposal. "I just perceive that things are happening behind the scenes," McNamara said. "I'm a member of the Dracut School Committee. I don't know why I don't have the memo." The committee unanimously approved McNamara's motion to take up Elie's proposal for a full-time athletic director during a public meeting, instead of allowing Murphy and Mullin to discuss the plan in private. Committee member Michael Miles defended Elie, admonishing McNamara and Mercier for being "disrespectful" in questioning Elie's motives and accusing the pair of grandstanding. Elie argued that the athletic director should be a full-time position because Woods oversees more than 500 sporting events per year. "Maybe I didn't go about it the exact proper way, and I apologize," she said. "I'm not trying to pull a fast one over on anybody." [ Post a Reply to This Message ] Replies: Was this Bonnie Elie's first published comment since being elected again last May? -- Silent Partner on School Committee, 15:15 11/10/09 Tue Hey Bonnie should I send this to your house or the rest of the board? -- General Lee, 08:12 11/12/09 Thu

Subject: Teacher move upsets parents Author: Duplicate Dawg [Edit] Date Posted: 07:58 11/03/09 Tue (published in, Lowell Sun, 11-3-09) By Erin Smith esmith@lowellsun.com DRACUT -- Parents of Greenmont Elementary School kindergartners said they worry that school officials are trying to pull a fast one by quietly transferring their kids' teacher to another school in the middle of the year. Currently, Kelly Lane teaches the half-day kindergarten class at Greenmont in the morning and then travels to Campbell Elementary School to teach the half-day afternoon class there. But school officials want to divide the 27 kids in the half-day class at Campbell and create morning and afternoon kindergarten classes. Kristina Maraganis said she worries her son, Nicholas, will be negatively affected if he loses Lane as his teacher halfway through the school year. One proposal being floated calls for the School Department to transfer Lane to Campbell to teach both morning and afternoon half-day classes and hire a new part-time kindergarten teacher for the Greenmont morning class. "It's frustrating. We should have received some sort of notification," Kim Tierney-Honan told the School Committee last night. Tierney-Honan said she first learned about the proposal when she found a job listing for a part-time kindergarten teacher on the School Department's Web site. Superintendent of Schools W. Spencer Mullin said he didn't announce the possible change because the plan is contingent on the school funding cuts passed at last night's Town Meeting. Town Meeting voted to slash the school budget by $250,000, but Mullin said despite that cut, he should still be able to hire a part-time kindergarten teacher. Parents of Greenmont kindergartners said they want Lane to continue teaching their kids. "We were advocating for her to stay," said Tierney-Honan, shortly after she and other parents showed up at a School Committee meeting. "We're not opposed to the split but just not at our children's expense." Other parents said it isn't fair that school officials are working to make the half-day kindergarten class size smaller at Campbell, while the half-day kindergarten class at Greenmont still has 25 kids. School Committee members promised to look into the proposal. The School Committee plans to discuss the matter again Monday at its 7 p.m. meeting. [ Post a Reply to This Message ] Replies: These parents should stay orgainized!! (NT) -- kathy, 11:17 11/03/09 Tue Part-time kindergarten teacher now being hired @ Greenmont School -- Duplicate Dawg, 13:17 11/10/09 Tue

Subject: Will School Committee replace Mullin with yet another local yokel? Author: Duplicate Dawg [Edit] Date Posted: 13:09 11/10/09 Tue (published in, Lowell Sun, 11-10-09) Trouville has eyes for Dracut supt. post By Erin Smith esmith@lowellsun.com DRACUT -- Linda Trouville wants to be Dracut's next school superintendent. The 40-year veteran educator made a play for the head of Dracut schools last night, offering to serve as interim superintendent without a pay raise while School Committee members search for a permanent replacement for Superintendent of Schools W. Spencer Mullin. "In the interim, we need a person who doesn't have to review the system," said Trouville, coordinator for elementary curriculum and professional development. Mullin, who signed a three-year contract on July 1, 2008, last week abruptly announced plans to retire March 3 and told The Sun he plans to spend more time with his family and take care of his granddaughter, who is to be born next month. Trouville told the School Committee she's the best candidate for the interim job because she already understands the culture of Dracut schools and works tirelessly behind the scenes after normal business hours. At least two School Committee members -- Michael Miles and Ron Mercier -- signaled interest in Trouville's bid, thanking her for her offer and praising her work. When questioned about her future aspirations, Trouville, 61, told The Sun "it's possible" she may throw her hat into the ring to also be considered for the job of Mullin's permanent replacement. Trouville said she has served as a School Department administrator since 2000, and previously worked as the principal at Brookside Elementary School, vice principal at Campbell Elementary School and an elementary-school teacher. Miles floated the idea of hiring an interim superintendent earlier than March 3, and questioned whether it is possible to have Mullin leave his current post in 60 days rather than the 120-day notice required in his contract. But other committee members predicted it would cost the town more money to have the School Department's lawyer negotiate with Mullin's lawyer to oust him before spring. Mullin told the School Committee he plans to stay until his retirement March 3. School Committee Chairman Matthew Sheehan was the only other member to vote in favor of Miles' unsuccessful proposal. Meanwhile, Sheehan told his fellow committee members he is reluctant to spend $2,000 -- the approximate price tag to hire consultants at Massachusetts Association of School Committee or New England School Development Council to help find Mullin's permanent replacement. School Committee member Michael McNamara urged the committee to use professional guidance to find a long-term superintendent, but Miles said he doesn't want to spend the money on consultants. [ Post a Reply to This Message ]

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