Bl-Auburn times blog

Green jobs growth buck the trend

2009-12-13T13:04:00.000-08:00

ChuckOlson5

'Green economy' growing in California despite recession - San Jose Mercury News: http://bit.ly/79qV29

Free admission to Ecotarium and Higgins tomorrow

2009-09-25T11:56:00.000-07:00

AuburnSchools Smithsonian Magazine presents Museum Day. Enjoy free admission to many local museums on Saturday, 10/26. http://twurl.nl/sloq5r

Healthier school lunches

2009-09-23T07:40:00.000-07:00

Good article here on the bill in Congress now called the Child Nutrition Act

DrAyalaWash. Post: School Lunch Punch: The wisdom of spending more money to provide healthier meals. http://bit.ly/nDnhk

Whole foods has a program to assist with making lunches healthier called school lunch revolution.

Link

The lunch box is an online tool to help plan healthier choices from Chef Ann Cooper (the self-named renegade lunch lady who teamed with Whole Foods).

5 tips here:

Some local programs along these lines

BEDFORD Kids Cooking Green Lori Deliso 781-863-6375
BOSTON Countdown to Kindergarten Sonia N.Gómez-Banrey 617-635-6816 26 Court Street 6th FL
Boston, MA 02108
CAMBRIDGE City Sprouts Jane Hirschi 617-876-2436 25 River Street
Cambridge, MA 02139
FRAMINGHAM McAuliffe Regional Charter Public School Ben Zimmerman 847-477-4616 25 Clinton Street
Framingham, MA 02155
NEWTONVILLE John M. Barry Boys & Girls Club David Sellers
NEWTONVILLE Waltham Fields Community Farms Claire Kozower 781-899-2403

Benefit of climate legislation and other environmental acts

2009-09-23T06:41:00.000-07:00

Business often speaks of the cost side of environmental law, what about the benefits?

This is something often ignored on the local level as well - what is the benefit of spending money on open space or clean water for our town. They tend to be longer term strategic interests.

Link

So, given that the Waxman-Markey bill would curb emissions over the next 40 years, it’s a pretty simple job to tally up the potential benefits: about $1.5 trillion on the middle-of-the-road estimate. The benefits could be as low as $382 billion or as high as $5.2 trillion, depending on how you fiddle with the numbers.

Since Waxman-Markey is meant to cost about $660 billion, that means the bill provides $2.27 in benefits for every dollar spent, the brief concludes. That doesn’t include extra benefits—cleaner air from a cleaned-up power sector, for instance. And it suggests that even tougher greenhouse-gas targets in the Senate version of the bill would make an even more compelling economic argument.

Some goals for a school in the new age

2009-09-02T11:25:00.000-07:00

Got this through the FCC's blog on broadband via a whitehouse tweet

whitehouseFCC Chairman Julius Genachowski blogs an update on the National Broadband Plan http://bit.ly/zMC5J

http://blog.broadband.gov/?cat=36

Later that afternoon, I participated in a panel about education and broadband. I could not stop thinking that every high school student in the U.S. should be able to watch the Feynman lectures on physics online (requires Silverlight 3.0) from their home as many times as needed until they truly understand why physics and math are both important and cool. Every parent should be able to look up their child’s homework assignments for next week on the web. Every teacher should be able to access the best pedagogic content in the world to meet their student’s needs. And ours kids must be able to go to school without carrying bags weighing 20lbs. How to get there is a great challenge, as broadband is actually just a small piece of this puzzle. We will be looking at a different facet of broadband and education Wednesday afternoon in a workshop on broadband’s impact on job training programs

http://blog.broadband.gov/?p=129#comments

Access to Feynman is a moving and a great example. That application needs low delay/latecy characteristics, something say 6Mb Mobile Broadband service will fail to support because of the delay characteristics.

Here http://bbbritain.co.uk/ubs.aspx I listed a set of applications to be support a minimum service.

Good tweet on what local government can do to combat obesity

2009-09-01T16:52:00.000-07:00

from CR ...

Ways your local government can help prevent childhood obesity http://bit.ly/39nzJ

* Zoning restrictions on fast-food restaurants near schools
* Taxes on high-calorie, low-nutrient foods and drinks
* Increasing access to healthy foods in underserved neighborhoods through supermarkets, grocery stores, and convenience stores
* Eliminating outdoor ads for high-calorie, low-nutrient foods and drinks near schools
* Requiring calorie and other nutritional information on restaurant menus
* Rerouting buses or developing other transportation strategies that ensure people can get to grocery stores
* Collaborating with schools to develop and implement a "Safe Routes to School program" to increase the number of children safely walking and bicycling to schools.
* Building and maintaining parks and playgrounds that are safe and in close proximity to residential areas.
* Regulating play space, physical equipment, and duration of play in preschool, after-school, and child-care programs.

Everything passes ...

2009-08-28T11:50:00.000-07:00

Sometimes you have a town meeting and it's almost a formality.

Such was the case last night.

Everything the town leaders wanted they got including the meal tax, which to my dismay will raise the price of a Bud Light and a mai tai by ... oh a several tenths of a percent. But the point is it's the principle of a tax on restaurants and bars which will hurt the servers (in theory) more than anyone. The amount is a pittance, but then again it opens the door.

The hotel tax I voted for and believe in. To put it nicely additional "services" are required for the many transient residents of town recently. Umm ... ya. Get a police scanner or ask around at the barbershop and you'll understand what's going on there - it's the seedy underbelly of town really at this point and of some concern for residents. I wouldn't let your kids have parties at the motel if you care about them IMO. Not to mention additional emergency services needed.

I suppose the argument can be made given the disproportionate number of DUIs the town gives out that serving in restaurants needs to be offset for the dangers that are presented by those under the influence on our roadways. But to me there's less of a case there because those costs are borne in large part by those who get caught.

The other motions all passed too.

Nick made some good points that we have the money. Of course this is a bit duplicitous when the alarm cry comes (every year it seems) that we need spending freezes and the like that we're in dire fiscal emergency. Then again that seems to be the MO for keeping costs in line in the local government. Otherwise as mentioned all this money gets set aside for months or even years without positions being filled. This whole business needs to be streamlined and I think my hope is the eventual town manager will reorchestrate some of it.

I mean we have $1.2M in the reserve account. And open positions etc. The budgets have ballooned in the past 5 or so years and we need to appreciate the facts there that the cost of doing government here locally is growing way faster than income required to pay for it.

Then again on the other side, given the hurt in the real estate market I'd imagine collections may suffer for it. Although according to the TA collections are actually ahead by $25K locally. Here we go again - the little town that could is overacheiving expectations.

Some more stuff - Google's foreclosure maps

2009-08-26T18:55:00.000-07:00

Check this out - Google has foreclosure maps now. Why buy from a Realtor ...

auburn ma - Google Maps http://bit.ly/3yhZzK

Prices look like the late 90s - ranging from $75K to $250K.

We're hurtin

2009-07-22T11:24:00.000-07:00

Mass is a high state when it comes to foreclosures, particularly Worcester county

See this map for state and this one for Worcester County, which has a total of almost 1600 bank-owned properties featured.

Auburn is on page 153 or so if you sort by name reverse alphabetically (if that makes sense). See if this link works. Many properties under $100K in town, one on school st for $1 (must have some liens on it or something).

On the upside if you have some money, given low interest rates you could pick up some properties for depressed prices!

btw there's probably a way to get this list or if you know what you're doing just investigate on your own to get around the commission they likely charge. Although I'm not sure of the details ...

Charter change with no ch 43B or elected charter commission

2009-06-24T16:26:00.000-07:00

Yes we did it. It's not illegal. We petitioned the legislature for a special act and they did it.

go here: http://bit.ly/TOwO8

City and Town Charters - Adoption, Revision and Amendments "Under the Home Rule Amendment to the Massachusetts Constitution (Amendment Article 89) and the Home Rule Procedures Act (MGL Ch. 43B), cities and towns can form a charter commission to adopt a new charter; entirely revise an existing charter, or amend selected charter provisions. As an option to the Home Rule Charter process under Ch. 43B, communities can also adopt, revise or amend a charter by a special act of the State Legislature with approval by the Governor (See Special Acts ). "

Tesla gets funding for an awesome Li-ion car

2009-06-24T08:36:00.000-07:00

This is a company that produces an electric supercar. It's a plug-in, not a hybrid and can go 0-60 in about 3.9 seconds. This is a $100K car we're talking about here.

It uses a large Lithium ion battery, the same technology that Boston Power wants to manufacture here in town.

Anyway yesterday they got a nice loan under the stimulus package to continue and expand their work, for a more modest car called the S. Programs like this can use federal funding as many times the technology isn't going to provide a return quick enough or is considered too risky for private money.

"We have a historic opportunity to help ensure that the next generation of fuel-efficient cars and trucks are made in America," the president said in a statement. "These loans -- and the additional support we will provide through the Section 136 programs -- will create good jobs and help the auto industry to meet and even exceed the tough fuel-economy standards we've set while helping retain our competitive edge in the world market."

on the road by the end of 2011.

"We are honored to receive one of the first loan awards in this program," company CEO Elon Musk said. "I'm confident we'll put the money to very productive use. We look forward to producing the Model S."

Tesla has long been counting on the loan to help it build the sedan it unveiled in March and had been in discussions with the agency for about nine months. It had sought $350 million to retool a factory to build the car and $100 million to manufacture battery packs and drivetrain components. Those packs and components will be used in vehicles built by Tesla and other automakers most notably Daimler, which recently bought nearly 10 percent of Tesla to jump-start development of the Smart EV.

Some of the other front runners - got this tweet from CR

consumerreports Green carmakers may emerge as next U.S. car industry http://tinyurl.com/ms6u3d

The program is not the same as the grant that Boston Power wants to get, I believe that one is here

But it's just a reminder that good things are happening in this technological area, that will extend to things like the power plant (the batteries) and hopefully we'll in this geographic area be one of the beneficiaries of it, so long as the town handles things properly.

Hospital medical costs

2009-06-11T08:37:00.000-07:00

More good data from Consumer Reports on medical costs analysis. McAllen Texas, a border town, has the most expensive average care (that they have data for, they need more for instance Med city isn't on there - we've got so many hospitals in the area... probably a good thing)

Overtreatment: The lesson of McAllen, Texas : Consumer Reports Health Blog http://bit.ly/4RVOX

some parts of the country spend a lot more on health care than other parts—but don’t get better results. John E. Wennberg, M.D., M.P.H., Elliott Fisher, M.D., M.P.H., and their colleagues at the Dartmouth Atlas of Health Care, who have spent several decades documenting and researching this issue, have estimated that if every place in the U.S. practiced the same kind of medicine as the most frugal places, we could cut costs by as much as 30 percent and still end up just as healthy.

Hospital cost comparison tool here - somewhat useful but they need more data/hospitals (we've got so many around here)

Your Hospital Stay - Compare Hospitals for Chronic Care http://bit.ly/109nNk

Umass medical comes in right about the middle, others in the area are way high like Mass General, Clinton; Harrington in Southbridge a bit too conservative probably. Don't get sick on the Cape either- way low.

Fast food convenience costs a lot

2009-06-08T13:11:00.000-07:00

Got this interesting tweet (which I'm addicted to btw it's awesome ;)

Fast-food nearby: Convenience, but at what cost?: Consumer Reports Health Blog
http://bit.ly/kE61k

The study looked at how fast-food influences the overall quality of people's diets, particularly when these restaurants are plentiful nearby. Researchers pulled data from a survey of more than 5,600 adults ages 45 to 84 who lived in six urban areas. They used two scales to rate the quality of people's diets, looking at both positive factors (e.g., eating fruits and vegetables, fiber, and good fats) and negative (e.g., eating fatty and processed meats, fried potatoes, salty snacks, and desserts). People were also asked how often they ate fast-food in a week, and whether they had many fast-food restaurants within a mile of where they lived. For an objective measure of fast-food availability, the researchers also mapped the locations of fast-food chains nearby.

People who consumed fast-food at least once a week were two to three times more likely to have a poorer-quality diet than those who didn't eat any fast-food. And having more fast-food options close by decreased the odds of having a healthy diet by up to 17 percent. When working out these results, the researchers took into account factors known to influence what we eat, such as age, sex, race, education, and income. Doing this makes the link between fast-food and diet all the stronger.

Apparently the proximity of fast food has a health cost on the surrounding population. I can't help but wonder over the years the overweight, diabetes and high blood pressure caused as a side effect in our little town from all we have around ...

More about the eco-battery maker

2009-06-02T13:19:00.000-07:00

Already a maker of 3 year eco-friendly Lithium Ion batteries for HP laptops, Boston Power is looking to get into transportation batteries with its new product called Swing.

There have been stories all over the place about the potential plant in our town and the stimulus money request. Here's one.

If Boston-Power receives the DOE funding, it plans to have the Massachusetts factory up and running in full-scale production in about three years after it begins work on the project, she said, adding that the company expects to hear back from the DOE in July and to begin work immediately, if it gets the thumbs-up.

Sounds like it could be a few years before they come online ... although you never know with these things.

It makes some sense that making the batteries for cars must be big (and heavy) therefore manufacturing them here saves the transport cost like the ones from China.

Kind of exciting about the potential for additional jobs here in addition to the 600 figure.

new so called "green jobs" and 2,000 indirect jobs are expected to be created through the facility according to the firm.

This probably doesn't count restaurants and hotels that might benefit, nor the increased property values from the higher paid workers who might be employed there and attracted to living here. A better market for home builders I would think ....

On another topic of concern to many (me included), as far as safety, they have earned the coveted "Nordic" label (the Scandinavians are sticklers about environment ;) for their technology ... from this website link:

Boston-Power is the first and only provider of rechargeable lithium-ion battery cells to earn the prestigious Nordic Ecolabel accreditation for its cell technology - all our cells carry the Nordic Ecolabel symbol. Created in 1989 and part of the Global Ecolabel Network, Nordic Ecolabel is the most stringent environmental product certification, and acknowledges companies like Boston-Power that are conscientious regarding the environmental impact of the production, usage and disposal of its products.

How does this help the environment? Boston-Power’s Nordic Ecolabel accreditation verifies that the company fulfills the criteria for long life, high capacity, and the smallest amounts of detrimental heavy metals (practically zero levels allowed). In fact, an independent study commissioned by the British government in 2008 named Nordic Ecolabel a "world leader" in environmental standards, indentifying its best practices in the area of certification of sustainability. To see the complete study, click here.

"It is an achievement that is well-deserved and also a testimony to their commitment to combine technical knowledge with environmental quality standards. It also proves that collaboration between the US and Europe can result in world-class products." says Ragnar Unge, CEO of Nordic Ecolabel in Sweden. "Boston-Power is the first US-based company ever to receive the Nordic Ecolabel. Boston-Power cares about today's consumers but also future generations. The Nordic Ecolabel vision is a sustainable consumerism to reach a sustainable world. Boston-Power is helping us achieve this goal."

Please click here to view our Sonata 4400 certification

Please click here to view our Swing 4400 certification.

Pretty impressive! Saving the world starting with the local economy - it's a win win win all around ....

More good news for Auburn!

2009-06-01T12:21:00.000-07:00

Maybe Beth Prouty was right - we don't need to promote business in town, we can deal with a dual tax rate just fine thanks.

This very encouraging story about a high tech battery company planning to locate in town, to create up to 600 new quality jobs! Some of this is pending stimulus money from the fedgov to start this, but it's a glimmer of major hope for our local economy.

A great development if it pans out. I would strongly encourage the town government to fast track this one. I do have some concerns about toxics with battery manufacture, although given they are planning use of state of the art technology that should be addressable.

All in all I have to think this is REALLY good news for Auburn! And I think it points out the fact that things really aren't all that bad around here as far as prospects, economic outlook and comparative position of our businesses vs other areas. We have low unemployment, a stable growth story, good resources and infrastructure and great location. Dual tax rate or not ....

The revolution in Auburn continues

2009-05-22T07:13:00.000-07:00

Well, turnout was a little light at around 18%, but we got a bunch of new developments in town yesterday!

Two new BOS members - Mr Hicks and Ms Goodrich, one new on School Committee and Wayne was re-elected (Page and Hammond) AND we have a new charter! The charter vote was really close but since this passed there are really sweeping changes coming for the whole structure of town government.

One change I spoke with the clerk about that I may propose for town meeting is to actually change the hours of the annual town election. Two things she asked for and didn't get that would really help turnout, which to be honest is well below where it should be. Both involve the timing of the election itself.

Moving from Thursday to Tuesday makes a lot of sense. I think most towns hold election like the Presidential election on Tuesday. Having it on Thursday leads to a lot of confusion and frankly even this time of year folks are getting away for an extended weekend (I know of at least two who did this yesterday).

Also most folks who work, and we have a low unemployment STILL in our town something to be proud of, would appreciate opening the polls at 7 vs 8 AM as it is now. So changing from 7AM-8PM would be my other suggestion.

But, overall we had quite a change yesterday and it'll be interesting to see how things progress as time goes on - congratulations to all who ran and let's make this new charter work for the town!

Vote today!

2009-05-21T05:24:00.000-07:00

There's an election for school committee, Board of selectmen and on the new charter.

Polls are open 8-8 - get out of the house it's a nice day!

ps - Wave as you go by I'll be holding a sign for Eleena around midday :)

Waste treatment funds

2009-05-16T11:03:00.001-07:00

Looks like we got $$ for the waste water treatment plant we use from the federal stimulus package.

Link

Wonder if the sewer bill will go down now (roll eyes ;).

Updates from the Fox TV ziptrip

2009-05-10T08:59:00.000-07:00

Here's the site

There's a bunch of video and photos etc as well as a nice backgrounder I learned a lot from.

We're #1 for the book drive btw - thanks in large part to Bryn Mawr library and book fair - have to thank Eleena again for running that one and putting a big effort ... she volunteers a lot of time (actually to the detriment of our laundry pile many weeks, gonna kill me for saying that but, the people need to know the sacrifices being made for our town and kids haha ;)

Also we have a wiki:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Auburn,_Massachusetts

It's a beautiful day for Auburn

2009-05-08T12:20:00.000-07:00

What a great morning we had on the Fox ziptrip - I gotta hand it to the local affiliate . There was quite a crowd there early for the broadcast from Goddard park down at the fire station.

Obviously kudos again to Kristin, my wife Eleena and everyone who helped make this happen and come together. I think the more that show our town in a good light like this the better people will feel about it and the more we'll attract good people to our town and serving our community.

Which by the way, I think the town meeting last night was really something to feel good about as well.

Two major things - the budget proposal obviously the unions, departments, finance, BOS, schools really everyone came together and put together a very workable sensible plan for finances this year. It was nice that we are ahead of many other towns in this respect - we've got the "extra" $800K or so into stabilization for the seemingly inevitable budget cuts to come, as well as new growth in levy, some room in the levy limit before any prop 2 1/2 issues. And to have the schools propose a budget that was in line with what finance and BOS came up with - that really helps smooth out the process which frankly was very uncomfortable last year. Think of where we would be also if we had gone with a larger budget in 09. This is not to say there isn't hardship in this budget because it's clear everyone is feeling some of it.

Also on the articles - pretty much all of them passed with flying colors with the exception of the weed control which was split. I was torn but voted for it given the relatively small size of the amount. I see the issue with cuts and that everyone was trying to cut back. But as they mentioned nature doesn't care about budgets those weeds are going to try and grow their hardest despite any financial issues we might have. Hopefully town meeting members in the precincts affected will remember this when Stoneville comes with proposals in the future like this because we definitely need it in our watershed soon.

The other proposal I was really glad we voted for was something I blogged about a while back - impact fees legislation. It's not going to be easy, but this really enables us to not have to punish the whole for the burdens thrust on us from a few. We have to be careful and try and learn how Cape Cod did this because in general the SJC in Mass doesn't like them. So legislation has to be crafted in such a way as to be fair. It does hold the promise of providing a buffer for the town in terms of revenues or fees for large developments that can offset the costs such as police fire and largely schools.

Zero hour PE

2009-04-14T13:16:00.000-07:00

Cross-posted here.

Zero Hour PE - a before school (or early) fitness class and the effects on student acheivement.

The emphasis is NOT on expensive team sports here but rather on individual fitness, which serves the most students and brings the best results.

Long story short: Fitter body, smarter brain.

Evidence of bigfoot found in Auburn

2009-04-01T15:45:00.000-07:00

I've always had a suspicion that the legendary Sasquatch that the Nipmuc Indian tribes referred to in their unwritten oral history exists here in Auburn. As shown here in archive footage in a local stream fishing next to a bear, 150 years ago, before the Industrial Revolution, it wasn't uncommon to see them every day. In fact there are many accounts in areas like Auburn Pond, Drury Square and even mentions in Artemis Wards diaries of encounters with the affable but dangerous when riled animals here in Worcester County.

Well, as luck would have it, as I was out scouting around I saw evidence in my own yard of the beast! This spring certain nights, I have been hearing something outside rummaging around my trash can, but I put it down to local politicians looking for scraps. Well, after this there is no doubt - it's a Sasquathus giganticus Auburnus, the giant Auburn Sasquatch. You can see his spore next to the trash can here.

Apparently, he likes Miller Lite.

and as shown here, he tried to consume ... a stalk of broccoli, but it wasn't to his liking because he didn't finish it.

Although he did relieve himself in the sand. As you can see in this exclusive photographic proof, the hominid was standing apparently unable to contain himself. Or maybe he just had too many Lites.

Formula big box stores impact mitigation

2009-03-27T09:52:00.000-07:00

Cross-posted from Dennis

I realize we're pretty far down that road here in town (there's a pun there somewhere with all the roads ;) but given the issues with Lowes and the like, some ideas ...

Link

Story

Paper

The other thing you realize is - the impact of empty boxes. Take a look around on Rt 12. There are risks for building these ugly monstrosities if/when they go out of business. We need to be in it for the long haul and respect the branding/look of the town in planning.

Gateway Partners success story

2009-03-20T07:42:00.000-07:00

Nice story in the Worcester Business Journal about Gateway park. My alma mater WPI is a major tenant in the complex and now - they need to expand! Jim McGovern was integral in obtaining federal money to help with the development of the place - think it was a brownfield also - toxic site that they helped rehab into a state of the art biotech area.

And - check out the additional tax money they generate for the city each year! Auburn would be well-served by a project like this, I'm thinking particularly in the area of the new "gateway highway district" or whatever down on Rt 12.

The results include an MBI business incubator facility and the tenancy of both RXI Pharmaceuticals and Blue Sky Biotech in the WPI building. Today, 226 people work in its various companies and academic units. The building is bursting at the seams, and additional facilities are needed for expansion of the growing life science companies—facilities that pay property taxes. This year, Gateway Park will pay Worcester nearly $300,000 in property taxes.

Vernal pool certification in Massachusetts

2009-02-22T08:57:00.000-08:00

Here in town, we have very few certified vernal pools. This I believe is because no one has documented them - we've got water everywhere here in town! Neighboring towns have many more that are documented that don't have our water resources.

These pools are an important part of the ecosystem as they hold water for a short period of time in the spring (coming up in the next month or so) but are not connected to other water normally, so large fish and such can't predate on species that breed there. They are protected also by special laws from encroachment by developers. But you have to get out and document them. I'd encourage people who are interested to take the time in the next month to document areas of vernal pools they suspect.

Photo of dry pool

Here's some links to how to do that from vernalpools.org

Overview of documentation process

Certification form for Massachusetts

Maps to show the location

USGS topographic map. All certification packets must contain a copy of a section of the appropriate USGS topographic map with the location of the pool marked. Locate your pool on the map while in the field so that you can reference your actual location with the various features shown on the map. Take the time to check the immediate area to see if there are other potential vernal pools which might be confused with the one you are maping. Label your copy of the map with the map name as shown on the cover page. If you are using a GPS unit, make note of the longitude/latitude readings. There is a space for this optional information on the certification form.

In addition to the USGS topographic map, you need one or more additional maps.

Links to additional map examples

Additional information needed

OBSERVATION FORM USGS TOPOGRAPHIC MAP OTHER REQUIRED MAPS

3a. EVIDENCE OF A WET POOL AND OBLIGATE SPECIES or

3b. EVIDENCE OF FACULTATIVE SPECIES AND A POOL WHICH DRIES or

3c. EVIDENCE OF A DRY POOL AND REMAINS OF MOLLUSKS, CADDISFLIES or ODONATE EXUVIA

Provide the following evidence:
dry vernal poolPhotograph of the pool basin without water.The photograph of the dry basin indicates that the vernal pool does not have a permanent fish population. If the pool is almost dry, you should provide a photograph of the pool in that condition and an affidavit indicating that repeated sampling of the remaining water yielded no fish.

Photograph of facultative species which are persistent after pool drying. Some of the facultative species persist or leave remains when the pool dries. Look among the dried leaves on the pool bottom for the shells of air-breathing snails and fingernail clams. Dig in the damp soil for fingernail clam adults and juveniles. Check the plants in and around the pool for the shed skins (exuvia) of dragonflies and damselflies which have emerged from the pool.
Any one of the following photographs would be suitable evidence for vernal pool certification of a dry pool.
caddisfly case in dry pool fingernail clam shells shells of fingernail clams and amphibious snails

Evidence from a dry pool via shells etc of mollusks

Stimulus without local aid?

2009-02-08T05:20:00.000-08:00

Well all those wish lists might be gone from the stimulus package.

It makes the least sense in a way as this AP story puts it

Among the most difficult cuts for the White House and its liberal allies to accept was the elimination of $40 billion in aid to states, money that economists say is an efficient way to pump up the economy by preventing layoffs, cuts in services or tax increases.

Tough times for libertarians like Ron Paul. But Mr Paul should realize that the giveaways in terms of tax cuts and bank bailouts have passed over the majority of the middle class, who have been seen more as a source of exploiting fees from over the past 20 years than building a breadth of strength in the economy.

Personally, I like to think as a pragmatist I'm not encumbered by ideology. And lately I'm buying into the idea of a changing nature of government involvement in the economy. Republicans and conservatives are fond of mentioning (and it sounds good) that "government never created a job". But really that's nonsense. Research, construction, defense ... in fact the government is one of the ways to most quickly create jobs and in times like these, when banks have frozen things up and consumers are tapped out, one of the best ways to do that across the broad economy.

So additional school buildings, or infrastructure improvements are on the chopping block in the Senate version of the bill. This is kind of the opposite of what's needed in my opinion. Energy, education and construction even broadband improvements are exactly what's needed. Our rich Chinese overlords realize this by the way and have slated about a trillion in infrastructure spending. Of course they are spending the money from savings and we are borrowing. But in bad times that's what we need to do. Unfortunately thanks to Bush we ran up huge deficits in good times.

Parent/teacher/student conference

2008-12-28T14:20:00.000-08:00

This sounds like a logical and good new idea updating the parent/teacher conference - include the student!

Seems like a no-brainer, hopefully the educational establishment won't drag its feet as it does so often on progressive ideas like this.

Making these less formal and more inclusive would have major benefits I think. The more help you get in addressing issues from several angles (including uncles, grandparents and others), while in a low stress environment, the better. It might help bridge the gaps in understanding that can develop.

Lights are off and noone at home

2008-12-14T16:21:00.000-08:00

So ... where is the voice of the town right now?

We have no internet presence. Where are decisions being made, communication being performed, meetings being held? I have the feeling there isn't. The police didn't know about school until it was on TV. Who has power, who doesn't? Whats the plan? Who's in charge? What's the 911 coverage? Are emergency paths clear for fire and police?

{Crickets}

As I type this I am on the second day of (luckily) getting a generator going. I say lucky because there were a limited number at the Home Depot here in town, so we ended up getting one (after several hours in line) after hearing about some down near Jewett City CT. And today we got phone and internet. Just no power. Without the generator, I have no other means of heat. With it it's bearable so long as i don't run it all the time and burn it out .... I have the feeling a lot of other folks are in the same shape. Hopefully they can find a place or head to the high school.

This is emblematic of what we need to improve here - in a time of crisis, we need to show a united front, have regular meetings and get one story out to everyone. Other towns do it. And they post it on the web. It's important. It's basic. It's an essential part of modern infrastructure. We need to do it and emphasize using it more.

Pensions strain budgets

2008-12-11T08:34:00.000-08:00

Thanks to the market and such. I wonder if our town payments have to rise because of this, have to make a note to ask the accountant.

How to avoid a cold

2008-12-08T06:23:00.001-08:00

Hands mostly.

Not sneezing, not airborne stuff.

Those alcohol wipes don't work btw.

As for those increasingly popular alcohol-based sanitizing gels, sorry, but they may not measure up to plain soap and water. "Rhinoviruses like alcohol. They think it's tasty," says Hendley. For whatever reason, adds Zachary of MGH, "cold viruses are not as susceptible to alcohol-based hand disinfectants as other viruses and bacteria."

And what of the common assumption that the same nasty cold virus can get passed back and forth endlessly within a couple or family? Not true. Most of the time, the next round of colds is because of a new virus.

But if you find that you are recovering from a cold, only to feel sick again, it does not necessarily mean a new virus is at work. "Some cold viruses can be biphasic," says Hirsch, which means that the sufferer can feel sick, then feel better, and then feel sick again - all with the same viral infection. In addition, other microbes, including bacteria, can cause secondary infections such as sinusitis and ear infections.

On the other hand ... who's getting laid off? Men, mostly

2008-12-05T08:24:00.001-08:00

Men. >1M men layed off last year, and 12K more women have jobs.

Men are losing jobs at far greater rates than women as the industries they dominate, such as manufacturing, construction, and investment services, are hardest hit by the downturn. Some 1.1 million fewer men are working in the United States than there were a year ago, according to the Labor Department. By contrast, 12,000 more women are working.

This gender gap is the product of both the nature of the current recession and the long-term shift in the US economy from making goods, traditionally the province of men, to providing services, in which women play much larger roles, economists said. For example, men account for 70 percent of workers in manufacturing, which shed more than 500,000 jobs over the past year. Healthcare, in which nearly 80 percent of the workers are women, added more than 400,000 jobs.

"As the recession broadens, the gap between men and women is going to close somewhat," said Andrew Sum, director of the Center for Labor Market Studies at Northeastern University. "But right now, the sectors that are really getting pounded are intensely male."

Probably has something to do with the gender gap in pay - men make more so they are more of a target in cost cutting times ....

More encouragement - there are jobs out there!

2008-12-04T06:44:00.000-08:00

I like this report - jobs are out there. Not that this is a problem here in town, where we have only around 4% unemployment. And not that there's anything new in there but some good old advice - focused training yields $2 more per hour for trainees. They quote this study in there. You need to focus your training to target local industries and employers. Here's the free download for those interested.

More fodder to fight doom and gloom on the part of our fearful leaders - it's what I do ;)

Ma unemployment rate up slightly

2008-12-01T13:33:00.001-08:00

We're still below the nation by a point though. Mass rate is 5.5%, national rate is 6.5%. Here's the latest release.

Tech jobs are up for the year actually in the state ... here's a link to the latest rate.

Auburn is 4.1% - pretty low, the area is below the state average at 5.3%.

You can slice and dice the info a lot of ways - including by geographical area and job category.

Study of travel patterns started

2008-11-20T09:40:00.000-08:00

I missed the boat on the first one unfortunately.

But there are ongoing meetings continuing in January, a $300000 study of traffic and travel patterns in our immediate region. With the impact of so many crossroads, it's something local residents should be involved in and involved in early, to make sure we have our voices heard.

Not enough male teachers

2008-11-18T10:09:00.000-08:00

Yet another in the stories calling for more men in education, particularly early on.

If you read some of the comments, they make the suggestion that there is an institutional bias against it, as well as social stigma, which is probably true. This presents a problem for male children because they have no same gender role models to show them how to learn. It may well explain the declining test scores for boys in recent years.

Compound the issue with the number of single parent female households and I think you have an unbalanced situation getting amplified at home and in the classroom.

In our own system, as I counted we have 1 man as an instructional assistant in the whole district Grades K-2 unless you count custodial staff. Go to grades 3-5 and we have 2.

When I went to school as a child we had more - I want to say at least 2-3 before grade 5 and that was in one school. As the article points out, traditionally there have been more male administrators but because of the paucity of representation in instruction that has been going down. It may have something to do with the obsession with child protection in recent years but it's really a shame if that's the case.

I think this is something that needs obvious improvement and I'd hope the district would seek out qualified male instructional staff to fill the gaps and provide more balance for our children.

Canada's hundreds of wind projects

2008-11-17T05:21:00.000-08:00

Hundreds of MW of capacity here. Smart - those Canadians, not conservative like here ....

How do you lower alcohol-related deaths?

2008-11-13T16:54:00.000-08:00

Tax the booze. Seems to work with cigarettes ... get ready for another sin tax if this gets around.

Link

Hitting em in the pocketbook seems to work.

Gore urges Obama to focus on power grid

2008-11-07T08:05:00.000-08:00

Link

This is a great idea. I think focusing on efficiency is a no brainer, low controversy idea that has obvious benefits.

Kind of ironic I see this today after the power failure last night. We lost it on Wallace from 530 til around 8.

Couple of observations: Rt 12 area rarely loses power over the years - almost a bullet proof zone. For some reason our side of town loses it almost 3 or 4 times a year. It's causing me to reconsider using VoIP because without cell coverage (which is spotty but does exist for Verizon in my neighborhood), I would be without phone. Not to mention no power, no heat.

Also when I lived in Oxford this almost never happened. I wonder about the state of the power grid in town - seems kind of rickety and antiquated.

It'd be nice to have overlay map capabilities for this - someone mentioned GIS. I think this is good, although working in something like this to Google Earth with muni data would be ideal - I like their interface.

TV's negative effects on teens

2008-11-03T06:47:00.001-08:00

The RAND corporation has shown in a 3 year study that there is some link, albeit not proven to be causal directly, linking teen pregnancy to TV shows with sexual content.

The study focused on 23 free and cable television programs popular among teenagers including situation comedies, dramas, reality programs and animated shows. Comedies had the most sexual content and reality programs the least.

"The television content we see very rarely highlights the negative aspects of sex or the risks and responsibilities," Chandra said. "So if teens are getting any information about sex they're rarely getting information about pregnancy or sexually transmitted diseases."

Also from the story - here's a stat that ought to wake you up if you're a parent - 1 in 5 15-19 yo sexually active females end up getting pregnant!

TEEN PREGNANCY ON DECLINE

Teen pregnancy rates in the United States have declined sharply since 1991 but remain high compared to other industrialized nations. Nearly 1 million girls aged 15 to 19 years old become pregnant yearly, or about 20 percent of sexually active females in that age group. Most of the pregnancies were unplanned, the report said.

Also, violent video games have been shown to have a negative effect as well

A second study in the journal added to existing evidence that youths who play violent video games -- a worldwide trend with American children averaging 13 hours of video gaming a week -- led to increased physically aggressive behavior.

Researchers from the United States and Japan evaluated more than 1,200 Japanese youths and 364 Americans between 9 and 18 years old and found a "significant risk factor for later physically aggressive behavior ... across very different cultures."

I guess it goes without saying, but should be said - watch what you let your kids watch!

Autumn leaves over Upper Stoneville Res

2008-10-29T10:35:00.000-07:00

Just thought I'd post a nice picture of the sun hitting the leaves this morning. Color really stands out that time of day.

Good news lost in the shuffle

2008-10-28T13:12:00.000-07:00

We had a higher than expected tax levy thanks to new growth in our bustling little town. It amounted to something like $750K or more.

I know it's not popular among the bean counter hand wringer crowd these days, particularly in light of the "financial crisis" or meltdown or whatever to admit to good news for Auburn. Just how the credit crisis has directly affected the town I'm not sure it has. It's a little light of hope for us I think to have this found money, you can't deny it.

And thanks to the new software we enabled in the meeting it should be easier to track and exact taxes from new sources like this.

It was nice to be able to have a little breathing room for additional oil expenditure for schools and town, although it appears at least for the town we may not need it. It's a shame the contract for the oil price for schools wasn't one of those that go down but not up (which you pay a small premium over current price for). But still and all not bad to lock in to $3.30. Of course Massenergy blows that away right now ... somewhere around $2.50/gallon for consumers.

This revolution was televised

2008-10-28T06:24:00.000-07:00

Wow - big step towards a major change in town government was taken last night when we voted to accept (with 3 amendments) the charter review commission's recommendation for a charter change.

If accepted by the legislature and voters in May, we will have a town manager form of government and appointed boards and employees instead of elected ones by the town manager as well as police officers by the police chief.

I was a bit surprised that things went so lopsided for acceptance of this, but also pleased. I think this is essential to modernize the town and create a more efficient, orderly and effective local government.

One criticism that was particularly annoying to me was "this document isn't ready". Being one of the 3 or 4 people who actually showed up to the meetings, I felt they really meant to say "we're not ready because we didn't do our homework on time". There was ample opportunity for all to become part of this process over the past 18 months. They had an internet presence so you didn't even have to attend the meetings for crying out loud! They met with the public, the department heads (which could not have been easy, change is scary sometimes) and the town admin and BOS.

Great job Roger and charter review and good luck in May - let's complete the job and get a strong town manager in here to bring us into the 21st Century!

Kudos to all on the fall fest

2008-10-26T03:45:00.000-07:00

It went really well!

Kristin and Eleena pulled off a nice event that brought a bunch of businesses and community folks together. The weather held off and the dunk tank was a lot of fun. Nick Hammond, Wayne Page and Mr Valentine got in for the fun and to benefit fuel assistance. I even got in for a spell. It's kind of amazing how obnoxious you get in that cage. It was OK for the first 10 minutes after getting wet, then got chilly ;). My son was the first to dunk me! But it wasn't too bad actually I think the temps were around 60 or above. The wind was strong but it didn't rain the whole time and we relieved each other once things got cold.

I'm sure they'll work out a few of the kinks for next time and get some more involvement also. Schedules can come together a little more - there were a couple other things going on we can incorporate for next time. There were a few groups notably absent (which I won't note but you know who you are ;) but who I think could really mutually benefit the community by becoming involved.

All in all, everyone gave selflessly and came together to pull it off! Great time folks, look for the pics in the paper and word on the next event. I think they also have some good ideas for 4th of July so stay tuned!

Fall fest is on

2008-10-25T06:46:00.000-07:00

Check it out - 1-6 today at Lemansky down by the track

I gotta go help right now

btw - they will have a dunk tank - I plan to get in and so does Nick. Maybe I'll get Doug to hit it. Come early though because it won't be a full 5 hour event! (don't want hypothermia ;)

The world is curved

2008-10-24T07:09:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to put in a word for a brilliant new book called The World is Curved, by David Smick, which predicted the financial crisis we are now in. It came out Sept 4th. The title is a swipe at Tom Friedman's modern classic about supply chain in the age of globalism called The World is Flat, which describes a miraculous new age of cooperation, free trade and global prosperity. Ahem ... except for when things like subprime happen! ;)

In the words of Publisher's Weekly

With this illuminating book, [David] Smick revisits Thomas Friedman’s description of the “flat” world produced by globalization, arguing instead that the uncertainty produced by globalized financial markets has created a world that is curved, where events and their consequences are unpredictable. Smick begins with a puzzle: why did the subprime mortgage crisis, an event that directly impacted a relatively small piece of the global market, have such a catastrophic impact on the world market as a whole? From there, the author turns to topics as complex and varied as the potential 21st century Chinese financial bubble and the policy dilemmas currently facing the Fed. Throughout the book, the author returns to the argument that political trends are increasingly at odds with the forces driving the globalized world economy. Smick brings expertise and lucidity to many difficult subjects, and while his book’s appeal will likely be limited to those with some background in the field, it will undoubtedly stir interest and debate amongst investors, policymakers and strategists alike.

Basically the lack of transparency, bad trade agreements and monetary policies are all a part of it as are lax regulatory enforcement.

Should be on the gift list for the holidays (or my birthday, if I can wait that long ... on second thought think I'll be picking it up over the weekend ;).

2006 Income tax paid: $17.8M, local aid: $3.9M

2008-10-22T12:43:00.001-07:00

Welp ... I finally tracked down the information I was looking for from the state.

Read it and weep should be the caption ...

Here's a pointer to the info...

The income tax receipts for Auburn for the latest year on record (2006) were around $17.8M. This is according to a senior economist for the DOR DLS. By way of comparison, our local aid for the year was around $3.9M according to DOR DLS. So our money DOES go east and never return.

There's a discrepancy/overhead/loss from the state of $17.8-3.9=$13.9M for 6500 taxpayers we would have saved (net) if there were no income tax. The numbers are a little different for last year because we got more aid, but I bet we paid more too. They don't have that yet though. In any event, think about it - if you could have $14 or 15M in your pocket (among 6500 people that's an average of $2138 for 06 numbers) or let's be fair, if we made up for TWICE the amount of money we get back, say $1000 in your pocket with MORE money for a library or a curriculum coordinator or police/fire, wouldn't you do it?

Lights on Swanson?

2008-10-20T07:59:00.001-07:00

Anyone notice the lights have been blinking on Swanson since Friday - not sure of the deal here, but obviously it should be fixed ASAP! It's right next to the Middle school and in a high traffic area.

That little spec ... is making money for Holy Name

2008-10-20T06:30:00.000-07:00

Its actually hard to see with my phone camera but the new Holy Name windmill is actually visible from the Shoppes over in Millbury.

Let's see if this comes out

Anyway, you can also see it from 290, but despite its size it's only visible for a brief time if you're headed west. Going the other way it's not even visible. Funny because it appears almost like any other building. Every time I see it turning - and it was turning REALLY well over this past week - I think about the money it's cranking out in electricity.

I also noticed the new tower on Millbury St by Worcester envelope. To me I think all the concerns and dire warnings about looming towers are overblown. Oh I guess that's a pun - haha ;). Anyway, to me it really depends on how you "see it" (I'm full of them this AM - sorry was up watching ALCS sadly ...) but I get a good feeling about the windmills, like we're doing the right thing for energy and global warming. I guess if I had one next to my house, not a bad idea actually living next to the water as I do with a seemingly constant breeze, but if it was sufficient size I might be more concerned, but so far they look pretty good.

Biking in the bailout

2008-10-15T06:52:00.001-07:00

Cross posted from my fitness blog.

It turns out there are a few good developments for biking in the bailout bill. It'd be nice to have some bike lanes maybe in the Veterans corridor and some trails on town land.

Something for the Rec committee to look into, especially in these days of rampant obesity and high fuel prices. One thing that's becoming an issue is safety. It's one thing to encourage biking it's another to really accommodate them on the roadways, where it's dangerous enough when you're driving, never mind biking or heaven forbid on foot! It should be a goal to make a commitment to this in a real way going forward in the town.

Wind study in Charlton

2008-10-08T09:58:00.000-07:00

Other towns are looking into this - power would be used for a school.

Auburn needs to get off its duff and get moving on something for the town. Probably on one of the hills.

Plymouth Rock studios

2008-10-08T05:36:00.000-07:00

Interesting development down in Plymouth - a new movie studio.

Link

This is precious

2008-10-07T17:25:00.000-07:00

Too funny - looks like something off one of those joke websites

Corner of Rochdale and Oxford ... Auburn highway painting project! :)

Mass sliding in energy efficiency rating

2008-10-06T18:35:00.001-07:00

Link. Link2 for the report.

Mostly because of delays in adopting new building codes and techniques

Also this - sounds like what Amory Lovins has been touting - energy efficiency

“Energy efficiency is the quickest, cheapest, cleanest way to cut our energy costs," said Ian Bowles, secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs, in a statement. "When we tap its full potential, we will protect consumers, reduce our environmental impacts and grow our clean energy sector.”

Get your kids the flu shot

2008-10-06T12:20:00.000-07:00

New advice is for all children up to age 18 to get the flu shot.

According to this article, half the children who died from flu were aged 5-17. They also found that staph in conjunction with flu resulted in more difficult to treat complications.

Freecycle

2008-10-04T08:21:00.001-07:00

Just wanted to plug this - it's kind of a barter/exchange via web. It works by using a Yahoo group. Here's the website.

You get messages about offers or wanted items in your area - the Worcester one is pretty active - maybe 50 messages a day easily. Here's the pointer to the Worcester freecycle group with instructions.

You need a Yahoo mail account, which is easy and free to setup. It can be addictive though! Don't end up with a bunch of stuff you don't need now! ;)

A sad loss - my condolences

2008-10-03T12:16:00.000-07:00

Deanna Goggins, former head of the Auburn District Nursing died this week.

My aunt who works as a home health aide knew and always spoke highly of her. She served the community in so many areas for a long time and will be missed!

100-175 MPG with this aftermarket plugin mod for Prius

2008-10-03T08:16:00.000-07:00

Interesting product ... kind of expensive though ($10K).

Link

From the site:

* Designed for Toyota Prius, model years 2004 – 2008
* ~ 5 kWh pack
* 5.5 hour charge time
* ~ 180 pounds
* Up to 100 mpg for 30-40 miles within electrically assisted driving range

* Meets strictest emissions standards in U.S.
* Crash tested to federal new vehicle standards
* $9995 – includes 3 year standard warranty and installation

Fighting for better school food

2008-09-30T11:47:00.000-07:00

Check out this link and angrymoms also.

It's a story (and a documentary) of mothers who demanded (and got) better food at the schools for their kids. It turns out making the switch to better snacks and salad bars is not only quick but easy to do.

Here's a checklist for the school cafe and an action plan. Actually there are too many good links and docs to list - check em out.

New turbine installed at Holy Name

2008-09-30T10:31:00.001-07:00

Interesting to see how things pan out. Worth watching for our town too, for the private and public plans for wind here in town.

Fall fest taking shape - October 25

2008-09-29T11:28:00.000-07:00

Keep an eye out for the Auburn fall festival. Date is Saturday October 25, 1-6PM, rain date of 26th.

It looks like there will be quite a good representation of non-profit and businesses in the area, with lots of games and raffles - a true all ages event! Watch this space and the town's website and CATV for more in the coming weeks.

Parking and the Shing

2008-09-24T09:58:00.000-07:00

Well, it's come up at the BOS and among many in town since reopening: the residents of Walsh Ave are upset about the new Yong Shing location and the problems with overflow parking there.

Having attended the opening karaoke night I can attest it was a zoo! They had the mini-searchlights going and there were cars all over Walsh Ave. Luckily I have a friend on the street (and some others not far from there) so I could find a spot and walk.

The thing that I hope is that the BOS doesn't overreact to this. I think the first knee jerk reaction of some to clamp down, start writing tickets and generally chase people away and such is a shame. The place is popular, obviously the owner has run a successful business for years in town and we should try and work something out.

Given the planning board's desires for a more pedestrian-friendly area down there and the existence of all the parking in the area I think something can be worked out. One example is the post office, which would be closed in the nighttime when the parking is an issue. Another - look at the situation with football games, when many park in the Bed Bath and Beyond/Shaws lot to attend a school function, so why couldn't school lots be used for overflow for a business? I know some will argue liability - I'd like to know the concrete dollar difference between using the lot and not. Is this covered by insurance or is it an exclusion? How much would that cost and could that be compensated or even make it an income stream for the school facility. Think out of the box as some would say - in these times we have to be creative!

Also the mall - many places in Worcester use valet parking at night, it seems to me the mall's Auburn St lot which is used by carnivals in the summer would be viable.

One thing is clear - I think paving more permanent spaces for this temporary issue is a mistake. We have the spaces, they just need to be reallocated. Planning has recognized that Rt 12, with all its empty paved lots as a side effect of our onerous parking zoning restrictions, looks generally unattractive. Modern walkable designs and concepts take this into consideration and allow for more orderly, planned, walkable areas which along with transportation plans (shuttles or public transit) save energy and engender a sense of place and community that attracts people and their cash in. The Veterans corridor effort will allay some of that.

The other side of all of these proposals is to make the area really pedestrian friendly with paved sidewalks and snow removal as needed. Then a truly functioning village district concept would be closer to reality.

And hopefully in all of this, schools, business and residents can work something out instead of rule by argument and who can shout down the loudest which has been the typical old reaction of some. I think people can have a voice in this, so long as there's a willingness to work things out, we don't have to get to that level; the town will be the better for it.

A shameful stat

2008-09-17T05:25:00.000-07:00

Childhood poverty is on the rise in Massachusetts according to the census.

"These 182,000 children would form an unbroken line the entire length of the 138-mile Massachusetts Turnpike," said Jetta Bernier, executive director of Massachusetts Citizens for Children.

"A legislator driving on the Mass. Pike from his or her district to the State House would pass by a child who is poor every four feet, or 1,300 children every mile."

Even worse, in a state with one of the nation's highest median family incomes (about $60,000 in 2006), about 87,000 children lived in extreme poverty, or families of four earning less than $10,600 a year.

Bernier said that Massachusetts has the third widest divide between the rich and poor in the nation and that the divide is growing at the fourth fastest rate.

"The chasm is threatening to undermine our state's bright future," she said.

The report suggested that the Census Bureau focus on the federal poverty line, in effect, conceals the true number of people living in poverty.

Let's remember that when we think of how "we had it tougher when we were kids". For a lot of cases it's worse now!

Some Bryn Mawr history

2008-09-15T07:53:00.000-07:00

My son is at Bryn Mawr again this year.

Over the weekend I found out a few pieces of information about it. The first class to go into Bryn Mawr was in 1949. My aunt as it turns out was one of the first. At that time, there was only Bryn Mawr and the 8th (I think or 6th?) grade up went to the new wing on the high school.

Also, my late great uncle Werner Bylund reviewed the plans for Bryn Mawr, as Mrs Cutting, who was on the school board at the time only trusted him with the drawings! He found a few things and told them they might have trouble with the roof, which they did. He also designed blueprints for the old Hillcrest dairy building and the Post home which is across the street from the Farmer's Daughter.

I wasn't aware that the school is 60 years old next year - we should have a 60th party for it ;). I went there in 1970 for first grade.

It certainly can use some updates, and is overcrowded (witness the use of trailers).

Fish consumption risk/benefit if pregnant: eat your fish

2008-09-11T06:57:00.001-07:00

Good story about the risk/benefits of eating fish for pregnant women published in American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

It turns out fears of mercury and other issues with fish consumption for pregnant women are outweighed by the potential benefits, at least in this study.

Working with Danish researchers, the Harvard team tracked more than 25,000 women, asking them what they ate and how long they breastfed their babies. (Breast milk is also high in DHA, so its influence had to be measured and taken into account.) When the babies were 6 months old and again at 18 months old, the mothers answered questions about developmental milestones, from sitting up at 6 months to putting words together at 18 months.

Mothers who ate more fish while they were pregnant and breastfed their babies longer than other mothers had children who showed better physical and cognitive development when they were 6 months old and again at 18 months old, the study shows. Each practice alone was helpful.

Women who ate at least three servings of fish per week had children who were 25 percent more likely to score high on development at 6 months and 30 percent more likely to score high at 18 months than children of mothers who ate less than one serving of fish per week.

The authors note that the kind of fish most of the Danish women ate -- cod, plaice, salmon, herring, and mackerel -- are likely to have low mercury content.

This can be extended I think logically to fish consumption generally. All those beneficial Omega 3 fats help out cholesterol and even brain function (with the possible exception of tilapia, which has Omega 6s, which we already get lots of in our diets from other animal sources).

Early childhood ed works! Now stop wasting the money

2008-09-09T06:12:00.000-07:00

Little story on Mass early childhood education programs ... and their lack of ability to make progress.

Where'd the money go? Not to open access - to enrich the teacher salaries of course!

There is still a waiting list of 4,400 children seeking state financial assistance to attend preschool.

The report found that the approximately 130 providers participating in the pilot program said improving their teaching staff was their top priority. Roughly half of the grant funding has been used to train and retain teachers by raising salaries.

Meanwhile, this study shows - early access to preschool improves math scores!

An average child of that age who attended preschool scores 27 percent higher on a standard math test than a comparable pupil without the preparation, said researcher Edward Melhuish, a professor of human development at the University of London, in an e-mail on Tuesday.

The finding may buttress the case made by advocates of universal preschool education in the United States, where the federal government provides such programs only for children from low-income families. By contrast, the UK has paid for preschool for all 3- and 4-year-olds since 2004, regardless of their parents' earnings.

"Universal preschool would mean higher test scores, less school failure, and probably also increased high school graduation and college attendance," W. Steven Barnett, director of the National Institute for Early Education Research, a program at Rutgers University, said in an e-mail.

So it works - we know that, it's been proven time and again! Too bad the adults are busy using the money to help themselves to an extra serving of salary instead of opening up the access to more kids.

The new Superintendent wants to know "What about Auburn schools should NEVER change"? (ie what works). I'd answer - early childhood education and preschool access to all - it's our startup investment money for the students of the future. Never stop that - you can bank on lower test scores if you cut it.

A frugal cornucopia

2008-09-05T13:13:00.000-07:00

Good article about Amory Lovins, of RMI (Rocky Mountain Institute) in the Economist.

He's been arguing for resource efficiency and wholistic sustainable design for years. Ironically (or maybe not so ironic) you end up reaping rich rewards ... so by cutting the chaff you ensure prosperity. It used to be thought that cheap energy fuels the economy. But that's not sustainable - actually it destroys prosperity over time through institutionalized waste of resources.

He's kind of an eco-economist - kind of a cross between Adam Smith and Rachel Carson. Interesting stuff - we could learn a lot from these approaches!

New England harvest time, enjoy some tomatoes!

2008-09-02T13:46:00.001-07:00

This next month or so is so great for local produce - it's almost like living in California ;)

Saw this article wrt Pancreatic cancer prevention - tomatoes are a potential cancer fighter of this deadly disease. I've been eating some heirloom variety for the past few weeks thanks to my father-in-law 's green thumb.

Pancreatic Health

One of the deadliest cancers, pancreatic cancer progresses so rapidly that individuals with the disease who are participating in studies often die before their interviews can be completed-so the benefits noted in the following study of a diet rich in tomatoes and tomato-based products are especially significant.

In this 3-year Canadian study, published in the Journal of Nutrition, individuals with pancreatic cancer were age and gender matched with individuals free of the disease. After adjustment for age, province, body mass index, smoking, educational attainment, dietary folate and total caloric intake, the data showed men consuming the most lycopene had a 31% reduction in their risk of pancreatic cancer.

Among persons who had never smoked, those whose diets were richest in beta carotene or total carotenoids reduced their risk of pancreatic cancer by 43% and 42%, respectively.

"Debbie Downer" for student bikers

2008-08-29T08:47:00.000-07:00

I think this woman is working for SD/SC

We were perusing the school handbook this year the other day ... trying not to be taken down by things like the warning light not working, busses not showing up for kindergarten orientation and learning of the 10 year bond to buy computers (clearly not a 10 year service item). Oh, and learning that many towns start their kids a week LATER than Auburn, and hours are from 9-3, when our first graders are going 8-240?? Well it's worth it for those great test scores we're getting right? Right???

Then we learned of a particularly restrictive ordinance "Students are not permitted to ride bicycles to school". This is clearly not only anti-green, environment and the like, it's anti-health! I really don't understand this - kids are not just discouraged from exercising and getting vehicles off the road, they are prohibited from it? I guess we should encourage them to head to McDonalds (we have one across from the HS) and play more video games next.

Yet another naysayer/overly restrictive policy IMO from our great town non-leaders! As DD would say - "Wah waaaaaaaaah!"

Save on groceries and eat healthier too

2008-08-26T09:13:00.000-07:00

Came across this link from the FDA about how to save money and eat healthier through simple meal planning and shopping and eating right.

Since starting my new exercise program, I've been preparing meals a lot more. Heck, I need to eat quite a bit to keep up with the program. I've found as a result not only do I eat better but I'm saving money, avoiding the big take-out bills at the end of the month on credit cards.

Here are some more ways to save on groceries from bankrate.com. The topic came up recently that it'd be nice to get a Trader Joes or even Whole Foods market in town for some healthier alternatives to the regular Shaws and Park and Shop.

The new Walmart superstore out on Rt 9 has low prices (not sure of quality, but prices are less).

Also in my experience Market Basket is superior to what we have here for selection and competitive price. Market Basket is locally owned (like Park and Shop unlike Shaws and Wally world). It'd be nice to have that competition out in Auburn for better quality and prices.

Buy Auburn

2008-08-20T08:12:00.000-07:00

It'd be nice to have one of these for Auburn to promote our town to prospective residents.

The site's called buyworcester.com. It helps people buy a place in Worcester. Also there are links for lead abatement, solar programs from the state and the like for improving your home. There's even a purchase and rehab program available.

Promoting Auburn needs to be increased (or done at all). People love to tear down the town figuratively speaking, we also need advocates for why we are a nice place to live and communicate that on the web, in media and the like regularly. Otherwise we're left with a lot of negativity, which some in town might like to keep things quiet, but I think most folks are tired of it!

Heat from pavement a good energy collector too

2008-08-19T07:23:00.000-07:00

A reader pointed this out:

WPI (my alma mater) is looking into using pavement as a solar energy collection device. Turns out the road is an order of magnitude MORE efficient than photo voltaic cells.

In some countries like the Netherlands, heated water from heat exchangers in the road is already used to heat nearby buildings. They mention a more sophisticated approach might be to employ thermoelectric devices as mentioned below. The exchangers should easily last 10-12 years that pavement lasts.

We've got a LOT of pavement in town. Maybe we could look into volunteering for some research in upcoming pavement contracts (Yong Shing??). We'd have to figure out a good candidate - maybe one of the many vast asphalt jungle parking lots we have. If only we knew of someone who graduated from there who might be able to help ....

Drive for electricity

2008-08-18T09:08:00.000-07:00

A little geek news that might have some good implications for electric vehicles.

Interesting new material allows for electric generation from exhaust gas. I've heard previously of Mercedes use of steam to generate electricity in a concept vehicle; this uses an advanced thermoelectric material to generate a voltage. The new material is twice as efficient as the older one.

Part of Chinese Olympics faked for TV

2008-08-12T12:05:00.000-07:00

The little girl was lip synching (because the real singer wasn't attractive enough) and the fireworks were computer generated

First hydrogen station opens in Billerica

2008-08-12T06:11:00.000-07:00

Interesting development up near my work.

A new hydrogen fueling station for fuel cell cars has opened by a small startup in Billerica.

Apparently these stations are mostly concentrated in Southern California at the present but need to become more prevalent should the hydrogen powered car ever become anything more than a dream. It's got great promise as a technology and the advantage of only emitting water vapor, without the nasty carbon that heats our atmosphere.

Some of the techinical issues are how do you "crack" the hydrogen from the carbon, where do you get it from and how do you store it? Fueling stations are another real world concern, since you can't carry very much of the stuff usually although from the sounds of it they are making progress on all these fronts.

Realistically this won't happen UNLESS gasoline and fossil fuels remain at a high price IMO to help new technologies become more competitive economically.

Pay as you throw could save us money

2008-08-11T11:06:00.000-07:00

From the sounds of it Shrewsbury's attempt at encouraging recycling appears to be an initial success.

So-called pay as you throw for garbage pickup, as I understand where each bag is charged, is in effect there.

Anyway to encourage more recycling should be done I think. It cuts down on the amount the town is charged for trash pickup and that would save us all money. The costs of removal are borne by those who have the most stuff to pick up on a bag by bag basis.

I think adding more bins is in order at times also. I have a couple supplementary bins I use but the town could encourage multiple bins for instance. A lot of times the one bin is overflowing, limiting the amount you can recycle.

Invasive species

2008-08-08T10:39:00.001-07:00

Asian longhorn beetle has invaded Greendale and is infesting the area. Could have sworn I've seen this around somewhere - have to keep my eyes open though.

Invasive species are a growing problem it seems and for some reason it always seems like they are from Asia. From purple loose strife to giant hogweed they are weed like species that form mono cultures and crowd out native plants as well as do damage to native species with few natural limitations.

Here's a list of problem species.

Here's a list of Massachusetts prohibited plants. Also Federal invasive plants list and Federal invasive animal species list, including things like the "Killer (Africanized honey) bees" and gypsy moths.

Invasive.org has a lot more stuff too.

Rotary to open soon?

2008-08-06T11:47:00.000-07:00

Word has it the tests are in and ... there's a great chance the town will be using the Rotary Beach again!

This is great news - the town is doing something proactive for the enjoyment of the residents - BRAVO! And also great news for residents who swim in the water privately.

Kudos to Kristin Pappas for pushing this issue forward ... it'll be great to get swimming lessons over there again for our little ones who need it!

Middle schools often overlooked

2008-08-06T06:43:00.000-07:00

Good point here.

Most of the attention and money in our town has been spent on the high school. It's a lovely facility which is now at capacity. Meanwhile the middle school is in need of updates, possibly replacement in the future.

Besides just the building, I think the focus on high school performance and curriculum has overshadowed our lower grades. As the story points out, middle school is a critical time of transition which often can be overlooked.

Ultimately the grammar schools get shorted in the budget the most, and I think suffer the most. The buildings are old and classrooms are crowded (with trailers employed again).

To succeed and improve, we need (and I sound like a broken record) a systemic curriculum coordination among all grades with proper metrics in place to determine the effectiveness of our programs among all grades. This should be a priority for our district.

Keep your doors locked

2008-08-06T06:37:00.000-07:00

Looks like another rash of burglaries here in town. No brainer to keep things locked up (car, house, shed etc) and avoid the easy takes.

We seem to be susceptible periodically to these thanks to our easy highway access. Makes me want to get one of those little cameras.

Of course, knowing your neighbors and looking out for each other is one of the best crime fighting techniques and one reason I like living where I do.

President's fitness challenge and health center week

2008-08-05T15:36:00.000-07:00

Next week is health center week - Aug 10-16

Here are some activities you can do here in Ma.

For fitness, you might want to visit the President's challenge or take the adult fitness test.

You probably remember like I do the test kids would take in school and you could get a patch if you completed them. I never got the President's level but I did get one of the other lower ones. It's fun to challenge yourself and set goals and reach or even surpass them when the benefit is your own health!

Forecast calls for pain in oil prices

2008-08-04T12:59:00.001-07:00

A new report out today predicts pain this winter for heating oil buyers (as if we didn't know), according to the report, an increase of 30% on average.

Great ... button up and save those pennies if you want to stay warm this year ....

Green initiatives big this year in state budget

2008-08-04T12:01:00.000-07:00

The big winner this year at the Mass statehouse were environmental programs according to this story.

I think Auburn should target some initiatives in this area to establish ourselves as a leader and get some good jobs coming our way. I know Nick Hammond and Bob Platukis have been somewhat active in this area and hope the town will be receptive to it, given the potential money savings also.

Smaller towns attracting professionals

2008-07-31T08:09:00.001-07:00

Interesting article about some rural areas that are attracting professionals. They're attracted by the pleasant life and enabled via telecommuting.

So access to the highway isn't the only seller (although it's one of Auburn's biggest) to attract residents. Quality of life and proper communication infrastructure is becoming more important for upscale tax paying residents. Something to think about for the marketers of Auburn (where ever they might be ;)

Fuel subsidies fuel high prices

2008-07-28T11:58:00.000-07:00

A provocative article in NYT today on energy prices and the link to governments who provide incentives for businesses and consumers to essentially waste fuel.

From Mexico to India to China, governments fearful of inflation and street protests are heavily subsidizing energy prices, particularly for diesel fuel. But the subsidies — estimated at $40 billion this year in China alone — are also removing much of the incentive to conserve fuel.

The oil company BP, known for thorough statistical analysis of energy markets, estimates that countries with subsidies accounted for 96 percent of the world’s increase in oil use last year — growth that has helped drive prices to record levels.

In most countries that do not subsidize fuel, high prices have caused oil demand to stagnate or fall, as economic theory says they should. But in countries with subsidies, demand is still rising steeply, threatening to outstrip the growth in global supplies.

So the high price of diesel ALSO has an effect on the high price of home heating oil. If only we could disengage subsidies in the developing world some of this would end up fixing itself. And there is a ripple effect throughout the economy as well, also encouraging cutting back on consumption.

MIxed use or unused?

2008-07-28T09:47:00.001-07:00

A little lesson for those planning new developments: don't try and create something that doesn't make sense. (at least in this market)

Some of the comments are funny: "Condos that look out over Mattress Giant aren't selling?" ;)

Link

I think this stuff can be done, but it's got to make sense - traditionally cities are where these types of areas succeed, because naturally the infrastructure and style of living mesh together. Also there are planned communities where this type of thing has succeeded: Celebration Fla (associated with Disney) is one, my father has worked with the lead architect of this, Robert Stern. Of course, they are adjacent to Disney so there's a bit of an advantage there. I was unaware somewhat of just how addicted people become to the Disney touch until I got married - it's amazing. My in-laws re-introduced me and if you have a family it's just so pleasant. They've figured it out as far as customer service and family fun.

Anyway, the point is you need to have a really serious commitment to a holistic approach to community design, not just plop down condos in a strip mall, to get this stuff to be attractive to people. That means money, political power and will as well as a vibrant market, and the right location.

Little gas incentives

2008-07-24T07:04:00.000-07:00

In the light of $4 gasoline, seems a lot of businesses are offering gas coupons to entice business.

Kettlebrook is offering $5 and $10 gas coupons for playing there. It's a bit of a hike from our quaint Packachoag course but at times when I want to play 18, it's a nice place to do it. Of course there's Pine Ridge a bit closer also.

Shaws recently offered money off tanks of gas for buying groceries there. If you have your Shaws card you might be able to not only afford their prices (not an easy task ;) but also buy free gas at Irving gas stations. There's one near Gigueres I know of.

Every little bit helps ... and might hook consumers into paying a visit to your store also.

Booster seats now law

2008-07-10T07:43:00.000-07:00

Perhaps in its continuing efforts to nanny-ize every aspect of our lives the Commonwealth has enacted mandatory booster seat law ala the seat belt law to protect us against our own bad judgments, under punishment of law.

So now your child has to be 8 years old or 4'9" to use a regular adult seat belt in your vehicle. Yet another reason to get pulled over was my first reaction ... great!

But to be honest, when our little 6 yo got to be over 48" last year and his child seat broke, we were tempted (and even tried for a short time) to have him in a regular seat belt. Looking at the slack belt and seeing how undersized he really was in it though, we decided it wise to keep him in a booster seat for now. You just figure this stuff out if you're a concerned, aware, intelligent parent. Every now and then if we were going a short distance and didn't have the vehicle with the seat in it we'd revert to the regular adult belt.

No more though, sayeth the mighty and wise Legislature of the Commonwealth. They figure you might not know any better and they are better off making some more rules to live by and punish those who forget. Intolerance thy name is Massachusetts! {Heavy sigh} ;)

Young cyclist killed in DC - traffic!

2008-07-09T13:12:00.000-07:00

She was originally from the area - Northborough Mass.

Link

I was just talking with friends over the weekend about traffic in town and the reason I don't bike anymore - used to a lot when I was younger. Also makes jogging or running difficult or dangerous. In fact Sheldons owner Orville got in an accident on Rt 20 last year or year before for the first time in his 60+ years (most riding) because of someone making an illegal left turn right near Sheldons.

It'd be nice for towns folks to have an alternative like bike or even running paths, not even going into sidewalks, which are mostly in disrepair around town. Quality of life is what will attract good people to our town who can afford to make things nicer.

FDA warns on Cipro, Levaquin

2008-07-08T09:52:00.001-07:00

Tendons can rupture - apparently the antibiotics can produce inflammation of the tendons severe enough to rupture them. Don't want a ruptured Achilles (or ACL etc)!

Link

66 gas saving tips

2008-06-26T10:03:00.001-07:00

What the heck - here's a few tips I found for us many beleaguered commuters. And before you say "move closer to your job" or "get a local job big shot" I carpool, so at least I'm cutting the bill in half (and saving $140/month).

Not that you would say that ... ;)

RKBA upheld by SC

2008-06-26T09:51:00.000-07:00

A big win for gun rights today.

It's the first time Second Amendment has been used to rule a gun law unconstitutional in federal court. Until now, they have avoided the question.

Well at least things aren't this bad

2008-06-24T08:26:00.001-07:00

As in Wrentham, where two BOS members filed assault charges against eachother.

Something to think about in executive session

2008-06-17T07:57:00.000-07:00

Interesting story/lesson from Vallejo Ca.

You know all those negotiations that none of us hear about, for municipal worker contracts for instance, the "secret" meetings they seem to have so many of which NH claims he'd put an end to ... well it's possible to bankrupt yourself if you're not careful, which appears to be happening in this California town.

It happened over there because they over promised to fire, police and other unions and then a slowdown occurred, limiting revenue.

General fund revenue is expected to be $77.9 million, less than the $79.4 million needed for labor contracts, not to mention other costs....

[Mayor Osby] Davis said Vallejo's situation should be cautionary in another way. He said a citizens committee reported in 1993 that if employee-benefits trends continued, they would exceed city revenue in 2010.

The mayor said the warning was ignored by the City Council and city managers. He said the projected day of reckoning arrived three years early, accelerated in part by the economic downturn.

"Municipalities that are looking at us ought to say to themselves, 'We need to start now finding a way to fix it, finding a way to negotiate with our employee unions,' and let them know we are headed on a collision path -- and clear evidence of it is Vallejo," Davis said.

Rosy projections of revenue don't always come true. We can only hope that in those oh so secret meetings that TA and BOS are a part of that they show some foresight and don't give away the farm, because we pay for this stuff ad infinitum.

Mercury fillings change for FDA

2008-06-11T10:17:00.000-07:00

The FDA now has changed their opinion on mercury used in mouth fillings. The mercury is used in what's called an amalgam. Great - and my kid has a few of these in his mouth (thanks in part to use of an over the counter allergy medicine).

Bottom line is if you are a child, pregnant mother or fetus mercury in fillings might not be the best idea as exposure to mercury can make your nervous system and developing brain have problems.

My mom who worked for a time in a dental office always claimed gold was the best. There are other plastics used now too as alternatives - I recommend you talk with your dentist about alternative filling materials.

Rockefellers seek to change Exxon on environment

2008-05-28T07:08:00.000-07:00

Today they'll vote at the shareholders meeting to oust the un-green Exxon CEO.

Yes it's those Rockefellers.

Sometimes large actions by well-connected people can do as much as a billion smaller ones by the little people.

Why come out now? As Neva R. Goodwin, a Tufts instructor (and the great-granddaugher of John D. Rockefeller), told Alex Beam earlier this month: "I am 63 and I've tried to live quietly, but this issue seemed to me tremendously important. ... There is real concern that Exxon could run into real trouble and may be ignoring opportunities as well as ignoring risks to its future."

Computing pioneer dies

2008-05-19T11:36:00.000-07:00

Arthur Burks, who was 92 died. His obit is here. This isn't akin to anything in particular about Auburn. He embraced, promoted, developed and overall touted the potential of technology and computers in modern life. He made great contributions in the field, helping develop ENIAC, working with Von Neumann and creating brand new courses of study of the fledgling science back in the post WWII era.

Technology is something we need to continue to embrace as a town going forward - get our data online, utilize and enhance communications and shine light on the information and workings of the town for everyone.

State budget numbers finalized

2008-05-16T10:18:00.001-07:00

Here

Auburn's numbers are here.

Looks like pretty much the same as what we knew on Mar 20 for local aid.

Recycling event in Worcester

2008-05-13T12:40:00.000-07:00

No residency requirement. Pretty good for those who missed Auburn's event.

Notes: Individuals can drop off only during the public event on Saturday May 17, 2008.
Cost: There is no cost to the participants.
Limit: There are no weight limits for individual drop-offs.
Residency: There are no residency requirements.
Packaging: Please remove equipment from cardboard boxes and Styrofoam.

Materials Accepted: Computers, monitors, televisions (including big screen and wood consoles), LCD/flat panels, laptops, printers, copiers, keyboards, other computer related equipment, stereo equipment, cell and other phones, power supplies, cords, electronic games, VCRs, circuit boards, and other household electronic devices.

Link

Vote smart

2008-05-12T13:46:00.000-07:00

Kind of an interesting website - has the positions of all the candidates across the nation - including state levels at least for Mass.

If you don't like the big 3 Presidential candidates, you can even check out the rest here.

Here's a query for 01501 zip.

Among other things you can find evaluate our state Rep Paul Frost on various issues.

Migraines not just a pain

2008-05-12T08:54:00.000-07:00

There's some evidence they are a risk factor for stroke and heart attack according to this story.

As someone who's suffered from them in the past (my mom had them, Eleena also gets them from time to time) it's concerning. Apparently blood vessels pulsate during the headache and they may lead to other more serious issues as they get damaged. As they put it in the article, it's likely a risk factor like smoking, obesity, cholesterol etc for heart and blood pressure problems.

At the least the headaches can be debilitating. When I had them bad I just had to sit or lay in a dark quiet room sometimes for hours until they passed. At this point I only get the "lights" portion; fortunately the pain part of it is passed for me.

There's a group on Myspace for support here.

New England Regional Headache Center is in Worcester. The link is here.