- Waffler -- Preston, 16:31:38 05/11/01 Fri
What's with this alan thieveridge? First he's against the power plant...then he's for it...then he's against it and tells people he never changed his mind?? He attacks one of the selectman on this forum and then says he shouldn't have done it and he's sorry.He's for the golf course...he's against it. He's against the cpa then he's for it. Can this guy make up his mind?If he ever wants someone to vote for him he needs to be honest and quit being a waffler.
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- "Yahooism" -- Caroline K., 12:16:37 05/21/01 Mon
This is directly to the forum in general, but most specifically to Celeste, Herman Muenster and Fox: Why do you insist on perpetuating the "yahoo mentality" that has invaded this town for so long? Have you got nothing better to do than trash those in public office? It's no wonder there is such apathy at election time. It's no wonder why incumbents think twice about running for re-election. Why should they subject themselves and their families to the petty and bitter going-ons in this community. If you don't like the leadership you've got, why don't you DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT...like runing for office....instead of using this forum to complain, complain and complain. I don't think we'll see your names on the ballots anytime soon, you haven't got the guts. Your middle name must be yahoo.
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- Retirement -- Social Security, 08:33:54 05/22/01 Tue
Now that Warren Shaw has announced his upcoming retirement from the selectmen, isn't it time for " Mr. Willet" to follow that lead? How long can he possibly think he should stay there? O.K. now I'm going to take cover because every senior in the world ( Dracut ) is going to shout " he can stay there as long as he wants as long as he helps me out"! Is he really helping you? Is he really helping any of us? Retirement can be a good thing and I'll send you a check every month. Doug, how can we miss you If you won't go away? Here it comes, I can see the muzzle flashes.I'm outta here!
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- Naturally.....He Da Man! -- Fuji, 12:56:44 05/23/01 Wed
Naturally, while I must say that I thoroughly enjoy your rantings and ravings, there is one thing you've mentioned that I must take issue with. First, I have to add, and I'm sure you'll know by my name, I know who you are and your secret is safe with me. My issue is this...I just want to remind you that you have friends living in Derry, NH, home of the "family friendly simpletons", as you so eloquently named us in your Big Brother diatribe. And, to further remind you that you lived in NH yourself for a while, did you not? Now I know that you are no simpleton, and I just wanted to let you know that you hurt the feelings of this sensitive, caring, PC guy. NOT!!! Keep up the good work!
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- Weekly Round Table 5/24 -- Mike, 20:56:57 05/21/01 Mon
This forum has had alot of discussion regarding the proposed Power Plant. We will be discussing this issue on
this weeks show.There is big news regarding this proposal.
We can't tell you here,but I gaurantee the discussion will be timely and of interest to everyone.
Dracut Local Access Cable Channel 10, 7:00pm. Mike
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- Duh - Duh - Duh Dracut !!!! -- Laura G., 09:12:44 04/21/01 Sat
Ah-duh!!!
Did anyone(who of course can read)get a gander at
the Lowell Sun's article published on Weds.the 18th???
A POWER CLASH OF CULTURES WHEN DRACUT AND ANDOVER GET
TOGETHER by Dan Phelps.
If you haven't and being a Dracut resident can look it
up in the computer,check out the Lowell Sun.com site
under Sun Columnists Dan P.of course!!!!
What do you think???? Funny?Insulting?Both??
Byeee!!Gotta go slop the hogs!!!
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- The Package -- The Truth, 09:21:20 05/16/01 Wed
I sit here and read through all the topics in this here forum. I can't help to think that there are so many things going on here in Dracut. Well, we all know that there are, but some people tend to ignore them.
Lets take a look. We have this power plant issue that is favored by the selectman, and also opposed by a small group of Dracut people, but a large group of Andover people. I find that kind of sad. It must be the way the wind blows. You must admit, the issue is picking up steam. Most likely due to the fact that we have new homes being built and new residents who are just now catching wind of this.
......Which leads us to the CPA. Finally, something decent here in the future industrial town of Dracut. The power plant brings us in the direction. The CPA committe has yet to be established, so we don't know who's going to be handling all this money and making the decisions.
Now we have the Childrens Memorial. Awsome idea!!!!!! I agree with Naturally, this memorial should not be on the school grounds.
Then we have all these little issues that are out there. I could read them out to you, but you may not here me. Theres a pack of ATVs reving outside my window.
So I come up with this!
The selectman pull out their votes for the power plant. (just a dream). They decide to answer some of these issues all at once. How can they do something like that? Simple. It's called imagination. Let's take a look:
(IMAGINATION)
I'm driving down Brox Rd. Don't worry, it's in good shape. Dracut prettied it up because it was on that list of roads that weren't official, but now are because the town voted it in on June 4th, 2001. I come up to this huge entrance that once was the scale house of Brox. At this entrance to the left was this beautiful memorial that paid tribute to all the fallen children of Dracut. I stop and look at all the names. What a good idea this memorial was. I move on and notice the sounds of ATV's off in the distance. I stopped and asked a couple that was out for a walk. Where is that sound coming from? They reply, the ATV park just over yonder. It's got everything. Woopdie doo's, table tops, mud pits, and 30 degree angled turns. You name it, they have it. Excuse me sir, whats the decipal on the noise? As he looks at me all confused. Thank you, have a nice day.
I move on once again. What do you know. A skateboard park. Finally, a place the kids can go to skateboard without getting thrown off the property. They all have helmets, knee pads, and elbow pads. Good job kids!
Just across the way I find the traditional play ground with swings, monkey bars, sand boxes, you name it. They have it.
And just off to the left of that was a golf driving range. It was packed. They all must be practicing to play on the new golf course in Dracut. Hmm, I'll have to check that out after this.
I also noticed people wizing by on bikes. Oh, what do you know. A bike path that circles the entire complex. It has park benches lined up along the route. Not bad. I'll have to bring my bike up here.
WOW!!!! Basketball courts, tennis courts, deck hockey, volleyball. Even a function hall with an arcade attached to it.
I look at my watch and noticed that I was running late. I had to make it to the polls before the deadline. As I was leaving, I ran into a police officer on a dirt bike. Two of them as a matter of fact. I asked them, do you guys always hang out here? They replied, "yes, it's a new patrol sector in Dracut that is patrolled day and night". "We even have a small precinct just pass the driving range." "The precinct is manned by volunters."
Thanks for the info officers. As I was starting to leave they shouted out. "did you see everthing else beyond this point?" I told them I hadn't and they informed me that there was a huge map with everything numbered out as to where it was located. I was thankful for that. I can't wait to come back.
What a great place. The town decides no on the power plant and uses the open space to establish a park in dedication to the fallen children of Dracut. Not bad at all. It gives the kids a place to go after school, and a place the parents can go afterwork or during the day. I like this place. Thank god I moved to Dracut.
As I'm leaving I see a local bus pull up and drop some more kids off. Hey kids, enjoy it.
Have a nice day!!!!!!
The Truth
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- Visit the other dracut forum -- N. Stigatorq, 09:17:22 05/15/01 Tue
Go here for an unmoderated dracut discussion:
http://www.voy.com/24485/
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- ATVs -- Brenda Ruyl, 19:02:34 04/07/01 Sat
It's Spring in Dracut. And rather than looking forward to the beauty of the season, instead we're dreading the warm weather and anticipating the ever-increasing noise and destruction caused by ATVs and dirt bikes.
Our quiet neighborhood is being inundated with these violent machines--one neighbor bought three ATVs for his children and another neighbor has both an ATV and a dirt bike, which are driven incessantly around their house, on private property, and on the street. As 18-year residents, we'd like to know what is being done to curb the use of them. What is town's position on the use of ATVs in residential areas? Can they be restricted to only coming within one mile of a residential area?
We hope that there is something is in process, otherwise this may be our last year in Dracut.
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- Mr. Disgusted, Get a GRIP! -- Fan of the Great Naturally, 19:50:52 05/15/01 Tue
Hey Disgusted--
We're awfully touchy about Naturally's discourse, aren't we? Whatsa' matter? Springer in reruns now?
Don't wax poetical about how craven Naturally is, when the most inventive name you could contrive is DISGUSTED. Puh-lease.
Naturally ROCKS!!!
Au Naturel
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- posting messages -- ann marie nadeau, 21:12:19 05/10/01 Thu
why is it since this new monitoring system came into play, that none of my messages have been posted.
I have not said anything to bash any of the town politicans .
I have posted one message asking for the outcome of the vote on the power plant issue.
and another message was my opion on a message forum being reviewed and chosen to what messages could be posted.
I have been faithful to this forum ever since i had found it about 1 yr ago.
I am starting to believe you are NOT dracut politican your opions and thoughts can not be posted.
Thought everyone had a right to free speech .
Now i doubt that this message will be posted either but i m writing it to make the people who view them be aware of something that has been disturbing me for a few months now.
Either post all messages or tell the common citizen that dont bother wasting time typing out your concerns because you arent that important for other people to read them.
ann marie
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- Power Plant Blues -- SHOCKED, 21:15:51 04/04/01 Wed
I,also am a resident of EAST DRACUT and was shocked after
I read this editorial!!!After some investigation I was
shocked to discover the proximity of this plant to the
Campbell School ONE MILE AWAY!!!!I am a member of the
PTO and have every intention of investigating the plans
for evacuation in our area.I am quilty of ignorance on
this subject just like many others in this town----However
when it comes to children's safety worse case modeling
must be done to ensure thier safety!!!!I STRONGLY SUSPECT
THAT THE VISUAL EFFECT OF THE PLANTS PLUMES will pose
several questions from parents and may potentially cause
removal of students from the school thus resulting in a
loss of revenue.I hope that mutual concern for their
long term health and safety takes first priority in this
matter!!!!Let's take a real hard look at this everyone!!!!
SHOCKED
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- Re: Power Plant Blues -- Dennis Williams, 12:27:06 04/08/01 Sun
- Re: Power Plant Blues -- Mary, 12:38:17 04/09/01 Mon
- Re: Power Plant Blues -- Penny, 12:44:46 04/11/01 Wed
- Re: Power Plant Blues -- Naturally, 15:22:41 04/11/01 Wed
- Re: Power Plant Blues -- Karen M-D, 15:25:59 04/11/01 Wed
- Re: Power Plant Blues -- Ed Valis, 10:51:10 04/12/01 Thu
- Q&A the Other Way, si vous plais -- Dennis Williams, 22:54:16 04/12/01 Thu
- Re: Q&A the Other Way, si vous plais -- Mary, 12:35:34 04/16/01 Mon
- Re: Q&A the Other Way, si vous plais -- Eira, 16:05:19 04/16/01 Mon
- Re: Q&A the Other Way, si vous plais -- Naturally, 21:15:51 04/16/01 Mon
- Re: Q&A the Other Way, si vous plais -- Penny, 20:11:47 04/18/01 Wed
- Re: Q&A the Other Way, si vous plais -- Undecided, 09:52:58 04/20/01 Fri
- Re: Q&A the Other Way, si vous plais -- Celeste, 13:02:11 04/25/01 Wed
- Re: Power Plant Blues -- Susan, 09:46:26 04/21/01 Sat
- Re: Power Plant Blues -- Stephanie Coyne, 19:20:16 04/30/01 Mon
- A source of information -- celeste, 19:27:15 05/04/01 Fri
- Details on the Power Plant -- Celeste, 23:33:17 05/04/01 Fri
- Election Dejection -- Naturally, 07:40:34 05/06/01 Sun
This election cycle has sure been quiet.. Maybe we are just basking in the glory of our tercentenial, our Halcion daze. It's been a snoozer.
Maybe I'm the poster boy for voter apathy but I simply can't get juiced over the big Water District Moderator race. The prime debate in that appears to be who has the best grasp of Robert's Rules of Order. If you want my opinion, this guy Robert was a control freak who obviously had a bad experience during toilet training. I mean, who died and left Bob in charge anyway?
But, if that's the quintessential qualification for the job, I guess it's important. Mr Adams just as soon learn as he goes. His approach is that there's only one meeting a year so the opportunity doesn't present to gain a working knowledge of this Robert's Rules thing. That's kind of like a member of the local bomb squad saying, "Hey, how many real bombs do you run into anyway?"
Not that Mrs Yackel doesn't have her detractors too. Apparently, she has a "clicking" problem. I suspect she has TMJ and a good Orthodontist ought to be able to help her. With a name like Yackel, it was a condition she was especially prone to contract.
Let me understand this. We have a race for Library Trustee, but both incumbents on the School Committee get a free skate? Is that why Joe Campbell felt secure enough to grow a beard? Let's make sure we put up a candidate next time, if only to save him from himself!
The highlight for me, in terms of campaign propaganda was Ron Kolek's video about the library, complete with time & date stamp on every inch of footage. I don't know what the sun shining through the clouds was meant to convey but such cinematic allegory is usually lost on me anyway. For the longest time when that Indian cried after seeing all the trash being thrown on the land, I had no idea what his problem was. I thought maybe he stubbed his toe or something. At any rate, I think Steven Speilberg isn't probably losing any sleep.
It was a step in the right direction though. This election was in desperate need of some Madison Avenue spice. A few of my own offerings.
On the CPA issue...
"2001.. A Space Odyssey for Dracut"
Ripping off JFK like the Republicans did this year.
"The Space Race.. We do these things not because they are easy, but because they are difficult"
Well... Maybe not.
How about... "Open Space for Power Plants!"
Now that captures the bi-polar essence of our Town Leaders.
Finally, is it just me or does Frank Zabierek sound an awful lot like Gilbert Godfrey? Listening to him is like chewing on aluminum foil. Thank God his incisive grasp of the issues compensates for that. On the other hand, Mr Green Jeans (AKA Selectman Shaw)has got the art of deadpan knocked.
Well, enough from me. I've got to bone-up on Robert's Rules so I can critique the next Water District meeting. Or maybe I'll just open up a can of paint and watch it dry.
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- May 19-20 Cultural Weekend -- Robert R. Schaefer, 13:01:46 05/09/01 Wed
I need a little more information concerning how I might be included as one of the Poets who will be allowed to read at this event. Anyone have a contact number or Email for who is in charge? Any help would be appreciated. Robert
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- Town Elections -- Buffy, 10:27:38 05/09/01 Wed
Wow....Alan Thivierge was almost a selectman. What a scarry thought. Perhaps now the residents of Dracut will take notice and not sit back, assuming the best will be elected, as it almost did not happen. I admire anyone who is willing to get involved in the local level but it would be better if the candidate had a clue as to how town government operates. To run for the town's highest board without ever attending town meeting or even knowing what the purpose of capital planning or finance committee are should be a concern for all of us. Dracut needs smart, progressive leadership...there must be someone in this town who can fit the bill.
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- New Forum -- New Forum, 07:46:33 04/03/01 Tue
New Forum "Talk of the Town"
www.voy.com/24485/
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- Voter Turnout -- The Truth, 07:02:28 05/10/01 Thu
On Monday, May 5th, Dracut held town elections. The turnout of only 17.5% of the registered voters is sad. There is currently alot on the plate for the town of Dracut. The residence should participate on all voting that takes place. People complain, "so so needs to go", "we need a change", the list goes on. You want change? VOTE. Thats how you get change.
The recent results showed a tight fight for the selectman. I think that sends a message that change is about to happen. I'm for anyone that can perform the job in politics, and work for what is good for Dracut now, and in the future.
We pay taxes. That money should be used appropiately. With a turnout of only 17.5%, who knows what direction Dracut is heading.
The bottom line: "VOTE"
The Truth.
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- Power Plant Debate -- Ronald Kolek, 11:39:05 04/23/01 Mon
With the CPA Debate a success, I've decided to host a debate
on the Power Plant after the election. Dennis Williams has
agreed to participate, and now I'm looking for other participants. If you are passionate about the subject and want to share it with others, please step up to the plate and join us.
Thanks
Ronald J Kolek
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- Dangerous roads... -- Concerned, 15:20:33 04/24/01 Tue
As someone not the least bit knowledgeable when it comes to town politics and bylaws I have a question. What type of action would it take to have a few stop signs planted on Passaconaway Dr to make the intersections of I st and D st 4 way stops? Why you ask, well if you live there you know that it will break up the race track from the lake to Mammoth Rd and maybe keep a few animals and possible children alive.
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- Power Plant -- Call me "Curious", 19:36:14 04/29/01 Sun
I saw a beautiful house on Poppy Lane and the realtor never once mentioned that the Power Plant will be built a mile away. If the realtor never mentions it, and it's not on the listing sheet, how on earth is a prospective homeowner supposed to learn of this?
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- Water Quality & Water Conservation -- George Rancourt, DWSD Commissioner, 13:32:02 05/03/01 Thu
DWSD ratepayers,
Many of you may (or will) experience rusty water over the next several months. I know I have! As we continue to increase the quality of pipes and upgrade the system we need to flush the pipes and refresh the systems. I thought I would offer some helpful tips to avoid turning your whites into reds! If you fill your washing machine first, check the water, and then put in the clothes it will reduce the risk. The district is offering free bottles of red-be-gone to help remedy the situation. However, please understand that we are doing our best to avoid any disruption.
If you have whites that have turned color stop by the district and ask for the red-be-gone.
Most people have no idea how much work we are dealing with to fix all of the problems we inherited. The corrosion control facility should be in place soon and this will stop the problems. Almost everyone who works at the District lives in the District and experiences the same water quality and/or problems. We hope you can understand our frustrations too.
Water conservation – we will need to restrict out door water usage this year again. The DEP actually sets the standards and quantity of water we can use. We are working on a plan to “fix” this, but the derive at this number based on many factors. We are working on a plan to build a plant and take water from the Merrimack. This will help to maintain growth and consumption.
If you have any questions on the Dracut Water Supply District please ask.
Regards George Rancourt, Water Commissioner
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- Night removal? -- Concerned, 08:54:56 05/04/01 Fri
Around 12:30 last night there were lots of bright lights up around the corner of Fst and Passaconaway Dr. When we called the police in the AM to find out what was going on we were told it was a night removal and that they didn't know what was being removed. I find this hard to believe.
Can anyone shed some light on this?
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- Zest and Pizzazz ????? -- Bob, 23:35:12 05/05/01 Sat
I don't know what debate Frank Zabierek was watching ,but to come out and say that he had used zest and pizzazz in the debate and was affraid people were denied seeing this so called zest and pizzazz in his closing statement has got to be the most rediculous thing he said said to date....the expression "more like a deer caught in the headlights" is better suiting....also could someone please bring some cake and ice cream to the next town meeting for Frank...seems he didnt get any at the last meeting and has made it a point to complain on a few of his shows and even brought it up in his letter in the Dispatch that cake and ice cream was served at town meeting and his obvious dissaproval along with those "hideous" banners hanging every where...its the towns birthday and its great to have a sense of community ...too bad every town has its crudmudgeon
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- CPA Debate -- OpenMinded, 07:16:23 04/25/01 Wed
Sorry I missed the debate. Does anyone know if they plan to air it again soon?
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- How often are these messages moderated -- Mike Aroni, 08:59:12 03/13/01 Tue
Daily? Hourly? Weekly? The discourse on this board is NOTHING compared to some of our other local towns (check out the crap on the Chelmsford or Billerica boards).
Moderated discourse on the Internet is nothing more than censorship. Censorship is wrong. Discuss . . . . .
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- Town Fathers court Big Brother -- Naturally, 14:03:27 04/11/01 Wed
Well, he may be some 17 years late in arriving, but Big Brother will soon be making his debut in the Town of Dracut. At last night's Selectmen's meeting a system called GIS was demonstrated to the collective awe of most of our Town Fathers. I say almost all because I think Dougie was a bit mystified. He's of the generation that still looks at their cordless phones with satisfied and benused smiles and they say, "those people at Ma Bell do a helluva job and all the luck in the world to them!" Dougie's a few standard deviations below the curve in terms of technological savvy, but a nice guy anyway.
The final decision to buy this thing, which can be aptly described as a municipal Palm Pilot, hasn't been made yet, I don't think. But it's a lock, a done deal and I'll tell you why. First, the Board of Selectmen is currently made up of all, well, men. Physiologically, it is impossible for us to resist anything electronic. Make no mistake, this thing is slick! I don't know how useful it will be but in terms of the slick index, it's an icy road treated with WD40!!
Secondly, the guy making the pitch was smart enough to mention several times that Derry NH already has one installed. Now there's the clincher. The thought of those family-friendly simpletons to the north being ahead of the game in terms of technological wizardry was just the right ego tickle to close the deal.
Then, following the true male MO, came the logical rationale. It would save money on the sewer surveys. The cost of the system (initially $250K)would be shared among each department that uses the thing. Dennis Williams kept saying, "HARD DOLLARS"
It was oddly reminiscent of the time I tried to convince my wife that an outlay of $2500.00 for a home theater system would more than pay for itself with the money we saved by not going to the movies. In desperation, I even think I went so far as to add, "especially if you figure in the cost of popcorn!" I sincerely believe had I used a term such as "HARD DOLLARS" I might have prevailed. Damn!
In terms of desperation though, I have some kindered spirits among those at last night's meeting. Someone suggested this thing could help determine which streets had not yet been plowed. A system already exsists for that. The residents of the un-plowed streets! Also, the idea was advanced that this system could be interfaced with the E-911 system and could provide our firefighters with the quickest route to the fire. C'mon guys! This isn't Boston or Tokyo. This is Dracut. I think the firefighters are already equipped with that knowledge. Plus, that kind of thing can become similar to Spell Check Syndrome. You get so over-reliant on it and then one day you get one of those "This program has performed an illegal operation!" messages and some poor bastard loses his house.
The Town Manager suggested it could aid in the plotting of school bus routes. This is pretty transparent. How long have we been routing the buses in this town? But yeah, it's a good way to put the arm on the school budget for its portion of the "cost-sharing" tribute. I think in the mob they call that Wetting our beaks.
The system does have some practical applications such as information storage and retrieval. It can map out the sewer and water system so if there was a spill of hazardous material, it could be tracked as to where it would flow. It can map out all the water pumping stations and how the water flows from source to end user. If only this had been available a few years ago, maybe Nick would be out and about more these days.
The pitch guy almost lost it though. He mentioned that the system could depict on a map those properties where registered gun owners resided. Shaw stopped sipping his coffee long enough to raise an eyebrow to that. The Sales guy must of thought he was pitching Cambridge or Brookline.
Either way, it's coming, there's absolutely no doubt about that. Four men, a new toy and hey... They got it in Derry! And no Mr Willett. It's a windows based program, not a program to install new windows!
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- Dunlap's -- Snowshoer . . ., 14:05:12 03/20/01 Tue
Is there anyway to get the town to plow a parking space in front of Dunlap's Sanctuary on Marsh Hill Road? My friends and I enjoy snowshoeing in that area but are afraid to park our cars on that road. I realize the town is short on snow removal funds, but it seems like a waste of great space.
Any suggestions?
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- In Moderation -- Mr. Moderator, 08:31:55 04/01/01 Sun
I don't know about the rest of the community, but I have found that this forum is like a roller coaster ride without the the drops and tight turns. The thrill is gone!!!!!!
Maybe Dracutinfo.com would be better served if it adopted the following policy with regards to postings:
These groups are 'unmoderated':
In other words, there is nothing to prevent anyone from posting anything at any time. This absolute posting freedom is occasionally abused, with the result that hateful and profane postings are sometimes made by newsgroup "trolls" (as they are called) for no purpose other than to annoy and upset the groups readers.
We will immediately delete any purely abusive postings which appear in the groups, and we would appreciate knowing of any that you may encounter. Please send a note containing the entire posting to ??????????.com and we'll zap it immediately.
Please DO NOT FEED the trolls:
Trolls post annoying and abusive messages in order to incite anger and in an attempt to force reactions. Difficult as it can be at times, PLEASE AVOID REPLYING TO ALL SUCH POSTS and thus feeding the trolls. Since trolls exist only for the attention they can generate, they will leave only — and always — when they are simply ignored.
For more info on Trolls, see: http://www.trollalert.com/
The above policy can be found at grc.com
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- moderated forum -- intrigued, 14:19:46 03/30/01 Fri
It seems to me that there has been a lot less discussion on this forum since the "moderation" was put in place. I wonder if people are lacking ideas or if they are protesting the lack of free speech. The Forum used to be an interesting place to visit and hear from various town members. Unfortunately this is no longer true. I realize that the forum is here for civilized, serious discussions and a few ignorant people were taking away from its effectiveness, but I don't think it is cause to take away the true essence of the forum. If people are edited we can not truly understand what it is they are trying to convey.
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- read -- me, 16:00:26 03/28/01 Wed
i hope you all watched the telethon that was held by dracut last week...well anyways i was just wondering who everyone thought was the best in these catergories:
performance: band, violins, chorus etc
single performance: who was the best singer?
who was the best dancer?
who played an instrument the best?
activities: did the whole survivor thing interest you?
how about mr. mac and his hair??
anything else you want to include would be great!
just want some opinions!!!
THANX bye
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- A Case For Space -- Naturally, 11:30:50 03/16/01 Fri
I am Naturally inclined to a reflexive and immediate disdain for any government initiative that seek to relieve me of my money. As such is the case, upon hearing about the Open Space Proposal, my first impulse was to regard it with suspicion and skepticism. I've heard all the arguments and how could you not. Warren Shaw is beginning to remind me a little of Rainman these days. Ask him anything and he somehow finds a way to tie it to Open Space.
As far as they go, the arguments for this proposal appear sturdy enough. We don't want additional sprawl, burdensome service demands, or to deflower the virgin land with the Bulldozer's blade. All of this makes sense. We've got ours and we'd like to keep it that way. This works for me, no sense in being coy about it.
While mulling this, I came up with my own reason for wishing to preserve the open spaces throughout the town. I approach this issue from a child and human development perspective. I think it has even father reaching implications when considered in this light.
As a young boy growing up in the Collinsville section of town, it was the abundance of open space in my neighborhood that provided me and my friends with a boundless laboratory in which to explore the world around us. The added bonus to these secluded areas is that they were safe from the scrutiny of the meddlesome and prying eyes of our parents.
If you had four trees that formed a square, a rock to use as a hammer, and some wood & nails "borrowed" from a neighbor, you could build yourself a fort. It may have moved and shifted when the wind blew but eventually we learned the benefits of a free-standing structure. Within the confines of our fort, young boys gathered to discuss varying taboo subjects. From the guy who always stiffed us on our paper route, to the neighborhood lady who enjoyed sunning herself in her yard without the oppressive conformity of clothing. These and other vital matters were discussed and the foundation of critical thinking and analysis were honed and refined.
But my argument doesn't rely solely on the salacious whispering of infatuated boys. Scientific discoveries also took place. The properties of fire was a favorite subject amongst me and my buddies. There were also model rockets with grasshoppers berthed in the payload section (effects of gravity) But, reigning supreme was the rite of passage for every male under 12 on my block. The study and convergence of biology and physics as demonstrated by a frog and an M-80.
Social theory and structure was also tested in the open spaces of our world. We didn't need or want our parents to referee our games and disagreements. We established our own social code and enforced it among ourselves. The annoying kid who ran his mouth too much risked being hoisted to a low tree branch and left there by his belt loop. Nothing more violent than that. On the other side of the coin, my fist non-platonic kiss took place in romantic splendor in Cannie's Field that runs behind some of the houses on Bouchard Ave. Sadly, that bit of exploration ended there with no further research for years to come.
I'm sure this will iritate many in the sensitive crowd. "Oh my God!! Bullying, lighting fires, Cruelty to animals!" I guess I can understand their concern. But these are the things that boys do. We all engaged in these pursuits and were sometimes caught and appropriately punished. Our parents didn't have the opportunity to blunt our natural curiosity and excessive energy with today's modern remedies. That's not to say if Ritalin were available my Parents wouldn't have been running down to Plunketts for a barrel of the stuff.
Open space was our stimulant. Our yards, the woods, abandoned fields, this is where we grew, learned and played. I'm not suggesting that open space will be a panacea for all the problems we face as a community. I realize we have some real difficulties with some of our kids. But, I don't yet see the level of violence that seems so ever-present in other communities. Perhps that has something to do with Dracut maintaining a semi-rural identity.
Government, at its best aids in the preservation of a heightened quality of life. Unfortunately, that intent is almost always betrayed by political agendas, petty infighting, and power struggles. With vigilant oversight and periodic citizen review, the Open Space Proposal has the potential to be an example of Government at its best. We're going to pay either way, it's simply a matter of how we wish to spend the money.
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- New Forum -- Naturally, 10:42:30 03/13/01 Tue
It's unfortunate that a few slobs have ruined what can be an engaging and free-wheeling venue for discussing town, state and national issues. While I understand the logic that went into deciding to have it moderated, I feel it takes away some of the fun.
Is there no technological solution such as blocking software that can be deployed in order to prevent someone with a history of bad posts from posting. Or perhaps, a pre-registration mechanism which would require an email address so if that entity gets out of line, they can be quashed?
Not only would those potential resolutions save Jerry from having to take time to go through the posts as regularly, it would also restore the free-wheeling nature of this board which has made it so much fun.
While it is a nice idea to have a forum to "bring the town together" human nature largely prefers a good fight and debate. I just visited a few other community forums and they have succeeded in producing a nice & tidy group of posts that are cohesive and all in agreement. I almost fell asleep.
Part of this town's character is its divisive nature. It's also part of its allure. We like the rough and tumble nature of politics. If Ralph and Alice Cramden always got along there would have been no reason to warch.
Slander & Libel are certainly serious issues and I understand your conern. Let's Pre-register users, let them post freely and put the Kibosh on those classless losers who aren't able to abide standards of decorum and ethics.
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- New Message Board -- Jerry Paquette, 02:15:36 03/12/01 Mon
Due to problems we were having with some of the messages that were being posted I felt that this forum needed to be moderated. Now, when posting a message it will not be visible on the board until approved by a moderator. I know that this can be an inconvenience but it has become necessary. I don't mind "heated" discussion, constructive criticism, and suggestions but I had asked that the personal attacks and unfounded rumors to stop. Not two days after making this request a message was anonymously posted implying criminal activity by certain individuals without offering a shred of proof other than an active imagination. When something is published in a newspaper, all information must be researched and verified before it is printed to ensure that innocent people and their families are not being accused and hurt by false rumors. Unfortunately some feel that when publishing on the internet that the rules don't apply. If they don't like someone or have a different opinion they throw ethics out the window and launch personal attacks based on theory and not fact.
Unlike Tabloid newspapers that twist and bend facts for the sake of sensationalism. (then pay out millions to settle slander law suites) The Dracut Info website was created to help bring the community together by providing an online resource for neighbors to interact and share information. I realize that we have our problems but if we want Dracut to be a great place to like let's show some class when dealing with our problems and leave the mud slinging for Washington :)
Truth will only hurt the guilty
but a rumor can hurt anyone.
Before you say something
make sure you have the facts.
Thanks,
Jerry Paquette
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