Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Wicked Sad
This is one of the saddest things I've ever seen.
Casey C. Washburn, 24, of Swampscott, beloved son of Ken and Kerry Washburn, brother of Melissa Capuano Leone of Swampscott and Peter Capuano of Charlottesville, Va., died of a drug overdose on July 24, 2008. He was much loved by his grandmother Marie Washburn and his many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, friends and the family dog, Virgil.
I went to school with Casey from Kindergarden to my High School Graduation. We even went through CCD at St. John's together. He was legitimately a very nice, hilarious, easy going guy. I can't believe it. I will definately miss Casey. My sympathies and thoughts go out to his family, one of the nicest in Swampscott, and all of Casey's many friends.
Monday, July 14, 2008
Global Warming Forum at Library
Rep. Ehrlich and Environment Massachusetts are hosting a Global Warming forum at the town library on July 17th, 7pm. I quickly wrote out a copy of the notice, since the original was PDF.
I plan on attending - hope to meet some fellow concerned citizens in the community there.How Massachusetts Can Become a Leader in Global Warming Solutions
A Conversation with State Representative Lori Ehrlich and Environment Massachusetts
July 17, 7 p.m. Swampscott Public Library
61 Burrill Street, Swampscott, Massachusetts 01907
Representative Lori Ehrlich and Environment Massachusetts, an environmental advocacy organization, are hosting a community meeting on the Global Warming Solutions Act and other key environment legislation on July 17th, 2008 at 7pm in the Swampscott Public Library.
Global Warming is a serious problem facing Massachusetts and the rest of the world. Every state should be doing their part to curb emissions and move to a clean and renewable energy future.
Please join Representative Ehrlich, Environment Massachusetts, and concerned citizens to discuss how to organize around S.2540, The Global Warming Solutions Act. State lawmakers need to hear from community members now to help ensure the passage of this critical legislation before the end of this session.
For more information contact Winston Vaughan at (617) 747-4447 or WinstonATEnvironmentMassachusettsDOT org.
Labels: environment, lori erhlich, town forum
Sunday, July 13, 2008
$100,000 for Swampscott
Swampscott's getting $100,000 to fix parts of the beach along Humphrey street, via the state's budget, due in large part from a lot of hard work coming from our elected leaders representing this town.
The Governor vetoed $50,000 of the funds originally set for Swampscott, which would have totaled $150,000, but it's still going to make for a lot of improvements along our portion of the beach. The remaining $50,000 could be reinserted to the budget if the State Legislature is able to override the Governor's veto, which is a definite possibility.
There's a lot more work to be done in terms of state funding for the town, especially Chapter 70, but it's good to know we have strong leadership fighting for our interests every day.
The Governor vetoed $50,000 of the funds originally set for Swampscott, which would have totaled $150,000, but it's still going to make for a lot of improvements along our portion of the beach. The remaining $50,000 could be reinserted to the budget if the State Legislature is able to override the Governor's veto, which is a definite possibility.
There's a lot more work to be done in terms of state funding for the town, especially Chapter 70, but it's good to know we have strong leadership fighting for our interests every day.
Labels: town news, town politics, town projects
Sunday, July 06, 2008
Long Overdue
The Swampscott Reporter finally adopted a new comment process, where writers must register before they can post their 2 cents. That will go a long way toward solving the poisonous atmosphere on the website.
However, it's still not "Mission Accomplished" for the Swampscott Reporter. Just as a newspaper carefully guards its letters to the editor section, it must make sure that at least certain standards are met in the comments. If users are to be able to use the town newspaper as their soapbox, doubly tall, then they should have to abide by the same kind of standards of decency present in the letters.
However, it's still not "Mission Accomplished" for the Swampscott Reporter. Just as a newspaper carefully guards its letters to the editor section, it must make sure that at least certain standards are met in the comments. If users are to be able to use the town newspaper as their soapbox, doubly tall, then they should have to abide by the same kind of standards of decency present in the letters.
Labels: the Reporter, town life
Thursday, July 03, 2008
Happy 3rd of July
Great fireworks, lots of people, fun times... is there a better time to live in Swampscott than around the summer holidays? Nearly anyone in town can take a quick walk to the beach, see the fire works, buy a strawberry shortcake at the Strawberry Festival, go to Popo's or Red Rock.... endless possibilities.
The town would do well to attract more summer walkers to take advantage of our coastal perks - perhaps public bike racks, more summer activities and live entertainment, a summer series of local bands at the gazebo, for example. Hey, we may as well. Anyone want to start a new committee? LOL.
Also, here's my annual summer Independence Day post on my political blog, Ryan's Take.
The town would do well to attract more summer walkers to take advantage of our coastal perks - perhaps public bike racks, more summer activities and live entertainment, a summer series of local bands at the gazebo, for example. Hey, we may as well. Anyone want to start a new committee? LOL.
Also, here's my annual summer Independence Day post on my political blog, Ryan's Take.
Labels: town life
