The morning of December 12th was nothing short of surreal.   While the ice was certainly pretty to look at, the destruction was evident just by looking out our window at the trees lying scattered about.  What struck me most, however, was that cracking sound – almost like gunshots – that seemed to be coming from everyone around, as trees – burdened by the weight of the ice, broke in half from the load.   Driving through some of the harder hit areas of town that morning, it was unbelievable.   Road’s like Colton Lane were virtually impassible, as neighbors armed with chain saws helped each other out trying to clear the roads for emergency vehicles.  In Worcester, the National Guard was mobilized with Humvee’s to try and get through the streets, and for over a week, they worked to free some neighborhoods from the grip of the frozen mess.

Most of Shrewsbury was back online within a day or so, thanks to our friends at SELCO, but just north of us in Holden, Sterling, and Boylston it would be weeks without power and without heat for many residents.  This years Halloween storm was described by many as having been worse in it’s widespread power outages, and it clearly was – yet we didn’t see the actual property destruction that the ice storm brought.

Now three years later, it certainly could happen again – but are we more well prepared?  I would guess that there are hundreds of more homes in town with generators than there were three years ago, and if you don’t already have one, I sure recommend it.   In fact, Home Depot in Shrewsbury was virtually sold out of them just the other day, and was expecting another shipment.  Why not just pick one up, and have it handy in case emergency should strike?   Better still, have a small transfer switch installed on your circuit breaker box so that in the event of a power failure you can just plug the generator in and run your house normally.  It will be the best $500 you’re likely to spend to ensure your families safety and security in times of emergency.

This has truly become an amazing tradition here in Shrewsbury, and I know we all send out our thanks to John, Jim and Dave for always being kind enough to roll out the red carpet for the kids.

Of course, for me, I got just the present I wanted, which was the chance to take pics of my favorite elf, back again from last year – a year older, and just as adorable!   Here are some fun photos for you to enjoy!

SHREWSBURY, Massachusetts - Storm debris collection is progressing very well in Zone 3 which is the area north of the centerline of Rte 9 and west of the centerline of Rte 140. Work in Zone 3 should conclude by December 9th and work will then begin in Zone 4 which is the area north of Rte 9 and east of Rte 140. Final passes have been made on Zones 1 and 2 and for much of Zone 3 and those areas and specific streets are now closed out. By the close of business on Monday, Zone 3 will be fully closed out.Residents are reminded that it is imperative that all debris be free and clear of any stone/masonry walls, landscaped areas, light poles & guide wires, fences, walkways or other objects in the yard. The debris removal program is intended for the collection of large branches and limbs that were damaged in the October 29-30 storm. Residents are asked not do cut down trees or trim tree limbs that were not damaged in the storm. Debris judged to be non storm related will not be picked up.Branches and limbs are to be stacked neatly curbside and not on the street or blocking any sidewalk with the butt ends all facing in the same direction. The length of branches and limbs shall be 4′ to 8′ and be of a diameter of 1″ to 15″. No stumps are to be brought to the curb. Please do not mix yard waste bags within the pile of branches and limbs.Each street will receive two passes with a weekend to occur between the first and second pass.The cleanup of small branches and limbs left behind will be the responsibility of each homeowner. Residents are reminded that brown paper bags for leaves and yard waste are available at area supermarkets and home centers.The Town will not be responsible for any lawn damage caused by the removal process.If residents wish to hire at their own expenses a contractor to pick up storm debris please be sure to hire only Asian Longhorned Beetle (ALB) certified companies. The list of certified companies can be found at

http://www.massnrc.org/pests/albdocs/CompAgrmntWORCMay2011.pdf or by calling the ALB Eradication Program Office at 508-852-8090.Questions regarding the debris removal program should be addressed to John Knipe, Superintendent of Streets, at 508-841-8513 or Town Managers Office at 508-841-8508.

This day, the Shrewsbury High School student council was able to honor our Shrewsbury veterans with a donation to go towards the rebuilding of the WWI monument in front of Beal School.   That project has been ongoing for over a year, and is getting closer and closer to it’s goal each week.

Receiving the check from student council representatives Nicole Rapp, Amisha Nehra and Madison Taylor, are local veerans Art Dobson and Norman Vandal.

* $ 1,000 Chocolate Cake Sponsor Includes publicity in local media, name included on sponsor display at event, 10 free tickets to the event ($150.00 value) & an individual sponsor recognition plaque inscribed with your name and displayed in the new Paton Playground area.

* $500.00 Chocolate Brownie Sponsor Includes name on sponsor display at event, 6 free tickets to the event ($90.00 value) and your name inscribed on a group sponsor recognition plaque and displayed in the new Paton Playground area.

* $250.00 Chocolate Cookie Sponsor Includes your name on the display at the event and 4 free tickets to the event ($60 value).

* $125.00 Chocolate Chip Sponsor Includes your name on display at the event.

* Silent Auction Donation

For more information about sponsoring this exciting event, contact Moira Miller, at moira@townisp.com

Former Shrewsbury superintendent John Collins at last years awards, with Moderator Chris Mehne

——————–——————–To assist residents in the cleanup of storm debris resulting from the October 29-30 snowstorm, a debris removal program from residential areas (single family to four family addesses) will begin on November 14th.All residents in all areas are advised to bring their storm debris to the curbside immediately.It is imperative that all debris be free and clear of any stone/masonry walls, landscaped areas, light poles & guide wires, fences, walkways or other objects in the yard.The debris removal program is intended for the collection of large branches and limbs that were damaged in the October 29-30 storm. Residents are asked not do cut down trees or trim tree limbs that were not damaged in the storm. Debris judged to be non storm related will not be picked up.Branches and limbs are to be stacked neatly curbside and not on the street or blocking any sidewalk with the butt ends all facing in the same direction. The length of branches and limbs shall be 4′ to 8′ and be of a diameter of 1″ to 15″.Each street will receive two passes with a weekend to occur between the first and second pass.The cleanup of small branches and limbs left behind will be the responsibility of each homeowner. Residents are reminded that brown paper bags for leaves and yard waste are available at area supermarkets and home centers.The Town will not be responsible for any lawn damage caused by the removal process.If residents wish to hire at their own expenses a contractor to pick up storm debris please be sure to hire only Asian Longhorned Beetle (ALB) certified companies. The list of certified companies can be found at http://www.massnrc.org/pests/albdocs/CompAgrmntWORCMay2011.pdf or by calling the ALB Eradication Program Office at 508-852-8090.Residents are encouraged to take advantage of the upcoming Curbside Yard Waste Collection Program that will commence on November 7th to November 12th , November 14th to November 18th and November 28th to December 2nd.Leaves, grass, and yard waste may be bagged in large brown bags (ex. Small debris, such as twigs and branches) and lined up at the curb for collection. Limbs and branches that are less that 3 inches in diameter may be tied in bundles no more than 4 feet long and no more than 18 inches in girth. Do not pile bundles; lay them in a rowalong the curbside for collection by 7:00 AM on regular rubbish days.Residents on a corner lot are reminded not to pile debris or other materials as to obstruct the visibility of drivers.Questions regarding the debris removal program should be addressed to John Knipe, Superintendent of Streets, at 508-841-8513 or Town Managers Office at 508-841-8508.Yard & Waste Collection questions should be addressed to Board of Health at 508-841-8512.

The speakers for the evening were Michelle Jones-Johnson, Director of Human Resources at UMass Medical School, Heather Haley, Corporate Recruiter for Hanover Insurance, and Ted Coughlin, Treasurer of the Coughlin Companies, and Chairman of Worcester Technical High School.  The topics they spoke of went far beyond the basics of obviously wanting students with adequate skills in reading, writing, and the sciences, but went on in describing some of the less tangible key qualities they were looking for.   Well beyond the basics we traditionally think of as being taught in the classroom, they spoke of a need for creativity, of strategic thinking, and an agility that goes above the simple ability of test-taking.  Ms. Johnson spoke specifically of seeing people who are actively out looking to make a difference in the community around them, and questioning authority – respectfully, of course, when warranted.   In fact, both she and Ms. Haley addressed my question of how new graduates can successfully compete in an over-saturated pool of candidates with long experience in their fields. They stressed that while it was certainly dependent on the type of position being filled, new graduates had the advantage of being free from being held back by the notions of what may have been tried before.  They can look at things from a totally fresh perspective – something which is a huge asset in any organization.

Another item the panelists spoke of as being the key to success was the ability to balance being a leader, and being a team player.  Ms. Jones-Johnson specifically spoke of the atmosphere at UMASS Medical School as being one of constant collaboration, with groups always meeting to review what has been done, what they’re currently doing, and how they could do it better moving forward.  Candidates who can demonstrate the ability to work in groups, to lead when needed, to follow when appropriate, always rise to the top.   She also spoke, as did Mr. Coughlin, about exposing students to career paths much earlier than we do now.  Many students are going off to college with little to no idea of what they ultimately want to do, and graduating burdened with debt, in a field that they really don’t have interest in.   Mr. Coughlin discussed having students starting as early as sixth grade putting together a “portfolio” of achievements and skills which will be able to demonstrate their specific competencies to hiring managers, and even admissions officers down the road. he also stressed the huge need for students who may not be choosing the college route, but rather attending a technical school to move directly into the burgeoning workforces that, in many fields, are still without enough qualified people to fill their role.  As the so-called “professional fields,” have seen a glut of highly talented people looking for work, the trade skills have become a far more tempting target for many graduates, and allow for a tremendous amount of flexibility in choosing where one may want to settle down.  I’ve spoken to several people lately in the professional fields who wanted to move to a warmer climate, and have been actively looking for jobs in the corporate world that would enable them to move to the Southern Florida area.  With over a year gone by, they still haven’t been able to find a position there, yet a skilled master plumber, or electrician would have a job there in an hour, because their skills are still in such incredible demand.

This was just a wonderful opportunity to hear first-hand from the people in the field who actually are making the hiring decisions.  It dovetailed perfectly with last weeks meeting in which we had the opportunity to hear from the admissions officers at several local universities who laid out what they were looking for in evaluating applicants to their schools.   By bringing in such groups, hopefully something we’ll continue to do in the future, we can truly hone our focus to turn out the most qualified students from the Shrewsbury Schools.

Today I had the rare chance to just take one of my sons out for simple lunch. to just chat about his plans for the year. He hadn’t been there before so it seemed like a great fit.  Normally, for dinner, I wouldn’t have gone by expecting to get a table right away, but I figured that middle of the day, on a holiday, I had a good shot, and managed to snag one of the few empty tables in the place.  The atmosphere is great for lunch, with a pretty quiet ambiance, a couple of games going on, via the multiple flat panel tv’s, and most just folks like us coming in for a quiet lunch.  I have also been there at dinnertime, which depending on when you go, can be anywhere from quiet and intimate, to more of a “bar-like” atmosphere, which is a lot of fun too, if that’s what you came there in search of.  The consistency with Lakeside lies in the food, more than anything else, and no matter when I’ve popped in, it’s been excellent.

For appetizers we had chicken tenders sprinkled with parmesan, which would simple but yummy.  For lunch, I had a bacon cheeseburger, which was perfectly cooked and served with a half and half side of onion strings and fries.  The onion strings were really awesome, perhaps the best part of the whole meal – paper thin, and just perfectly seasoned.  Sam had a mushroom burger and fries, which he ordered well done, and it actually came well done.

I didn’t order anything as adventurous as some of the other meals I’ve had there before, since it was more of quick bite we really went just for my son and I to be able to talk a bit – but really everything I’ve had there before has been awesome, from the calimari, meatball parm, chicken parm, and even the scallops.    To date, everything has been perfectly cooked, with great portions, and fair pricing.  The waitstaff today was really nice, and very attentive – dare I say bordering on being a tad too attentive at times. When two people are out for a meal, they really want to be able to talk privately, moreso than have a quick “how is everything” interrupting them in mid sentence every few minutes,  but based on my experiences at some other venues, I’ll take erring on the side of too attentive any day of the week.  The best news, for those of you who’ve been sitting on the edge of your seats awaiting the results, is that nothing wound up getting spilled in my lap, as we know happens at some other local restaurants!

I read another review of Lakeside a while back where they described it as, to paraphrase Cheers, the place where “everybody knows your name,” and that couldn’t be more true.  Of the dozen or so tables there this afternoon, I think I probably knew the folks at 8 of them, which is a really cool and intimate feeling.  It’s probably not where I’d go if I were on a spy mission and trying to keep a low profile – but since I’m a sociable guy, I just love seeing friendly faces, and I think that all the patrons there are really respectful of each other.  They’ll come over to say hi, but then they’ll leave you to enjoy your meal, and that’s really cool. We made a conscious effort to do the same.  I quick hello, and enjoy your lunch.

Trying to get in for dinner can sometimes be a challenge if you don’t plan ahead, but it’s really worth the wait, and don’t be afraid to stop on by for lunch for the same tasty food. I’ve eating everywhere in town, and for this type of cuisine it really is the most consistent bet, because no matter what you order, you really just can’t go wrong at Lakeside.

They also do catering as well, so if you’re thinking of having yourself a little dinner party, and don’t feel like doing the cooking, a simple phone call will get you a real feast…and if you’re really sneaky, you could probably pass it off as your own home cooking!

Check out their website at http://www.lakesidebar-grille.com

Oh just a side note, they do not take American Express.  I learned that one today, and thank goodness I had some cash with me or I’d be doing dishes!  No biggie, I’ll remember for next time.

The Colonials will now face the winner of the Nashoba/Westboro game in the district finals on Sunday, and we’ll all be there to cheer on these amazing athletes, as they seek to bring the championship to Shrewsbury once again!

Students loading donated food onto the truck at last years food drive

 Students loading donated food onto the truck at last years food driveSHREWSBURY, Massachusetts – Yes it’s that time of year again to start thinking about what will be our 13th town-wide Thanksgiving Food Drive.  

Collections will start this weekend, and run through the weekend of the 20th.  On Monday the 21st, I’ll be running out to pick up turkeys to combine with the bags of food, and we’ll be delivering all of the food to local families in need.There have been some years in which we have collected over 5,000 pounds of food, but last year collections were very sparse, so this may ultimately prove to be the last year that we conduct this event.  If you’d like to help out with a food donation, it would be so incredibly appreciated.  All food goes first to parents with students in our target schools who are having a tough time getting by, at the request of the school nurses.  After that need is satisfied, the rest goes to local food distribution centers such as St. Annes, St. Paul’s Outreach, Friendly House, and Rachel’s Table.  Nothing is ever sold, or wasted…as there is so much demand we can’t even begin to satisfy it.