The Wrentham Times

Jim Anderson's Letter to Voters

By way of introduction to Wrentham voters and residents I’ve yet to meet, my name is Jim Anderson and I’m running for a seat on the Wrentham Board of Selectmen. I’m asking for your vote on Election Day, this Monday, April 2nd.

This past December, I retired as Wrentham Police Chief after serving on the force for 35 years. I was privileged to fulfill my career goal and dream to rise through the ranks and lead the Wrentham Police Department. During my police career, I dealt with many challenges and witnessed firsthand the best and worst life has to offer. In spite of the challenges, I focused on the positive and brought my very best to every situation. Resolving conflicts, finding solutions, dealing with crisis and leading was part of my everyday life in police work. I’ll bring that with me to the Board of Selectmen.

At the same time I was retiring from the Wrentham Police Department, I was asked to serve as Wrentham Interim Town Administrator while the Board of Selectmen searched for a full time person to fill the position. I accepted the appointment and, somewhat to my surprise, discovered I thoroughly enjoyed it. In very short time, I realized the training, experience and skills gained over my police career played perfectly into the Town Administrator role.

I am thoroughly invested in the Town of Wrentham, having raised my family here, enjoyed my 35 year career with the fine officers of the Wrentham Police Department and eagerly contributed my free time to D.A.R.E. Camp and other youth activities.

Regardless of the different roles I’ve played in Wrentham, I always strived to accomplish what’s best for the town I love, including a great school system, responsive public safety departments, arts and recreation, and a town government that truly represents the people of Wrentham.

My combined lifetime experience will serve me well as a member of the Board of Selectmen. I promise to focus on continued growth of our local economy which generates much needed revenue for the Town while also maintaining Wrentham’s charm which is what attracts people here in the first place.

I am asking for you to support my candidacy for the Board of Selectmen seat on Monday, April 2nd and I look forward to serving the residents of Wrentham, a town I will always love!

Bob Cohen's Letter to Voters

I’m running for my second term on the Board of Selectmen. When I successfully ran for this office in 2008, I was married to my best friend Bobbi for 25 years and our children were 12 and 7. Now we’re up to 35 years (and counting) and our kids are 22 and 17. Olivia will graduate college in May and plans to do graduate work in Post-Colonial Literature in the UK and Hunter is finishing up his junior year at King Philip and plans to study European history in Europe. I shuttered my web design business in 2012 to pursue my love of writing and literature. Now I teach writing at a college in Boston and I am working on two novels and a creative non-fiction book. I have served the town as a member and chair of the Board of Selectmen from 2008 – 2011 and a member and vice-chair of the Planning Board from 2005 – 2012.

During those years of service, Wrentham struggled to balance growth and its rural identity. Those challenges afforded me the privilege of being one of the principal architects of the transition. As a selectman, I played a principal role in hiring new department heads for Police, Fire, Public Works, Finance, and Recreation, and I united the board around the recently retired William Ketchum, who, being the longest tenured Town Manager in recent history, brought much needed stability to Town Hall. His steady hand changed the culture in town hall and empowered our staff to maintain services in an economically difficult situation.

As a member of the planning board, I worked with a great team to update our zoning bylaws after the politically divisive attempt in 2005. We opted for a transparent and incremental approach and in so doing created a bond of trust between the public and the board. I am especially proud of my contributions to the negotiations with the Outlet Mall to open up on Black Friday. At my suggestion, the board adopted the annual Black Friday review and planning process and I worked with the town planner to write the updated Special Permit.

In 2012 I stepped away from public service to focus on my family, career, and to give others space to build on the legacy of financial discipline and the framework for healthy growth that I helped to create. It’s important for people serving in leadership positions to step away from time to time to grow their wisdom, to develop new leadership tools, and to make room for other people and new ideas.

Two things draw me back to public service: My son and some of his friends are interested in politics. I want to teach them how to participate in their community as active citizens instead of consumers of government services by putting them front and center in my election campaign. I want them to understand experientially the relationship between asking for votes to win an election and the responsibilities implicit in the request.

What’s more there’s some unfinished business. When I left the board of selectmen, we created an Affordable Housing Committee to deal with the long term requirement to meet the Commonwealth’s affordable housing numbers. Also, dating back to the $100,000 Master Plan of 2004, Wrentham has been talking about how to develop South Street from Wampum Corner to Plainville and the Crosby Valve property. All these years later, the board never convened the committee. They opted for a short term affordable housing solution that burdens our infrastructure and our officials are still talking and planning rather than acting. I intend to bring some urgency to those conversations.

Developing the center of town and the Wampum Corner Corridor in harmony with the town’s rural character will set the stage for my top priorities, which are lowering the tax burden for seniors, finding new sources of revenue to maintain and improve services, and increasing public participation in town government.

I believe my expertise in communication and my experience serving on both the board of selectmen and the planning board will help achieve those goals and take Wrentham to the next level. Please vote for me on April 2, 2018. For more information about my ideas and to learn more about my campaign, visit me on Facebook @GoinWithCohen or email me at goinwithcohen@gmail.com.

Jerry McGovern's Letter to Voters

Dear Wrentham Voters,

Next Monday, April 2, is our annual town election. I am one of three candidates vying for two openings on the Board of Selectmen. Here is why I’m running, what I think lies ahead, and why I’d like your vote.

Why I’m Running:

I first ran for the Board of Selectmen in 2015 because Wrentham was just beginning to implement the new Town Charter. As someone who played a significant role in crafting the Charter and seeing it through the legislative process, I wanted to help ensure that it was implemented effectively. Now three years later, we’ve just recently hired a new town administrator who comes into the job with the full responsibilities and authorities of the Charter. My focus now is to help ensure that this building block transition is effective and energetic.

Our Board has accomplished quite a bit in the past three years and I want to continue to be part of that team. Through leadership and teamwork the Town has met and exceeded our quota for affordable housing as required by MGL 40B. We’ve received a MassWorks grant of over $2 million dollars to extend a water line on Route 1 that not only supports development but provides improved water infrastructure and fire safety. We instituted an innovative solid waste contract that saves the town $1.4 million.

In the last two years we’ve instituted a Town Alert Notification system. Residents can sign up on the Town’s web page and get alerts sent to their email or mobile phones regarding Town Meeting, elections, changes in trash pick-up, road closures, and other important messages. I can’t take credit for leadership in all of these accomplishments, but I can say I was very much a part of the teamwork.

There are two particular efforts that do provide direct examples of my leadership. After the significant challenge we had last spring to meet the funding assessment for the KP budget by all three towns, I organized and facilitated a series of meetings with reps of the three KP towns in order to start the budget process earlier and with more collaborative and definitive resourcing objectives. And when our town administrator retired in September of this past year, I led the effort to find the best possible replacement. This resulted in the first ever participation by our department heads in the selection process and a unanimous vote for selection by the BOS.

Challenges and Opportunities

Our capital and operating budgets will always be a challenge that need leadership and teamwork. Communication and collaboration is so important to this because it is at the core of our efforts to provide the best possible municipal services within our ever present and proper fiscal constraints. Communication and collaboration is how we make sure we are using our resources efficiently, it’s how we identify and share innovative ideas or opportunities, and it’s how we learn from our mistakes. Ultimately, it’s how we set priorities, balance our budget, make decisions about services and assets, and find revenue solutions other than property taxes. As our challenges in these efforts are continuous, our communication and collaboration capabilities must be continuously improving.

We need to get more residents to subscribe to the alert notification. I hope to see the service expanded so that residents can select the kind of messages that they’d like to receive, and ultimately have the ability to send messages back to Town Hall. I’d also like to see us gain a better ability to measure what works well and what needs to be focused on for improvement. The decisions and priorities we make regarding staffing, compensation, infrastructure, and development need to be made on data that measures changes to performance and value. We need to continue working closely with our economic development team and our state reps and agencies to find innovative revenue sources and solutions.

Wrentham has six potential development areas. The two most conspicuous areas are the Route 1 corridor and the vacant property in downtown. Our Town Planner has diligently been working two grants that are providing a comprehensive study on these areas that consider zoning, trafficability, infrastructure and best options for attracting the right kind of development. These ongoing studies provide a great example of teamwork and collaboration among the BOS, the Planning Board, the Economic Development Commission and town departments.

The BOS must be able to balance a spectrum of constituencies – households with school age children, senior citizens on fixed incomes, empty nesters, and small and not so small businesses. This balancing act to provide services within fiscal realities requires leadership and teamwork. In this balancing act the BOS must provide a significant role in vision, coordination, and behind the scenes support and encouragement. We have a lot of challenges and opportunities coming up in the next three years and I hope to contribute leadership and teamwork to those efforts.

After 22 years of service in the Marine Corps I’ve served every week of the past 16 years as a volunteer involved in our town’s government. I served on the FINCOM from 2002 – 2015; on the Town Government Study Committee from 2012 – 2015; and on the BOS from 2015-2018. These are three entities that cross the entire spectrum of municipal operations. I’ve served as chair for all three as well.

Through all of this I know full well that success does not happen as a matter of simple individual service. It happens collectively. Sometimes that requires individual leadership. But it always requires the ability to operate as a team. That’s the role I hope to continue serving in.

There are two openings on election day. I think that myself and Jim Anderson provide the best opportunity to continue the leadership and teamwork to meet Wrentham’s challenges and opportunities. I humbly ask for your vote on Monday, April 2.

Jerome (Jerry) McGovern
Candidate for Re-election to the Board of Selectmen

Wrentham election polls are in the Janelli Annex at Wrentham Elementary School, 120 Taunton St. Polls are open Monday April 2, from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Letter to the Editor: Project Mitten Sends, "Thank You"

On behalf of the Project Mitten families in Wrentham, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the following people and organizations for their tremendous generosity and kindness: The Wrentham Elementary School Staff, The Wrentham Police Department, The Wrentham Fire Department, Marianne O’Brien and The Wrentham Lions Club, Joan Korslund and The Wrentham Holly Club, The Wrentham Cooperative Bank, The Rico family and their neighbors, The Gostkowski Family, The Cannon Family, The Little Red Schoolhouse, an anonymous donor family, Daisy Troop 4640, and a very special thanks to Kerry Richardson, Julie Cashman and Jill Goddard our wonderful Elves. It is because of these magnificent people and organizations that Project Mitten helped 29 families with 60 children to have a glorious and joyful Christmas! It was a huge success!

There is nothing greater in life than giving to others. You all made a difference in the lives of these families through your generosity and thoughtfulness! I extend to all of you a heartfelt THANK YOU!

I feel so proud to be part of such an amazing community!

May your New Year bring you peace, health, and happiness!

Toni Rando
Project Mitten Coordinator

Wrentham Town Election is Monday, April 3

Wrentham Town Election is Monday, April 3. Polls open at the Delaney Elementary School, Janelli Annex from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Here are two letters supporting the two candidates for Board of Selectmen.

A letter to the editor in support of incumbent Deb Torchia for Board of Selectmen.

A letter to the eitor in support for Jerry Nolan for Board of Selectmen.

Annual DECA Round Table

By Blair Cloutier, KP DECA's Vice President of Marketing

On December 23rd King Philip DECA, a school entrepreneurial program, held its annual Round Table Event. Alumni members returned to discuss the impact the program has on their lives. Chapter Officers, State Officers, International Champions, and vital DECA members have all left their mark on this integral part of the King Philip Community.

Students from 2013 and years moving forward have become the inspirational force driving our current chapter members to success. As the day progressed all DECA classes were exposed to the way DECA has furthered their career and college experience. DECA has taught these individuals that life skills that they can carry on and share with all they meet and partner with. Time management and communication skills are just the tip of the iceberg on the very long list of things that they have gained and still use in their daily lives.

Among the visiting members were Class of 2013 Shannon Poirier chapter President and Tory Atkins Vice President of Public Relations, Class of 2014 Katie Lukes who was an international champion, Class of 2015 Nora Sandland International Champion and Jackie Hart two time first place state champion, and Class of 2016 Tess McGrory Chapter President and International Champion, Addie Lotito Director of Initiatives and International Champion, Emalee Buckley International Champion, Camille Beaulieu Director of Membership, Elizabeth Cyr Director of Public Relations, and Michela Del Mastro Massachusetts DECA State Officer.

King Philip DECA is extremely happy to welcome back these dedicated alumni and is grateful for the lessons they have taught its current members. Our network of alumni is a strong support team for our 2016-2017 projects and we will continue to partner with them as we approach are first competition in January.

Thank You from the Gemelli Family

Dear KP Community,

On this one month anniversary of Tim Gemelli’s passing, and in the spirit of Thanksgiving, I wanted to take this opportunity to reflect on the last two years of our lives and pass along some much deserved appreciation and gratitude.

Back in October 2013 when Tim got his official diagnosis of ALS, we were devastated, scared and didn’t know what would happen next. We kept the news to ourselves for a while because we were afraid of people’s reactions. Tim was fearful of losing his job, we were nervous about public reaction and possibly being shunned and forgotten. Nothing could have been further from the truth. What happened over the next two years was truly inspiring, heart-warming and changed our lives forever in the most positive way.

The You Caring website was immediately established by Dan Collins to help raise money for us. Tim’s Fidelity co-workers and friends joined forces with Random Smiles and Paul Molla to make our basement wheelchair accessible for Tim’s inevitable changing needs. Demolition, dumpsters, donated supplies and labor, all materialized to achieve this huge goal. Framing construction, heating and cooling systems, ceiling and floor installation, electrical, plumbing, plastering, painting and driveway construction…So many skilled people offered their services and time to get the job done. Our house became a whirl wind of activity all summer long. Friends, family and neighbors donated food to feed all the workers and us. Tim was in his glory over seeing all the plans, this was his specialty after all, and he enjoyed every second of it. It took his mind off his failing health. The basement was complete in the fall of 2014 at the perfect time as Tim was unable to do the stairs anymore. It was truly a labor of love and Tim was thrilled with his new place.

Meanwhile fundraisers were in full swing for two years: the WYBSA Opening Days, Pitch in for Tim T-shirts and bracelets, Walk for Tim, the Holiday Inn events, Red Sox ALS Day, Ice Bucket Challenges, Donut Dash, Toss for Tim Corn Hole, Swings for Tim Golf Tournaments. The amount of support and love we received was beyond measure. We were humbled and so grateful for everything that everyone did. At such a difficult time in our lives family, friends, co-workers, community, even complete strangers rallied around us to lift our spirits and made sure that we never felt alone.

I like to look at it this way, ALS tried to destroy us, it took Tim away from us far too soon, but it was also the catalyst for the greatest outpouring of love and support we have ever known. My children were able to witness and truly experience the love and respect that an entire community had for their father and them. Tim was blessed with the opportunity to know how people honestly felt about him before he passed. Throughout it all, Tim remained positive and upbeat despite his declining abilities. The spirit, courage, strength, grace and sense of humor that he demonstrated through his struggle with ALS will forever be his legacy and gift to all of us.

I want to take this opportunity to thank each and every person for their generous contributions, loving thoughts, prayers and condolences. We will never forget the kindness you displayed; you lessened our pain and showed us your hearts. It’s been a very challenging couple of years but you helped us survive as a family. Tim’s suffering is over and he is in a better place. We will love him and miss him forever. We consider ourselves extremely lucky to live in such a wonderful community. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Happy Thanksgiving!

With Sincere Thanks and Heartfelt Appreciation,

AnnMarie, Rebecca, Ryan and Adam Gemelli

What Memorial Day is About – A Simple Reminder

By Jerry McGovern

There is a saying in the Marine Corps, and I suspect the other Services as well – All gave some, some gave all.

I’ve always thought that that this is meant to be a poignant reminder to those that have served and came home. Over the last several years I think that it is an important reminder to all, military and civilian, especially at Memorial Day.

In the last 10 years or so, Memorial Day has seemed to become a second Veteran’s Day. I say that based on news articles and discussions, but especially in the things I see on social media. I know that all of the “thank you for your service” at Memorial Day is well meaning and heartfelt. But I think it is very important for those of us that have served that we be diligent in reminding our fellow citizens of the difference between Memorial Day and Veteran’s Day.

Perhaps the best way to do this is to point out the stories and the sacrifices that remind us of those that gave all. For me, there is one particular story that stands out. It’s about Marine General John Kelly, his son Robert, and two young Marines, Corporal (Cpl) Jonathan Yale and Lance Corporal (LCpl) Jordan Haerter.

General Kelly is currently serving as the commander of United States Southern Command. His son Robert was an infantry platoon leader in Third Battalion, Fifth Marine Regiment when he was killed by an improvised explosive device (IED) while on patrol in Afghanistan in 2010. Four days after General Kelly lost his son he gave a previously scheduled speech in Saint Louis. But he didn’t talk about his son or his sacrifice.

Instead he talked about Cpl Yale and LCpl Haerter. They were on guard duty at a road side checkpoint in Ramadi, Iraq. A full account of their heroism and sacrifice, a very powerful description of valor, was the subject of General Kelly’s speech and is provided here. The story is about the last six seconds of their lives. It’s a real story about how when everyone else was running away these two young Americans not only stood steadfast, they courageously leaned into the threat and gave their lives to save their fellow Marines.

I think of this story often but especially at Memorial Day. It’s a story of a father that lost a son in battle, and how even in light of that sacrifice he chose to speak of a 21 year old from Burkeville Virginia and a 19 year old from Long Island New York that gave the last full measure of devotion.

Jonathan and Jordan, and Robert, willingly chose that life and accepted the challenge. When the challenge occurred, they did not flinch. They are the best of us. They are what Memorial Day is about.

-Jerry McGovern
Wrentham, MA