tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26544072248477854372024-03-27T16:53:49.564-07:00Patchwork Nation: Nashua, New HampshireNashua adminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05442049119458651335noreply@blogger.comBlogger24125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2654407224847785437.post-5161034657024262482010-05-16T10:21:00.000-07:002010-05-16T12:31:58.902-07:00My Decisive Action to Re-register as an Undeclared Voterby Sandy Belknap<br />
<br />
I remember turning 18 and being very excited to vote in the 1984 Presidential Election. Voter Registration was held at Nashua High School (there was only one high school in Nashua at the time) and I remember registering as an "Undeclared" voter (aka: Independent). I remember having to raise my hand to take an oath about being a citizen and having the right to vote. (which I believe is really a priviledge that we have in the United States.)<br />
<br />
At that time, my party affiliation choice was because I was young and grew up in a household that was more liberal vs. conservative and I was indecisive about for which party I really wanted to hang my hat. Since the Primary happened before I turned 18, I was able to vote in the November election without having to change my affiliation. I voted for Ronald Reagan.<br />
<br />
But, over the years, I've voted more often for the Democrats, which my voter registration has been reflecting during the past few elections. <br />
<br />
A few weeks ago, I made the decision to stop by Nashua's City Hall to change my registration back to "Undeclared." This change is not because I am indecisive.<br />
<br />
It is because I am actually very decisive! I don't feel that I personally have a strong connection to either of the mainstream parties. I believe that being "Undeclared" is more truthful than keeping aligned with a party just because it's easier to not make a change. <em><span style="font-size: x-small;">(BTW - I also don't connect at all to the Tea-Party movement, so my very liberal friends can all breathe a sigh of relief!) :-)</span></em><br />
<br />
I am also not impressed with the behaviors of some the members of both parties, including some in NH, for whom I would typically cast my vote. Specifically, a few months ago, I received an email from a Senate campaign where the headline encouraged recipients to vote online to <em>"...Participate in Republican Idol and Vote for the Most Outrageous Quotation and Rationale." </em><br />
<br />
I was so disappointed in this type of negative (and childish) communication that I immediately asked the campaign to remove me from their email subscription list AND I called the office of the Congressional representative in D.C. that is running for the Senate seat. I called because wanted to share my feelings that I thought such negativity is a poor reflection on this man's character and was definitely a turn-off to me, as a voter (and at the time, a supporter.) <em><span style="font-size: x-small;"> I think that a stronger communications platform for this candidate would have been to share his purpose for running for the Senate seat that will be vacated soon and the value that he would bring to this office (including what he will do for me, one of his constituents.)</span></em><br />
<br />
Multiply this one example by many more of the same type of behaviors that we are seeing across the country by our elected "leaders" right now, and I wonder how many other voters like me, are questioning their party affiliation.<br />
<br />
And, for those who are asking questions, I wonder what they are going to do in the weeks and months ahead? Will any actions, like mine, change the attitudes of our representatives in D.C. who are supposed to be working for us, vs. working against each other?Sandy Belknaphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07178614305296930552noreply@blogger.com34tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2654407224847785437.post-22325663061797448902010-05-02T12:34:00.000-07:002010-05-02T12:38:17.571-07:00Monied 'Burb vs. Boom Town - Both Face Similar Issuesby Sandy Belknap<br />
<br />
I spent last week in Las Vegas for a business event. At first, Vegas didn't appear to be much different from the last time that I was there - 10 years ago. But then I talked to the people who live there. Mostly the service workers that tend to run the city.<br />
<br />
Every single person that I talked to told me how terrible things have been over the past two years. People have been losing their jobs and their homes due to the weak economy. Million + dollar valued properties are now selling for $250-300K. On my way to the airport, the driver told me, "Things are really bad...so slow." I asked him if he's seeing a little bit of improvement over the past few months as we hear about a slowly improving economy and he said, flat-out, "No!"<br />
<br />
That made me think about home. Home in Nashua, NH. I was thankful that things are better compared to where I had spent the past week. I was wrong. Things are not as good as I thought.<br />
<br />
Within an hour of being home, I heard of a friend in Nashua who is losing her home. The family has to be out of their home by July 1st. This friend is a hard-worker, has two jobs, is reasonable and practical and is so disappointed in the response she has been getting from her bank (basically no response!)<br />
<br />
It's the reality of the very many stories we see on the news every night. But I never thought this would happen to someone whom I know and see almost every day.<br />
<br />
I wonder what is going to happen to her and her home. <br />
<br />
Where will her children go to school and will they have to acclimate to a whole new environment? What will happen to her pets? Will this be another foreclosed home, sitting empty with an overgrown lawn in my neighborhood to bring down the value of my own property? Will someone purchase this home and turn it into another Section 8- government subsidized rental that we're seeing more and more of in my neighborhood? <br />
<br />
When I think back to my discussion in Vegas with the driver on my way to the airport yesterday morning, I have determined that no matter how you 'label' a segment of Americans, whether by geography or other demographic, such as 'Monied Burb' or 'Boomtown', we are all seeing the same stories play out in our own neighborhoods. It's very concerning and I really wonder what it will take for things to really change for the better.Sandy Belknaphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07178614305296930552noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2654407224847785437.post-5528009127182042472010-03-27T12:10:00.000-07:002010-03-27T12:25:43.090-07:00Glimpses into the Future of Nashuaby Sandy Belknap<br />
<br />
The past several months of blogging from Nashua for the Patchwork Nation project has forced me to think a lot about my community. When I accepted the opportunity to be one of the bloggers for this project, I immediately had a long list of topics that I intended to cover. Some of them have made it to this blog, others are still on the back burner as I gather insights and anecdotes from members of my community to ensure that I represent Nashua well.<br />
<br />
One topic that seems very connected to the demographics focus of the Patchwork Nation project is the changing 'face' of Nashua. I'm looking forward to the results of the 2010 Census that is currently underway to see if my own observations align well with data that is officially collected.<br />
<br />
Until recently Nashua, a monied 'burb, had not been a very diverse community. But I've caught a few glimpses into the future of the city over the past several months just by keeping my eyes and mind open.<br />
<br />
In November, while at the local elementary school on election day, I stopped to look at all of the class photos hanging on the wall to the entrance of the school. These classes looked more like the classes that I attended in Southern Florida and Washington DC in the 70s and 80s. (In some cases, I was the only white or caucasian child in my class -- especially while attending junior high in the nation's capital.)<br />
<br />
As this new generation of Nashua children grow up and if they choose to stay in the Nashua area, the city will look very different in 10 -15 years. I've noticed this same change in the diversity of Nashua's youth during a recent visit to 'Discovery Hour' at the Nashua Boys and Girls Club. It looked nothing like the Nashua I moved to when I was 13 years old, and definitely not the Nashua that where my mother was raised over 50 years ago.<br />
<br />
In the past, Nashua's diversity was not as much about race, but more about ethnicity - you were either French-Canadian, Polish, Greek, Lithuanian, etc. (You can still see signs us this with some of the names of sections and places in the city. There's the Polish Club and French Hill, but those names don't matter anymore.) Over the past few years, Nashua has seen a huge increase in the population of Asian Indians as well as Hispanics in the area. This change is especially evident as you drive thru the southern part of the city and Nashua's inner-city streets.<br />
<br />
Personally, I love the added diversity to the city - especially after growing up near larger metropolitan cities like Miami and Washington, DC. And city officials are engaged with the changing community. They work with the more diverse neighborhoods to hold block parties and cultural events.<br />
<br />
The challenge that I'm seeing in Nashua now, is that some members of the community that have been born and raised in this city are skeptical that the changing population is a good thing. The funny thing is that I remember my grandfather once told me that the same thing happened many years ago when Polish people moved into neighborhoods abutting French Hill or married outside of their own ethnicity.<br />
<br />
We've come a long way, baby. Or have we?Sandy Belknaphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07178614305296930552noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2654407224847785437.post-11261553930057061812010-02-25T18:25:00.000-08:002010-02-26T08:43:03.505-08:00Consumer Confidence Decline<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">As of right now, the need to spend has increased so much for necessary items that I haven't given a single thought to buy something simply for pleasure. A recent article in Business Week discussed how consumer confidence is dropping, a contradiction against all the predictions of the recovering economy. I can sympathize with this and so can many of my classmates. <br /><br />When money is so hard to get right now, either by their own job or through parents then of course confidence levels will go down. Right now the only expenses that I will be taking on are my standarized test registration costs and my daily routine costs like lunch. <br /><br />While retailers are feeling more optimistic, the malls of Nashua can still be seen as fairly empty on a Friday night. It is apparent that while some say consumer spending has gone up greatly others can definitely disagree. <br /><br />Until my necessary costs go down there is no chance of me being a confident consumer. The nation is feeling a decline in consumer confidence and so am I.</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2654407224847785437.post-23625464143214409642010-02-07T04:49:00.000-08:002010-02-15T07:47:06.706-08:00President Obama: Behind the ScenesJust a few days ago the President of the United States of America was standing not even 100 feet away from me. During President Obama’s trip to Nashua for a Town Hall Meeting, I was a student chosen to go see him deliver his speech. What I found most fascinating about the actual event was not the speech but rather the behind the scenes look I was able to get. As a member of the student newspaper I was given the opportunity of attending the event with the press. <br />
Arriving two hours before his speech I was given plenty of time to understand the planning and explore the scene before he arrives. Set up in the way back of the gym were bleachers for the presses’ cameras as well as tables behind them for laptops. In the back there was a separate entrance for the press with a security dog sniffing around. There were two different places for press, they had local press and then they had the national press team that follows Obama in a separate room. With my special press pass I wasn’t able to leave the small box that we were enclosed in, yet there were plenty of interesting people to meet. <br />
<br />
I met with the White House Event Planner, who was in charge of handling all of President Obama’s trips such as this one. He was in charge of picking the location, contacting local contractors for the light and stage, and coming a week before to scope the location. Seven days prior to the actual town hall meeting his team check out the location and keep an eye out for any precautions needed to be taken. He brings the podium as well as the teleprompter. When the music plays as President Obama is leaving, he is the one to play it. As I spoke to him he sounded almost bored with his job description. Yet for me, this was all new and particularly exciting<br />
<br />
Later I met with some of local press and who their views on the event. One thing I noticed in particular is that there wasn’t much excitement. This is understandable considering the press have heard the President talk about the same issues numerous times. The feeling behind the bleachers was simply one of extreme boredom it seemed like. Personally, I found it to be intriguing yet at the same time these people simply had to wait for hours for the President to arrive. It is understandable why by that point they are not as excited as they would have been in the beginning of the President’s journey. From a behind the scenes perspective there was extremely tight security and Secret Service members everywhere. When asked for a few questions they promptly but politely declined. Even student volunteers were given training and were unable to say anything. <br />
<br />
Obama’s speech itself covered a myriad of topics and discussed the problems found to be most prevalent in our community. President Obama discussed the need to make unpopular decisions in order to help the financial crisis. He spoke of our need for new development in green energy and new jobs for 2010. He also managed to answer a few questions from the crowd, including a student who attends Nashua High School South. The questions ranged from healthcare to education and then to greener energy. Overall Obama was able to touch upon the issues that are worrying the residents of Nashua the most right, mainly jobs and unemployment. Overall the experience was one of a lifetime. The President opened up to Nashua with future plans, now we must wait on his actions regarding them.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2654407224847785437.post-15029824730742486112010-02-04T09:02:00.000-08:002010-02-04T09:02:43.011-08:00Wine Train Gets More Investment than Education?By Sandy Belknap<br />
<br />
President Obama held a Town Hall meeting in Nashua this week. <br />
<br />
I appreciated the overall messages that he shared during his speech and Q&A during his hour long visit to Nashua High North. He talked about more focus on Jobs and Small Business as well as a continued focus on Healthcare Reform. I was especially glad to hear him acknowledge how 'hard' it is to drive so much CHANGE during such a difficult period for so many people across the country. And, it was good to hear that he realizes that we ("the people") want our leaders in Washington "to worry less about their jobs and more about [our] jobs." <br />
<br />
A few hours after the President's visit, the issue of the multi-million dollar cuts that are needed in Nashua's school system were discussed at a public meeting. The cuts proposed include teaching jobs.<br />
<br />
Ironic how Obama's messages sounded so good in his speech, but then the reality of day-to-day life in Nashua returned quickly after his visit.<br />
<br />
Over the past five years, there have been numerous issues with leadership within the Nashua school system, and unfortunately, those issues have resulted in budget deficits requiring cut after cut after cut. Right now, there is a need to close a gap of over $3 million. <br />
<br />
Obama talked about the need to 'invest in innovation' and that we need to focus on education to ensure that the US is not second to any other country in the world. Great stuff to say in a speech, but the reality is that if we can't invest in our students and schools, then innovation is going to stop.<br />
<br />
Then I heard about the story of the Napa Valley Wine Train. Over $50M in 'Stimulus' money has gone to a project in California to do work on the rails for the Napa Valley Wine Train. <em><span style="font-size: x-small;">WHAT?!?! </span></em><em><span style="font-size: x-small;">I've been on that train and paid over $100 for that tourist experience. It was OK, but it's not on the top of my list as far as great experiences in the Napa Valley.</span></em><br />
<br />
Over 50 million 'stimulus' dollars are going into the Wine Train project. But, we can't find $3 million to save the jobs of our local teachers? Isn't education the key tool that will enable us to innovate (and create jobs)?<br />
<br />
There is a serious gap in the priorities that are being decided with regard to how 'stimulus' money is being spent. And in retrospect, the promising speech delivered by the President on Tuesday is now overshadowed with the reality of what is happening day-to-day.<br />
<br />
In this case, actions speak much louder than words.Sandy Belknaphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07178614305296930552noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2654407224847785437.post-74953814179347431232010-01-26T11:54:00.000-08:002010-01-26T19:21:54.609-08:00"Change We Can Believe In" Needs to be Properly ManagedBy Sandy Belknap<br />
<br />
During the 2008 Presidential Election, I was concerned about the constant use of the word CHANGE. With NH being the First in the Nation Primary state, we had a lot of candidates come to Nashua to talk about CHANGE for almost two years leading up to the actual election. <br />
<br />
As a communications professional in the corporate world, I've seen over and over again that CHANGE is hard. Whether it's the introduction of new leadership in a business organization, a redefined corporate strategy or anything else that makes things different, the need to <strong>manage</strong> CHANGE is critical. <em>(I often refer to </em><a href="http://www.change-management.com/tutorial-adkar-overview.htm"><em>Prosci's ADKAR model</em></a><em> when I'm working on a CHANGE related business plan.)</em><br />
<br />
Why is CHANGE hard? <strong>Resistance</strong>.<br />
One word that can stop CHANGE from actually happening.<br />
One word that is often forgotten when talking about the promise that a CHANGE will bring.<br />
<br />
So, here we are in 2010. Americans are getting angry and showing resistance. They aren't feeling the 'good things' that the promised CHANGE was supposed to bring when President Obama took his oath of office a year ago. <br />
<br />
I'm not one bit surprised....because there was never a truly open discussion about the challenges we'd be facing and how long it would take for CHANGE to actually happen.<br />
<br />
Considering the magnitude of CHANGE that our country is expecting, I hope that someone is working behind the scenes with the President to map out the CHANGE plan and proactively engage with both the supporters and resisters of the CHANGE. <br />
<br />
Sure sounds like there's a need for bi-partisan engagement to me. Now, THAT is a CHANGE I can believe in (or at least hope for!)Sandy Belknaphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07178614305296930552noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2654407224847785437.post-90046284408243841072010-01-16T06:40:00.000-08:002010-01-16T06:40:23.668-08:00Education Budget Crisis: What to cut?As the Nashua Board of Education faces the tough decision to vote on budget cuts for the 2010-2011 school year, many attempts to help resolve the issue have come forward. Next year the budget deficit will be noticeably larger affecting many aspects of the education system. The district is facing a $6 million deficit, allowing room only for more cuts. Rumors have been flying and officials are reaching decisions with difficulty. With so many aspects to consider the community has reached out and offered solutions and suggestions. The teachers, administrators, school board, superintendent, and mayor have all been working hard to find a middle ground within all the cuts for next year. Student’s have risen to the occasion and offered solutions as well. <br />
<br />
<br />
Nashua High School South’s business law and accounting class was given the problem to solve the budget crisis. In response students prepared well researched well developed proposals and then presented them to the school board. A strong idea proposed was the idea of putting a Dunkin Donuts store in the school in place of the Credit Union bank that was closed last year. Many students stop by Dunkin Donuts before coming to school therefore this would be a great way to make money. Students proposed having a limited menu, only allowing products with 300 calories or less. Another student proposed the idea of allowing students to start up their own businesses. The school board would give students the money to get started; the profits would then go to the district. This would be an amazing learning opportunity for students in hands on way, definitely one of a kind. <br />
<br />
I definitely see major benefits in having a Dunkin Donut’s in our school. Student’s run late very often due to getting coffee, if the coffee is within the school students will be more apt to get to school on time. On the other hand having coffee in the classrooms is a privilege that student’s no longer have due to spills and other issues. This would definitely be a problem but the pros outweigh the cons. <br />
<br />
Another senior has started a group on Facebook proposing a “Save our Schools” plan. The group has been joined and supported by over 600 members and is still growing strong. On the page there is a long detailed plan of how exactly the money can be saved by making reasonable cuts for the school. The plan has been presented to the Nashua Teacher’s Unions and the word is being spread around the PTO’s of different schools as well as among the parents. Some of the highlights of the plan include saving the Advanced Placement classes (originally proposed to be cut out), not eliminate the job of Activities Coordinator at the school, and fixing technology issues. The plan proposes a new committee being formed at the Board of Education, the New Revenue Committee. Also ways to help raise funds include a District wide banquet, job fair for local businesses, and a benefit golf tournament. This is the simply the beginnings of an extensively researched plan. <br />
<br />
Some other proposed budgets cuts so far have been cutting the Alvirne High School course option. Students have the opportunity to take a few select classes at a nearby high school. Cutting the costs of transporting students is estimated to save about $10,000. <br />
<br />
Another large cut taken into consideration is the removal of the Pheonix program. The program, costing nearly $1 million dollars every year is meant to help at risk students throughout the school system. This decision would cause quite the rumble; students in the program look to it for support and a closer sense of community. However the amount of students in the program is only 69 this year, with 50 of the students going to high school next year. The decision is still quite upsetting, because these kids really need the help and support of this program. However under the circumstances, Superintendent Mark Conrad is trying to do the best he can do. <br />
<br />
A report has come about of the principals and administrators of the district agreeing to skip their annual raises in order to save some money for the system. It is said this decision will save the district at least $110,000. <br />
<br />
Lastly another proposed budget cut affecting the largest amount of people is the idea of having less class time and more study halls. Freshmen and sophomore would have a new scheduling system offering 3 full block classes, one 45 minute block and one study hall. The study hall and shortened class would run a full year, allowing only 7 credits opposed to the original 8. Right now the schedule is set to 4 blocks in one semester and then a new set of classes second semester. Additionally seniors would have the option of leaving early or coming in late to school as long as they had the credits needed to graduate. Both options combined will limit the amount of classes taken and the number of students in each class may increase. <br />
<br />
Time can only tell what fate holds for the Nashua School District. Right now many of the proposals are up in the air, not much is can be confirmed. It is warming to know how many students are taking the initiative and finding resolutions for the problems at hand instead of simply complaining. Either way cuts are going to be made, someone will be unhappy, I can only hope for the best under the circumstances given.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2654407224847785437.post-69519297135173433812009-12-29T09:23:00.000-08:002010-01-22T07:15:06.340-08:00"Giving" Overshadowed "Getting" for Many in Nashua this Holiday SeasonBy Sandy Belknap<br />
<br />
As I've walked my dog on the cold evenings thru my neighborhood since Christmas night, there is evidence that the 2009 Holiday Season is quickly winding down - just like it does every year: <br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><em>~The colorful Christmas lights (some with synchronized music!) are being unplugged.</em></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><em>~The huge air-filled, snowglobe-like lawn ornaments are deflated in most neighbors' yards.</em></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><em>~The neighborhood kids are all inside playing with their iPods, Wii, Rock Band, etc. </em></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><em>~And Christmas Trees of all shapes and sizes are out on the curbsides, stripped of their ornaments, though some still have a little sparkle left over from tinsel pieces that blow in the cold winter wind.</em></span><br />
<br />
But, as I dismantle my own holiday decorations and catch up with friends from across Nashua this week, I've come to realize that this holiday season was actually very different for a lot of people in my community this year. There was a renewed sense that Giving had become more important than ever in 2009.<br />
<br />
Personally, the biggest difference for me, was that for the first time in over 10 years, I did not lead a major gift drive for the Nashua Children's Home (NCH) thru my employer. While working at Sun Microsystems, the annual gift drive for the 50 residents of NCH was always something that local employees looked forward to doing. Over the past decade, my colleagues and I contributed over $50,000 in clothing and gifts to ensure that every resident of NCH received a thoughtful, personalized gift. <br />
<br />
Unfortunately, a week after delivering the gifts last year, Sun closed its Nashua location and over the past year laid off many of its employees (including me). Fortunately, the NCH had a heads-up far in advance that support from Sun would discontinue. It's something that I didn't think a lot about until the past few weeks. But the departure of a large employer, like Sun, often has long-term and far-reaching impact beyond just the people who may lose their jobs - an entire community is impacted.<br />
<br />
Fortunately, others across the Nashua community picked up on the needs that otherwise may not have been fulfilled in Nashua this year:<br />
<br />
The local fund raising program called the <a href="http://www.nashuatelegraph.com/news/497473-196/big-thank-you-for-donations-to-santa.html">Santa Fund (sponsored by the Nashua Telegraph), reported a record year of donations</a>. I was holding my breath as I looked at the totals being reported during the weeks leading up to Christmas -- donations seemed slow, but local print and broadcast media really raised awareness about the need for people to give a little this year. There was even a <a href="http://www.nashuatelegraph.com/csp/cms/sites/Telegraph/templates/stories/full/enlarge.csp?sid=1316726&pid=224813">cartoon on The Telgraph's editorial page</a> that showcased this year's spirit of giving via a depiction of the "Three Wise Men 2009" <em><span style="font-size: x-small;">(Instead of 'bearing gifts', these wise men shared thoughts about their donations to food banks and toy programs.)</span></em><br />
<br />
Additionally, Nashua's supermarkets had food drives to benefit local agencies. Hannafords, where I tend to shop, sold preboxed care packages for $10. During the week leading up to Christmas, the palates beyond the registers were piled high with boxes purchased and donated by the market's customers that were ready for delivery to the Nashua Soup Kitchen.<br />
<br />
The Salvation Army's Bell Ringers could be heard all across town, and at every location I passed this year, people were stopping to donate -- some dropping coins, many dropping in dollars of low and high denominations. (I tend to think that the kettles manned by our local fire department seemed to do very well - - they appeared to be the busiest during my excursions out and about town.)<br />
<br />
The local Rotary Club took kids shopping in Nashua one evening. Rotarians raised money and were teamed up with kids who each received a $100 gift card to shop for presents to give to their own families. Apparently, the kids as well as the Rotarians had a great night of shopping and local children were able to provide meaningful gifts to their moms and dads for Christmas.<br />
<br />
And there are so many other stories like these across Nashua . Stories about Giving. Many stories included Giving by local residents of modest means. And the best thing is that the people doing this Giving are most often the ones who Get back the most!Sandy Belknaphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07178614305296930552noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2654407224847785437.post-23353383210602423402009-12-25T11:42:00.000-08:002009-12-25T11:44:31.092-08:002010 ResolutionsHappy Holidays to all! This year, the holidays are less about giving and more about doing. Giving presents has not been the most important thing on my list; it is more about doing stuff for others and doing things to help benefit my family. This time of year is always a busy one, planning, shopping, and wrapping has not been up to usual standards this year. This is not because of money only, but more because of the amount of time and effort that must be put into it. The holidays are a fun and important, but to my family, like many others, the budget left little room for extravagant holiday shopping. The holidays also mean the start of a new year, a fresh start, and of course resolutions. In the past, my long list of resolutions, have never been fully accomplished. This year, I’ve decided to take baby steps. My one and only resolution for 2010 is, to be able to successfully get into college. While this may seem quite basic there are a variety of factors that must come into play. From standardized test scores, recommendations, to financial aid, the year is going to be difficult and stressful. Hopefully, it will be rewarding and lead me into a great future. <br />
<br />
On a local, community level the major issue is the educational budget for the 2010-2011 school year. As of now the actual budget is about 6 million dollars less than the projected budget for this year. This means major cuts in the educational system for next year. Rumors are flying right now; many teachers are expressing their concerns regarding the cuts and have spoken out in classrooms. The budget decision will be made public soon after the winter break, followed up by public hearings o the decisions. This school year has had a large amount of reductions when it comes to paper, trips, and so much more. Next year, things are bound to be worse. My resolution for 2010 is that the Nashua Education System will find a happy medium ground for the cuts that will be put into place. I am hoping for the best; however I am expecting the worst. This is one resolution, that I will honestly be surprised and enthusiastic about if it ever occurs. <br />
<br />
As far as the nation goes, I feel as though we are ending the year on a hopeful note that will bring about change with the passing of the health care bill in Congress on the 24th of December. If this $871 billion dollar bill becomes law then it will be one of the biggest expansions on health care. Supposedly it will extend insurance coverage to about 30 million people. The bill is going to be merged with a plan that has already been approved by the House of Representatives in November. In 2010 I’m hoping that the health care reform issue kicks into gear, making changes visible to the average person’s eye. Ending the year with health care, it a great way to set the tone for the upcoming year. America’s Resolution: Get the health care reform bill passed as a law and put into action. This is one issue that has been talked about for such a long time; it’s time for some action. <br />
<br />
2009 has been an interesting year for America and me. With the inauguration of President Obama and issues such as the War in Iraq and health care, politically there has been so much to discuss, resolve, and act upon. Financially, unemployment, the stimulus plan, Cash for Clunkers, and foreclosure proved to be both beneficial and hurtful to many. All in all, 2009 was a rough year, economically and financially. The newest change, was the Obama administration. While I don’t think they did amazingly this year, it still has yet to be a full year since President Obama stepped into office. I hope that 2010 brings about more positive changes that the President promised in his campaign. <br />
<br />
The year has slowly come to an end, but 2010 is sure to be a year of change and excitement. On a personal, community, and national level there are challenges everywhere, let’s see where the year takes us.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2654407224847785437.post-75945656752803346982009-12-15T13:12:00.000-08:002010-01-22T07:15:55.270-08:00Nashua Welcomed the Commission of Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies this WeekBy Sandy Belknap<br />
<br />
Last evening I attended and spoke at a public hearing on the Accreditation of the <a href="http://www.nashuapd.com/">Nashua Police Department</a> (NPD) administered by the Commission of Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. (aka: <a href="http://www.calea.org/Online/Accreditationworks/aw.htm">CALEA</a>). This accreditation process is a big deal for our local law enforcement agency and for the Nashua community. <br />
<br />
I accepted the invitation to attend this meeting because I've recently taken on the role of 'Watch Captain' for our Neighborhood Watch group that started this fall. (As a 'watch captain,' I'm simply the local communications liasion between my neighbors and the police department.)<br />
<br />
From my previous experience, people who typically show up to speak at public meetings, most often attend bring attention to problems and unsolved issues (sometimes aka: the complainers!). I thought that this would be a great opportuntity to hear what people in the Nashua community had to say about our local police department. (In the back of my mind, I was thinking, "now I'm going to get the real scoop about what's going on in town.")<br />
<br />
The stories I heard from local residents across the Nashua community were amazing and I left the hour- long hearing with a great feeling about the Nashua Police Department, its leaders and my community! (Yes, I got the scoop...and it was all good!) <br />
<br />
All of the dozen or so comments from local residents were positive.<br />
<br />
There was the retired US Marine, who is now handicapped. He spoke up about how he works with the NPD to ticket violators of handicapped parking spaces across the city. He explained how angry he gets when people abuse these spaces because it affects him personally. Whenever he calls NPD to report an offender, an officer shows up within minutes to ticket the violator.<br />
<br />
There was the woman who described herself as 'just an ordinary citizen, without a fancy title' who came out to share her story about how the police department was helpful in finding her newly -adopted 'Katrina' dog after it ran off late one night shortly after coming to NH.<br />
<br />
There was the local radio talkshow host who shared that he keeps an open line on his program to bring local law enforcement to talk about their jobs and issues in town. He talked about the great connection that he had with the NPD leaders to bring officers onto his program and how responsive the community is when they are 'on-air.'<br />
<br />
There were law enforcement representatives from other NH cities and towns who praised the work of the NPD for their willingness and cooperation of working with other agencies across the state.<br />
<br />
Then there were the 'Watch Captains,' like myself. We all had similar stories in that we live in neighborhoods where there have been issues that created the opportunity to engage local residents to work with the NPD to make our community safer.<br />
<br />
The one thing that resonated with me over an over, after each speaker provided testimony, is that the NPD makes a concerted effort to engage and connect with the citizens that they serve. <br />
<br />
As a citizen, I've never really put a lot of thought into how a law enforcement agency can truly impact a community. That changed when I left the public hearing last evening.Sandy Belknaphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07178614305296930552noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2654407224847785437.post-79077653840193606732009-12-07T15:26:00.000-08:002010-01-22T07:16:20.836-08:00Looking Beyond the Doom & Gloom Facing Downtown NashuaBy Sandy Belknap<br />
<br />
This morning, I was disappointed to see so many window banners with bad news as I drove down the six or so city blocks of Main Street that make up the center of Downtown <a href="http://www.gonashua.com/">Nashua</a>.<br />
<br />
<em>“Store Closing! 20% Off!”</em><br />
<em>“FOR RENT” “FOR LEASE”</em><br />
<em>“GOING OUT OF BUSINESS”</em><br />
<br />
More and more of Downtown Nashua’s small, independent store and restaurant owners are falling victim to the prolonged economic downturn and have no choice other than to close their doors.<br />
<br />
Of course, there have been stories over the past few months in the local paper about Downtown store closings. But a newspaper headline is sometimes not as impactful as driving or walking down the street to actually see the signs on empty storefronts announcing the demise of so many businesses. <br />
<br />
As a long-time local resident who has seen many starts and stops to a thriving Downtown community over the years, I am concerned. But, I also have hope.<br />
<br />
I am concerned because our independent business owners are the backbone to our community. Many give of themselves beyond the four walls of their businesses to make Nashua a better place to live and work, especially for the people that have fallen on hard times. If more of these business owners have to make the tough choice to close their businesses, that backbone of our community will start to break.<br />
<br />
But there’s good news. And if you dig deep enough, there may even be more good news than bad news. <br />
<br />
That is why I have hope.<br />
<br />
The first piece of good news is that the City of Nashua is seriously looking to create a Business Improvement District (aka: BID) for the Downtown area. In a nutshell, a BID would add an additional tax to property owners in the district and the monies collected would be reinvested directly to that area. The ‘talk’ about creating a BID has really heated up over the past 6 months, since the <a href="http://www.allbusiness.com/government/government-bodies-offices-regional/12565104-1.html">Aldermanic Board approved to move ahead to investigate if a BID</a> would be good for Nashua. Since then, a task force has been appointed by the mayor and includes community members who are pro, con and neutral on the concept. <br />
<br />
Whether the BID concept actually becomes a reality or not, the good news is that the City and community members are communicating and starting to come together for a common cause: Bring some life back to Downtown. <em>(I purposefully chose not to use the word resurrect because I truly do not believe that Downtown is dead.)</em><br />
<br />
The other good news is that many of the Downtown business owners are doing some very creative marketing activities to attract customers into their stores and restaurants. <em>(This is great news for consumers, especially during the holiday season!) </em><br />
<br />
Some of these innovative programs include the “Eighth Annual Downtown Ladies Night” on the Thursday before Thanksgiving. <a href="http://www.scontsas.com/">Scontsas Fine Jewelry</a>, a Downtown fixture since the early 1900s, started the Ladies Night concept back in 2001 and now partners with many of the Downtown stores and restaurants to create a special night with steep discounts, mini-spa treatments, refreshments and lots of fun. There’s nothing like a free manicure, a Cosmo and 20% off to pull shoppers into a jewelry store!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.designwares.com/">DesignWares</a> is a gift shop on Main Street where the owner brings her dog, Molly, into the store from time to time. Molly is a definite draw with animal lovers, especially when her furry friend Annie is there too. Customers go in and pat the dogs and can’t help but to look around at all of the unique gifts while chatting with the owners about what’s going on in Nashua. The shop host events throughout the year - they bring in local artists for signings as well as host their holiday “Bubbles & Bling” event. Again, shoppers are treated to more than just shopping. And they leave with a memorable experience and usually a full shopping bag.<br />
<br />
A few days ago, local florist and gift shop, <a href="http://www.nhflowers-gifts.com/flowershop/default.asp">Fortin Gage</a> hosted Gerald Charles Dickens for two performances of <em>A Christmas Carol</em>. Having a long tradition of sending their florists to the White House in Washington, D.C. to decorate for the holidays, this year, the business focused locally to start a new Nashua tradition by bringing the great-great grandson of author Charles Dickens to town and hosting a food drive for two local organizations. <br />
<br />
The audience reviews were fantastic. Over 500 people learned about Fortin Gage’s business and association with their vendor Byers Choice Carolers in just one day. Two local organizations received several hundred pounds of food and several hundred dollars from the donations of show patrons. And, new customers have been visiting Fortin Gage's two stores everyday since. <em>(Yes, Fortin Gage actually opened a second Nashua store this year while so many others closed.) </em><br />
<br />
So, in the spirit of the telling of a Dickens’ tale in Nashua last week, and in looking at the current challenges that our community faces, it seems fitting to think about the current situation in Downtown Nashua as our own version of <em>A Tale of Two Cities</em>. The Downtown that is thriving and the one that is just barely surviving. <br />
<br />
I really do hope that we will be able to look back in a few years, reflect for a moment and say, “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times...” <br />
<br />
...and the best of times won!Sandy Belknaphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07178614305296930552noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2654407224847785437.post-26887903719497369712009-11-21T17:38:00.000-08:002009-11-21T17:38:35.360-08:00Coming Attraction: Black FridayThe first thing that comes to mind when I think of November, is Black Friday. There are times when I honestly feel it deserves to be a national holiday.This is the only day of the year that my parents allow me to buy pretty much whatever I want, within good reason that is. This year however things are going to be little bit different. Instead of my usual mad dash to the department stores where I buy every deal I find, I am going to pace myself and buy only what I <em>need</em>. Even though in Nashua there is no sale's tax therefore saving you more money I still have to control my spending. In addition to Black Friday many of the big stores are having Pre Black Friday sales. Whether this is simply to spread out spending or get people to spend more, these sales seem to be working. Some of the deals for Friday include a $7 fleece at Wal-Mart and 32 inch LCD HDTV for $300 at Best Buy. With these great deals I don't see how people are going to be able resist shopping. It will be interesting to see how the standing economy affects Black Friday sales come this Friday.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2654407224847785437.post-69298065826837028162009-11-03T13:27:00.000-08:002010-01-22T07:16:48.827-08:00Voter Apathy or Lack of Communication to Blame for Low Election Day Turnout?By Sandy Belknap<br />
<br />
Last year, Election Day was exciting. Of course, there was an historic Presidential race taking place where millions of Americans from 18 to over 90 years old voted for the first time in the lives.<br />
<br />
Election Day 2009 is quite different today. With the parking lot of my polling location almost empty, I quickly grabbed a parking spot and was in and out of Ledge Street School in less than 5 minutes. (It would have been two minutes had I not stopped to talk to some neighbors who were volunteering at the polls today.)<br />
<br />
It's disheartening to me that so few local residents know about our local elections or, are willing to take a few minutes once a year to cast votes that are key to shaping our City's future. With polling places open from 6am-8pm, there's plenty of time to stop to cast a ballot. Most companies even allow time off to employees to go vote. <br />
<br />
While today's local election is not as exciting and 'star -studded' as last year's Presidential election, there are so many local issues where Nashua residents have a chance today to put people into elected office that will have an impact for many years to come. While I tend to sometimes complain about our local paper, I do give the editors and writers a lot of credit for excellent pre-election coverage. Every day for the past month, there were articles about the candidates that included personal profiles and information about their platforms. Today, the <a href="http://www.nashuatelegraph.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20091103/NEWSBLOG/911039948">Telegraph is already reporting low voter turnout</a> - even though they did a great job to try to get people to the polls.<br />
<br />
This afternoon, I asked a friend of mine if she voted today. She didn't know that there was an election. She doesn't read the local paper.<br />
<br />
So, is it voter apathy or lack of awareness that is really to blame for today's low voter turn out? Maybe a little of both?!<br />
<br />
I can't help but wonder that if the City had used Twitter or Facebook to engage the local population, would more citizens have known that there is an election today, thus boosting voter turnout.<br />
<br />
What do you think?Sandy Belknaphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07178614305296930552noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2654407224847785437.post-39505166464506994962009-10-28T14:06:00.000-07:002009-10-28T14:08:01.534-07:00School is NOT a BrothelLately, the students of Nashua High South have been in an uproar. Due to recent events there has been major speculation about the dress code and how it should be strictly followed. Teachers and parents have all issued complaints to our principal regarding the types of clothing seen throughout the school. In response, the principal addressed the student body telling them that this is NOT a brothel, it is indeed a school. In her announcement she made it clear we weren’t all members of a brothel and that our primary reason for being at school is education. Let me tell you, that one statement has caused more damage than anything our principal has said before. While some commended and supported the principal, others were highly offended. The principal has received letters, emails and has met with students and parents in response to her announcement. The point is however, students are listening and care about the school community. Together, Principal Seusing hopes to bring about new changes within the school to increase the amount of clothing seen and the amount of respect given.<br /><br />Furthermore, there was a large amount of rumors that went around the school following Mrs. Seusing’s statement. Some of them being they were going to ban all legging and yoga pants. However, the one that held my interest was the idea that the popular Ugg boots were going to be banned from school. Not necessarily because they violated the dress code but because they were too expensive for all students to buy and therefore created social differences among students. Along with this rumor was the banning of Abercrombie & Fitch clothes as well as other popular, yet expensive, brand name clothing. I have been reassured by reliable sources that nothing of this sort is being considered at our school but students have already started to send their “hate mail” to the principal. So while some students were upset regarding the comment made, some were even more distraught about the banning of Uggs. Some students believe that if they have money they should be able to wear what they want regardless of the price.<br /><br />On the other hand there is a group of parents who want to get uniforms established at our school. I don’t think this will happen, but it goes to show that parents do not want their kid’s clothing to determine their social standing in any way. Parents are failing to see that it isn’t always clothing that determines social standing. It is understandable why parents don’t want to have to buy expensive clothing for their kids to fit in, taking away student’s freedom of expression should not be an option.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2654407224847785437.post-88298059522341945752009-10-19T14:10:00.000-07:002010-01-22T07:17:07.076-08:00Nashua Foreclosure Rate Improves while Rest of the Region Sees Rate RiseBy Sandy Belknap<br />
<br />
I still like to read the newspaper - - yes, the actual paper with the black ink that gets my hands dirty. I don't know why, but there's something about holding my local paper while sipping my morning cup of coffee each day that makes me feel more connected to my community.<br />
<br />
Typically, there is not a lot of new "news" in the Saturday edition of the paper, so I usually flip thru the pages rather quickly. But something caught my eye this past weekend in the Nashua Telegraph: <a href="http://www.nashuatelegraph.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20091017/NEWS01/910179994/-1/news">"Fewer Houses in Foreclosure, but Still High"</a><br />
<br />
The article was hidden a bit within the paper -- which surprised me for news that seemed worthy of front page coverage. But the fact that the story has been in my head for two days now made me think that it was 'blog worthy' material. Even if it's one of those 'good news/bad news' stories. <br />
<br />
Good News: According to RealtyTrac, a company that measures and analyzes home sales data, Nashua saw fewer foreclosures in the third quarter (July-Sept 2009) and is seeing better numbers than the current national average. There was a 32% decline in foreclosures in Nashua compared to a year ago. But the numbers are still slightly higher than two years ago. <br />
<br />
<br />
Bad News: The rest of the region is seeing an increase in foreclosure rates with Hudson and Milford being hit particularly hard. (The full <a href="http://www.nashuatelegraph.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20091017/NEWS01/910179994/-1/news">listing of numbers from RealtyTrac is in the Telegraph article</a> - so I won't restate all of the information this blog entry.) <br />
<br />
While we are seeing the numbers, it would be good to hear about the stories behind RealtyTrac's data. Just by observation, I've seen a very positive improvement in my own Nashua neighborhood. A year ago, dozens of properties within a 1-2 mile radius of my home were on the market. Most bankowned or foreclosed signs are not posted with 'for sale' signs for such property locally, so it was difficult to tell which of those properies may have been part of the foreclosure numbers. <br />
<br />
Today, there just a handful - six at last count - of homes on the market in the same area around my neighborhood. <br />
Two of these are homes that haven't even been built yet! Ground has been broken for a new subdivision and foundations are being poured this week. <br />
<br />
There are stories of hope like this across greater Nashua. And while the reality of the current economic situation continues to be felt in almost every household across Nashua, knowing about the stories behind the data provided by companies like RealtyTrac shows us whether or not things are really getting better.Sandy Belknaphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07178614305296930552noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2654407224847785437.post-81751276377053919622009-10-04T16:56:00.000-07:002009-10-04T16:58:12.856-07:00Going Green on a National LevelThe new bill regarding Climate Change brings up a controversial and important issue to our minds. The bill proposed by two Democratic senators proposes establishing limits on greenhouse gas emissions as well as cutting emissions by 20 percent by the year 2020. Furthermore it will cap emission allowances in various industries, create many new jobs regarding the selling and buying of pollution permits, and advance options for natural and nuclear gas. This is the kind of change that the world really needs.<br /><br />With the large healthcare debacle already on the table this bill may find it hard to get the necessary attention and will be controversial for a long time to come. This will affect businesses in a way that will require them to pay more money; this is necessary for the amount of energy that is used. In the end this bill is an important new start for our country to move towards a better environment. The point being whether it is big or small, it has to start some where.<br /><br />For me it starts in my school, with the Green Team (catchy, I know). As the Recycling Committee Chair some of the projects include introducing plastic recycling throughout the whole school as well as painting a mural at the recycling center to promote recycling. Additionally the Green Team reaches out to middle school students to raise awareness and is working on getting more energy efficient lighting throughout the school. In Nashua, the Green Team’s of both high schools are working with the city Green Team to start affecting our environment in a more positive way. Now while this is starting on a smaller level there are many cities, towns, and schools that our doing their best to start to protect our environment. When Massachusetts Senator, John Kerry, spoke about the bill he said the main purpose is for security throughout the nation. A bill such as this or a small act such as plastic recycling both contribute towards the cause of our nation; promoting security. In this case it just so happens to be energy security. Regardless this bill is definitely going to be debated for a long time, hopefully ending in an agreement that benefits our country in the long run.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2654407224847785437.post-14879072818607454542009-09-30T07:13:00.000-07:002010-01-22T07:17:33.507-08:00Energy Reform: There's a Cost to SaveBy Sandy Belknap<br />
<br />
Last week, more than 100 leaders from around the globe came together at the 64th United Nations General Assembly in New York to discuss the hot topic <em>(pardon the pun!)</em> of Climate Change.<br />
Interestingly, the discussions around climate change are more often about money than actual environmental issues. <br />
<br />
According to a <a href="http://online.wsj.com/article/SB125348864160026319.html">September 21, 2009 article in the Wall Street Journal</a> that appeared just prior to the UN Climate Change session, “Poor nations say that if rich nations want them to stop burning coal or cutting down forests, they should be willing to pay.”<br />
<br />
That statement made me stop to take pause and realize that this same money connection is an issue on a local and individual level, as well. We know that we need to take immediate actions to help to save our environment, but how much are we actually willing to pay?<br />
<br />
Hybrid cars reduce our gasoline usage. Updating our homes to be more energy efficient (new HVAC, windows, insulation, etc.) keeps us more comfortable and reduces energy consumption dramatically. Even something as simple as replacing standard light bulbs with energy efficient bulbs can make a difference and make us feel a little less guilty if we forget to shut off a light. These kinds of changes in our lives sound like a no-brainer.<br />
<br />
So, why aren’t more people driving hybrid cars, updating their homes’ energy effectiveness or replacing their light bulbs? <br />
<br />
It’s all about the money. When it comes to climate control, there is almost always cost to save. <br />
<br />
I’ve been fortunate over the past several years. I’ve had the resources to make some changes in my own life to reduce my energy use.<br />
<br />
Two years ago I traded in my 1998 car toward the purchase of a 2007 hybrid sedan. (With the exception of a smaller trunk, I love it!) My gas mileage has averaged between 38-44 mpg since I drove the car off the lot. But, my hybrid car cost a few thousand dollars more than the same sedan model without the hybrid technology. This is the reason why few of my friends have bought hybrid vehicles as they make new car buying decisions.<br />
<br />
I’ve also been able to update the HVAC system in my 75+ year old New England home. Combined with replacing all of the original drafty windows, I saw my yearly oil use for heat be reduced by half. Before these updates, it was nothing to literally burn thru over 1000 gallons of oil during a snowy NH winter. My home now consumes just over 400 gallons annually. It is such a big savings that I no longer qualify for pre-paid special deals from my local oil company (they require a 500 gallon minimum purchase.)<br />
<br />
Oh yes, and I’ve replaced all but one bulb in my house with new energy saving bulbs over the past 18 months. Public Service of NH sent a lighting catalogue last year to its customers and offered some great pricing on energy efficient lighting. But while I’ve been reducing overall energy use, the monthly utility bill has remained the same or gone up due to rate increases.<br />
<br />
I used these three personal examples because there is a trend that we are seeing, as individuals, that relates back to the global concern about the cost to save the environment. The actual money savings from implementing energy related change/improvements often takes years to recoup from the original investment. <br />
<br />
I think that is why Energy Reform is so critical in this country right now. But it’s going to be a big task. It is easy for our political leaders to blurt out goals for the next decade or two with regard to the reduction of fuel emissions. The big question is how can any collective goal be achieved if individuals aren’t willing to make an up front payment and sacrifices to drive change?<br />
<br />
I personally feel good about the changes that I’ve made in my own life to reduce my own personal and household energy use <em>(though I still long for a bigger trunk in my car!)</em>. But I get frustrated that businesses that are most tied to energy consumption don’t seem to want support my changes (higher priced cars, penalties for lower oil use and rising utility rates.) <br />
<br />
Unfortunately, there are no easy answers. I think that the topic of Climate Change and Energy Reform is going to be a long debate (one that we don’t have a lot of time for.) I just hope that it doesn’t become as nasty and drag on like the discussion about Healthcare Reform.Sandy Belknaphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07178614305296930552noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2654407224847785437.post-92023562500241903102009-09-28T17:44:00.000-07:002009-09-28T17:49:03.284-07:00Working Teens on the Rise<div>Nowadays on a Friday night I know of more people who are working then going to the school football game or hanging out with friends. People are either working most of their free time or looking for a job during their free time. While many adults think teenagers need to work in order to gain responsibility and hardworking skills you can also counteract this with the fact that it affects school. School is often neglected when there is so much pressure on teens to support themselves. They work too many hours and sleep too little. You can find the guidelines for teenager’s working hours in (New Hampshire at least) here: <a href="http://www.labor.state.nh.us/GuideForParents.pdf">http://www.labor.state.nh.us/GuideForParents.pdf</a> but I can guarantee they aren’t always being followed. For example one of my own close friends recently acquired another job, she now works at a local ice cream stand as well as Panera Bread. There is no way that following the hours can be done while working two jobs and going to school. However the ice cream stand does close in October making this only a temporary situation.<br />Getting a job isn’t always easy but in Nashua the teenagers seem to be beating out unemployed adults. I know of a person who got 2 jobs at once and had to choose between the two. Teenagers may be preferred for the reasons that they will settle for a lesser amount of money or work more energetically. Situations vary making jobs the right thing however in this economy it’s hard for student’s as well to survive. Bottom line is that in this economical situation teenagers have been working much more to cover basic expenses essentially affecting schoolwork and adding a whole lot of unnecessary stress.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com59tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2654407224847785437.post-54181787155973203522009-09-16T18:49:00.000-07:002009-09-16T18:51:20.206-07:00Encourage education or Indoctrinate students?Do well in school, try hard, explore your talents, become an asset to your community. In short this was the message that President Obama delivered on September 8th to students in America. It was short enough to pay attention to and had a clear message.<br /><br />The time has come for the President of America to serve as a role model for students instead of a worry or disappointment. The motives behind this speech were not to encourage the political agenda of the President but simply motivate students. Students have been told these same things their whole lives by parents, teachers, principals, and other authoritative figures. Why should this be any different? Not every student has a parent at home encouraging them to do well in school. Not every student hears a voice telling them they are special. Most assuredly, students do not hear that their failures are simply leading the way for success.<br /><br />At Nashua High School South the speech was not made mandatory viewing as it was in some schools. I didn’t get the opportunity to watch it in school but many students did. Junior Alden LeClair said, “No bad can come from hearing the leader of the free world talk to us about the value of education.” He continued to point out that the precedent for this type of a speech was set by a republican president, and now the republicans are the ones who are trying to use parent’s fears to make this into a questionable speech.<br /><br />I get it; parents are concerned about what precedent this will set for the future. But indoctrinate students? That really is a stretch. President Obama has been under the microscope from day one attracting more attention to little issues. After listening to the speech there is no way that you can try and say he was attempting to brainwash students. The lesson plan that was originally established, and later taken away may not have been the best idea. However, by writing a letter to the president about how they can help America shows creativity and support. Picture yourself an 11-year old student being told that you can help change America. By writing this letter you are confirming the thought ‘hey, maybe I <em>can</em> contribute somehow’. Parents need to understand that children benefit from few words of encouragement when said by the right person.<br /><br />To appease controversy releasing the speech earlier was a necessary move. Hopefully by doing this parents were more open to the idea of their students watching it in school. The bottom line is—students need the encouragement and message to be repeated more than once throughout their education. What better way to hear it then from the mouth of the nation’s leader, and respected role model.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2654407224847785437.post-70880918777470929172009-09-16T18:45:00.000-07:002009-09-16T18:48:34.034-07:00Nashua’s Penniless Pocketed Parents Pay UpTry saying that five times fast, hard right? At first glance Nashua may seem like a “monied ‘burb” (as defined by the Patchwork Nation project) but if you ask any student attending Nashua High School South (NHSS) they may beg to differ. Coming from a student’s perspective, I know for a fact that at times Nashua feels like anything but.<br /><br />I started school a few days ago, and spent the previous week holed up in a room laying out the NHSS newspaper, Panther Prints. When my advisor told the newspaper staff about the opportunity to blog about the economy from a local perspective, I knew it was something I’d love to do. In high school it feels like you’re stuck in this awkward place where you’re not yet an adult but not a child— a.k.a, a teenager. You think too fast and assume even faster, but most importantly you form opinions regarding anything and everything. Everyone’s opinion is important and I look at Patchwork Nation Project as the perfect outlet for me to express mine. This sweet opportunity will help me gain the experience I need to grow and learn and hopefully make an influence on someone.<br /><br />I am starting the 2009-2010 school year as a junior who holds a mighty plate of responsibility. As Editor-in-Chief of the school newspaper, Recycling Chair of the Green Team, Treasurer of National Art Honor Society, and Vice President of the Citizens Around the World you can see I leave little time for daydreaming. I’m that unusual teenager that gets excited about school a month in advance and takes extreme pleasure in buying school supplies. I take pride in my color coordinated binders as well as my colored pens. I know it’s hard to believe, but sometimes I actually enjoy the whole learning process. Of course I kick myself for saying that a week into school. I find it exhilarating when I do well in my classes; I believe personal achievement is the best kind out there. I’ve been told, “I’m 13 going on 30”, except I’m 16.<br /><br />During the middle of our so called summer (the weather really was awful), I received the usual bus pass information via mail. This time around I came across a new change; they had increased the price for a yearly pass by $15. It now costs $65 to buy a bus pass for a year. This was of course easily overlooked by many parents, including mine. Not many people realize what $15 can buy, not only necessary items but things like jewelry or a new scarf, things sorely needed in my wardrobe.<br /><br />Free education my foot, public education costs more than you would think. Even before I can get to what I want, fulfilling needs becomes a struggle. I mean forget a new backpack or new Sharpie pens, we’re talking about lunch. I realize these prices have forever been here, but right now they seem to be staring at us in bright bold red lettering. Two weeks ago I started shopping for back to school supplies, vowing that I wasn’t going to buy the unnecessary pack of mechanical pencils or hole punch. At the checkout the total was at least $50 and I hadn’t even bought my backpack or printer ink. I spend money like water at times.<br /><br />Let’s do the math out. Buying lunch costs $2.50 minimum, most people like a sweet treat along with lunch so let’s make it $3. For a full school year a student spends at least $540 on lunch. Add the $65 dollars for the bus pass or $100 for a parking pass and you are over $600. If you have a passion for art than chances are you’re paying a minimum studio fee between $15-25 to take an art class. If you play on a sports team then any additional sportswear must be bought through the school at a not so cheap price. As you can see just covering the basics makes a sizable hole in parents’ pockets.<br /><br />I spent a morning at the Nashua Soup Kitchen in August and heard about the “Backpacks for Back to School” event. This drive is for backpacks as well as any school supplies that can fill up a backpack. This year they distributed more than 2,100 backpacks to children in Nashua and surrounding communities. You can find out more information at <a href="http://www.nsks.org/">www.nsks.org</a>. Honestly, I’m amazed at how many kids needed the supplies and were helped. I feel lucky knowing I can get things I need and want.<br /><br /> School shouldn’t be as expensive as it is but really we’re stuck between a rock and a hard place. The school can’t help us out any more than we can help ourselves. It’s going to be interesting to see how the school year plays out. Please feel free to ask questions and/or comment on anything, I’d love to hear what you have to say about my perspective on Nashua.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2654407224847785437.post-53927547950156307702009-09-16T13:51:00.000-07:002010-01-22T07:17:51.020-08:00Change is Hard when it comes to Healthcare ReformBy Sandy Belknap<br />
<br />
For the past two weeks, I've been thinking about the the national debate about Healthcare Reform and have been trying to figure out a good angle for a compelling blog entry.<br />
<br />
I realized today that I've been over-thinking this topic. It all comes down for the need for 'change' and whether we want to believe it or not, change is hard. Whether the debate is Healthcare Reform, the legal definition of marriage, the plan for the end of the Iraq war or any other number of topics headlining in the news today, the items related to things that will require 'change' in our behaviors and lifestyles are the toughest.<br />
<br />
Throughout the 2008 Presidential Campaign, we kept hearing about change from both parties but there was never any discussion about how difficult any change would be to accomplish. Well, we are seeing now that change is a constant challenge with the ongoing discussion about Heathcare Reform, especially with President Obama's speech on the topic last week. Unfortunately, the ongoing discussion is bringing about a level of incivility that makes it uneasy to even bring up the topic with friends and family to get a read on where people truly stand on the issue.<br />
<br />
Nonetheless, I've been asking my friends and professional contacts who are in the Nashua area for their 2 cents on the topic (all in the name to be able to provide insight for this Patchwork Nation blog!) I've talked to my friends that are small business owners and colleagues who are in the process of job searches. I've also talked to friends who have really good corporate insurance plans.<br />
<br />
Here's a snapshot of the recurrent themes of what I've heard over the past two weeks:<br />
- "I don't understand what the reform bill will include. It's good to hear that it will offer a choice, but it's hard to know if that's good or bad because I haven't read the entire bill. I don't even know where I could find it if I wanted to read it!"<br />
<br />
- "Insurance costs are killing my small business. I would like to have more choice for my employees, but don't want to be stuck with more taxes on other things to make up for the savings I think we may be getting."<br />
<br />
- "I know that my corporate job is insecure and I'd like to start my own business, but the costs tied to healthcare are a major concern and I think I may be better off just staying where I am or start a job search to go to another company with good benefits."<br />
<br />
- "While I feel secure in my current job, there's talk of my company changing our benefits package and we won't see the impact of this until we start our annual enrollment process in October. I'm sure that there will be cuts to what is currently offered, but I have no idea what they are yet."<br />
<br />
In a nutshell, I've concluded that a lot of the concern and skepticism are tied to the lack of awareness about the reform plan and what it means to the average citizen.<br />
<br />
The President's speech last week attempted to share what the package is and is not. However, the media awareness of the speech has primarily focused ever since on partisan bickering around the "You Lie" comment blurted out during the middle of the speech. <br />
<br />
So, here's what the average citizen needs as this debate goes on so that some kind of reform can actually take place: <br />
<br />
1) A simple reform plan explanation for the average citizen to read and understand the plan. There are all kinds of "...for Dummy" books out there. Use that format to clearly explain the plan and call it "Healthcare Reform for the Average American." Too many people would be offended if called "Healthcare Reform for Dummies")<br />
<br />
2) Admission from our country's leaders that this kind of change is really hard stuff! Ask the American people for help. Bring representatives and their constituents from both parties together to talk about the challenging issues and work together to resolve them. Some of the smartest people in the world are in this country and we should use these people/experts to map out the future state of what healthcare in America should be and consist of - including the specifics.<br />
<br />
3) Immediate action to address any"low hanging fruit" now so that people can see progress and feel engaged with success. If things don't start to move forward in a positive manner, this debate will continue well into the next decade. And that's not good whether one has healthcare insurance or not.<br />
<br />
If there's one thing that I've learned during the past two decades as a communications professional, it's that people want to be told the truth and be treated like adults. They may not always like the message, but if they are told the truth, the message is at least a little more tolerable. And in the case of healthcare reform, the truth is that change is hard.Sandy Belknaphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07178614305296930552noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2654407224847785437.post-13910562711094666592009-09-08T08:26:00.000-07:002010-01-22T07:18:08.117-08:00Speech to School Children Opens Great Conversation about EducationBy Sandy Belknap<br />
<br />
I was surprised this weekend to hear that people have such strong opinions about <a href="http://www.whitehouse.gov/MediaResources/PreparedSchoolRemarks/">President Obama's speech to America's school children</a> that is taking place today.<br />
<br />
Not a parent, myself, I initially glanced over the 'news' about the speech. But then the opinions "for" and "against" both the timing and audience for the speech made me take pause to seek input from others across the Nashua community.<br />
<br />
Interestingly, most of the parents in my neighborhood have been so busy with last week's start of school and this past weekend's Labor Day holiday, that they had no idea that there is a national discussion taking place about today's speech -- and none of them seemed to have a strong opinion either way as to whether or not such a speech is appropiate in the classroom. <br />
<br />
But don't think that the Nashua community is apathetic. There were nearly <a href="http://www.nashuatelegraph.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090905/NEWS01/909059996">200 online comments to a local newspaper article</a> about the speech - - and most people seemed to support the speech in the schools (of course a few comments were very far to the right and left, but like any online community, contributors seemed to monitor one another's comments and keep each other in-check.)<br />
<br />
As the national debate about the speech continued into this morning and the text of the speech was made available for preview, it's difficult to argue that encouraging the youth of this country to stay in school and apply effort to their studies is a bad thing. (Especially when there is no hidden political agenda.)<br />
<br />
And while it's easy for opponents to use the excuse that such a speech should be watched at home with parents, this is exactly why such a speech needs to take place at school, where children have equal access to the cable television or webcast information. Even a 'monied 'burb' like Nashua has residents that don't have access to the Internet to watch the speech online at home. <br />
<br />
While I'm sure that many parents will discuss this speech at the dinner table with their children tonite, there are probably just as many children whose parents aren't engaged at all and will never have an idea about today's speech.<br />
<br />
In the end, to me, the biggest success of this speech is that before it even happened, it opened a conversation in this country (that hasn't taken place in a long time!) about the need to encourage education and motivate our students so that we can to build our leaders for tomorrow.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Sandy Belknaphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07178614305296930552noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2654407224847785437.post-62017449049564465372009-08-25T18:27:00.000-07:002010-01-22T07:18:26.208-08:00Welcome to Nashua, NH -- Following the Lives & Times of Citizens in a "Monied 'Burb"By Sandy Belknap<br />
<br />
A few weeks ago, I was asked if I might be interested in becoming a Patchwork Nation Blogger from the <a href="http://www.gonashua.com/">City of Nashua, NH</a>. Since I was already planning to start a personal blog, <a href="http://blogs.sun.com/dogblog/entry/sun_s_internal_business_communicators">after a few years of corporate blogging via my previous employer</a>, I immediately accepted the invitation.<br />
<br />
I've been active in my local community of Nashua for the past decade via work on a Superfund project to cleanup the <a href="http://www.epa.gov/superfund/accomp/factsheets03/mohawk.htm">Mohawk Tannery</a> (located in my immediate neighborhood). After receiving the invitation to participate in the Patchwork Nation project, I knew that this would be a great platform to share the stories of the citizens across my community, including my own, since Nashua has the honor to be chosen as one of the highlighted cities for the project.<br />
<br />
Nashua has been categorized as a <a href="http://www.pbs.org/newshour/interactive/patchworknation/communities/monied-burbs/">"Monied 'Burb"</a> by the Patchwork Nation project. This wasn't too surprising to me with the city's proximity to Boston and strong connection to the high tech industry. I have worked in the tech sector for the past 15+ years with both local start up and California-based companies. <br />
<br />
Of course, the current economic situation has changed things over the past year. Many of my colleagues, as well as I, saw our tech jobs based in Nashua go away due to corporate downsizing. For me, this has provided the opportunity to do consulting work and not have travel from coast to coast for my job. For many of my local colleagues, it has provided the opportunity to follow their passions to begin new careers. That's not to say that it has been easy. The stress related to uncertainty about one's job security, as well as worries about continued healthcare insurance, and other corporate benefits that many of us in a "monied 'burb" have become accustomed to (and in some cases, taken for granted) can take its toll. <br />
<br />
And, the implications of these employment changes have a trickle down effect to local businesses and organizations in the area. Local shop owners and restaurants are affected and have to rethink their business and marketing models to keep and attact new customers. Non-profits are stuggling to keep donors engaged and opening their wallets.<br />
<br />
Over the next several months, I will share real stories from across the Nashua community. And, one of the best ways to start this conversation is to share <a href="http://nhptv.org/outlook/sprogramdate.asp?prog_num_id=1635">a recent round table discussion</a> that Richard Ager, of NHPTV, led with some leaders from Nashua's business community. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://nhptv.org/outlook/sprogramdate.asp?prog_num_id=1635">In this video</a>, you will meet Nashua's mayor, Donnalee Lozeau; Chris Williams, Exec. Director of Nashua's Chamber of Commerce; Nick Pappas, Editorial Page Director of the Nashua Telegraph and Michael Buckley, proprietor and chef of Michael Timothy's Bistro <span style="font-size: x-small;">(one of my favorite places to dine in in Nashua's downtown!)</span> Listen in as they discuss the revitalization of Nashua's downtown and share their thoughts about the challenges the city faces and how they envision Nashua's future.<br />
<br />
I look forward to your input and comments on this blogging effort. Feel free to submit comments to ask questions and provide suggestions for topics that you would like to see covered as we share the story of Nashua with others across the Patchwork Nation.Sandy Belknaphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07178614305296930552noreply@blogger.com2