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Messages - Barbara
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211
« on: November 07, 2013, 03:23:16 PM »
They have been returned to their home!
212
« on: October 20, 2013, 10:38:07 AM »
bump
213
« on: October 17, 2013, 07:38:49 AM »
Just to be clear. If we decided to contract our bus services, it will be FWSU who will negotiate the deal. They will look for a company that can provide the service to all schools in the district. Fairfax will not have any say over the selection beyond our representation on the FWSU board. The discussion really is whether we wish to have our own buses or not.
214
« on: October 16, 2013, 08:40:19 AM »
Fairfax is in a unique position in our district as far as meeting our students transportation needs. We own our fleet of buses. Two years ago the town was presented with the reality that in order to retain this resource Fairfax had to purchase a bus for 4 of the future 5 years. The bus purchase article was defeated last town meeting by 5 votes so we are in the position of having to buy a bus for each of the next several years to maintain a safe fleet. The school directors are asking for a financial assessment of the options; it is their fiscal duty to our community to investigate whether there is a substantial savings to the community. Please attend the next board meeting, November 11th and be part of the discussion. That evening the board is hosting a budget forum to kick off the process. Help direct the board as to the priorities for our community.
215
« on: October 14, 2013, 08:34:24 AM »
There is an agenda item for tonight's school board meeting that has caught my eye.
Buses are to be the topic of discussion.
If we wish to retain our fleet as a resource we need to step forward and join the discussion.
Two years ago the need to purchase 4 buses over the following 5 years was identified for our town.
The bus article was defeated at last year's town meeting so now we need to purchase a bus a year to stay on track.
I truly believe Fairfax has made an invaluable investment in this resource and the cost to maintain it is paid back through our flexibility to transport our students.
Each of the 7 years I was on the school board our transportation supervisor was asked to analyze the financial impact of retaining the fleet or going out to bid.
There tended to be a savings in the first few years if the younger buses are used by the contracting company. After their value is absorbed the price goes up.
About ten years ago the town voted to invest in a garage that could assist in maintaining the 14 year average life of our buses. This is 4 years beyond commercial fleets.
That facility also provides maintenance for the field equipment and our drivers ed car. All these services are difficult to provide a true cost analysis of,
but there is a real cost if it all has to be contracted out.
Our students have benefited over the years through trips for all kinds of co-curricular events that would be too costly if a bus and driver had to be hired.
The community at large benefits through the ability to canvas the town on Green Up Day and even 'rent' a bus for a Historical Society tour to acquaint us with our town's
points of historical significance.
Let us have a fully informed town discussion before a decision is made to relinquish a fleet that holds an approximate one and a half million dollar replacement value.
I believe we can all agree that once it is gone we will never have this valued resource again.
216
« on: September 05, 2013, 01:02:52 PM »
I stopped by with my basket and picked enough to fill it in 15 minutes or so.
Judy greeted me as I was finishing up, so I could thank her in person.
It is not necessary to climb or rough house the tree to get the fruit.
The poor trees are truly bending over to hand it to you!
It is very generous of Judy and Mark to offer the fruit free for picking.
Please respect their property and be gentle to the trees.
217
« on: August 05, 2013, 05:03:19 AM »
I have a Radio Shack antenna on the roof of my garage and with it receive all the channels I need.
The inside antenna I tried did not capture any channels for me either.
218
« on: March 04, 2013, 01:17:41 PM »
The Select board made the decision to not fund any of the Social Service requests that were made. They felt it was each citizen's choice to make private donations. Whether I agree with that decision or not, it is one the Board has the right to make. I am concerned for the reputation of our community when a letter of request that includes contact information AND a follow up phone call to ensure the select board has the information it needs were not honestly responded to. The Franklin County Home Health Agency requested about $8,700 from Fairfax taxpayers in support of its mission to provide care to every client whether they can pay or not. The number is arrived at by using the 2010 Census figures for residents of the town and asking for $2 a person. This was requested of all the member towns of our county. Not only is Franklin County Home Health Agency a non-profit supported by many volunteers, it wrote off $600,000 worth of services to Franklin county residents last year. I know from the testimonials I hear throughout the year, but especially at Town Meeting, how well supported the Agency is by Fairfax. I will recommend the request be made as an article for next year so that the community can show its support. Unfortunately the discourtesy shown by the Select Board in its lack of a timely response to the current request means the Agency will not be able to take that action for this year.
Barbara S Murphy, vice chair, FCHHA
219
« on: December 11, 2012, 04:23:04 PM »
I did copy and paste your link after posting my note and realized it is more machine than I can give a home to.
Someone is going to be very lucky to get this under their tree though.
You are very generous to offer it for free. Barbara
220
« on: December 10, 2012, 01:48:24 PM »
I have been a school board member in years past.
Board members are glorified volunteers, the remuneration we received was never enough to even cover childcare or mileage costs, but it is a job someone needs to do. The paid employees, ie superintendent and principals, are the experts to be relied upon for information and guidance in the normal course of events. It is the task of the school board of the supervisory union to evaluate the work of the Superintendent and should the member school board feel there is a disconnect between the actions being advised and the will of their school community this should be reflected in such an evaluation.
I am saddened to hear of several poorly handled personnel issues that have left a real sense of unhappiness for our school professionals. Many of the individuals I came to know and love during my children's years in the BFA school system have finished their teaching careers and moved on but it would be a great tragedy for Fairfax if the few that are left felt obliged to move on due to a spirit of disrespect.
The school is the largest "business" in town, but it is not a business, it is our beloved BFA and we need to ask how each of us can volunteer our time and talents to make sure all members of our school community are treated as treasured members and not replaceable cogs, widgets or product.
Respectfully, Barbara Smith Murphy
221
« on: December 09, 2012, 06:51:15 PM »
And I highly recommend that you call this man during the day! I am very happy to have Ed in my 'rolodex' as my plumber.
He has saved me money and grief through his skills and knowledge. He may not be the cheapest quote but if you want
the job done right the first time (and to have a plumber to call on the off hours) he is the one to hire.
222
« on: November 28, 2012, 07:37:58 PM »
Tony set an example for us all in how to live until our final moment of this life.
He was an amazingly brave young man, raised by an even braver Mom.
Love to the whole family.
223
« on: October 30, 2012, 05:21:45 PM »
I went to the Country Pantry for an early lunch today and it was great. The chef allowed my friend and I to order lunch dishes even though it was a bit early. The food was great and I highly recommend the house dressing for your salad, maple vinaigrette. I look forward to trying a dinner soon.
224
« on: June 14, 2012, 05:46:18 PM »
I echo a Happy Birthday wish to "Tee"
Much love,
Barbara
225
« on: May 24, 2012, 05:00:51 PM »
I wish this event had been advertised to the community at large and not just within the school.
I would have loved to attend, especially to wish Mac a fond farewell and thanks for all he has done for our kids.
Please feel free to bring announcements of these events to the PO.
We have a bulletin board for just such occasions and people do read them.
Glad to hear it was an evening of musical talent showcased.
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