Letters to the Editor: Resident Questions Decision, Other Extend Thank Yous

Thank you to Mayor John “Jack” Gilgun

I was honored to attend a ceremony on Saturday, October 27 to commemorate 50 years of Horn Pond as a recreation area and to recognize the contributions of former Mayor John Gilgun in making it a reality.  Thanks to his foresight and dogged perseverance, Mayor Gilgun was able to convince then-Governor Volpe to transfer control of the Woburn Parkway to the City from the MDC. This in spite of opposition from state authorities who thought it would set a bad precedent and erode the influence of the powerful agency if other cities did the same.

The result is that today, not only my Ward, but the entire city has a treasure that will be preserved in perpetuity for the enjoyment of all who visit.

As someone who grew up with the Pond as my extended backyard, I was like so many others who love the place, but take its protected status for granted. It might have turned out differently; imagine the shores of the Woburn Parkway cluttered with housing developments, traffic streaming by day and night and bereft of the wildlife that thrives there.  The fact that pedestrians can walk through the Parkway and enjoy it in a natural state is the gift that resulted from Mayor Gilgun’s actions 50 years ago.

During the ceremony, a beautiful monument was unveiled that describes the events of that time.  Throughout the coming years and decades, all who read it will know how Horn Pond was saved for them and by whom, leaving a legacy that will last for countless generations.

Thank you Mayor Gilgun.

Rosa DiTucci, Alderman Ward 1

Thank you, Woburn Patch

Reeves Elementary School would like to thank the Woburn Patch for their support in the Woburn Lions Parade last Sunday.  The Students at the Reeves School attended an enrichment program where they created the Fauna and Flora of the South American Rain Forest.  This year the Reeves School is focusing on the continent of South America.  Combining the Rainforest with ideas from movies The Jungle Book and Rio, we created a float that was over ninety percent recycled.  Thanks to several Woburn companies who gave us their used wood and families from across town who donated used neck ties, bottles, paper bags and socks, newspaper and buckets.   

Using plastic bottles flowers were cut and painted. Neckties created snakes. Socks created birds and paper bags made climbing vines.  With the help of 35 children and nearly forty parents the float came together and brought the parade a small “Patch” of the Rain Forest. 

Thank you to Miss Willa and all of the companies, families, and friends who donated their time, recyclables and candy. Much appreciation to L&M for use of the truck and Rob our driver.  Thank you to Danielle Masterson and the Patch for their financial support.  Most importantly, thank you to the Woburn Lions Club for another amazing Parade.  We look forward to another parade next year.

Reeves School PTO

Resident questions decision

The October 25, 2012 meeting of the Conservation Commission was ominously disappointing regarding the proposed development of 23 houses on one of the Spence Farm properties on Wyman St.

The Mass DEP made a strong point regarding a hydraulic connection in the drainage system of the field that had not been identified in the developer’s plans.  Also that it should be located and identified before the project plans are approved.  The commission’s administrator, who is Woburn’s own expert in these matters, agreed.  Commissioner Lohnes made a motion to delay approval of the plan until this issue was resolved as recommended by these experts.  Not one of the other commissioners voted to approve that motion.

Now, I don’t pretend to know exactly what a hydraulic connection is, but I do know that if the state DEP and our own expert think it is important then it ought to be investigated.  Silly me who thought it was the duty of the commission to protect the rights and property of the citizens.  Turns out they seem to believe it is their responsibility to protect developers from pesky regulations.

So be it, now we know for sure.  If you have a bit of wetland around your house take a picture of it ‘cause it won’t be around for long.  Better yet, call or Email the mayor and your alderman and ask them if they agree with this decision.

Vince Grillo

Thank you to "Coins for Cole" supporters

To the Editor,

The Stoddard Family, Led to Zep and I would like to give special thanks to all the people and businesses who donated in one way or another to make our fundraiser on October 12th for “Coins for Cole” a big success!  To help thank them, please be sure to patronize them and shop locally.  Also thank you to the volunteers who are too numerous to list.

Advanced Laser & skin care, Woburn

BBQ  Basket – Irene Simas

Bruce Nail’s, Burlington

Buddy Fanjoy, Singer/Songwriter

Burlington Florist

Candlelight & Roses, Billerica

Delicious Desserts, Burlington

Floyd’s 99 Barbershop

Glamour Nails – Woburn Mall

IROBOT Scooba – Kelly O’Connell

Jack Lynch, Comedian

La Patisserie, Winchester

Laser Craze, Woburn & N Andover

Led to Zep: John Robert Murphy, Steve Burrows, Mike Zizza, Gino Caira, Tony Calendo, Rob Nemetz

Lia Sophia Socialite Necklace - Amanda Weber

Locks N Keys, John Casey, Woburn Mall

Louie’s Pizza, Woburn

Marini Chiropractic, Burlington

Nutrition & Whole Health Solutions, Bedford 

Pampered Chef, Paula Rice

“Peace” Angel pottery wall hanging, Lori Call Maynard

Performance Music Center, Woburn Center

Planet Fitness, Woburn

Sal’s pizza, Woburn

Sons of Italy, Woburn

Scentzy Basket – Michelle Schuler

Starbucks Basket, Bedford

Walter Stickle, guitarist, Pink Voyd

Frame Haven, Winchester

Tremonte, Woburn

The Brickyard, Woburn

The Restaurant, Woburn

Tupperware basket – Nancy Marie Megna Whipple

Usborne Books – Brenda Cirone

Winchester Veterinary Group

Woburn Bowladrome, Woburn

Yoga Mandala, Winchester

Zanna, vocals

Thank you to everyone that was able to attend the concert at the Sons of Italy and extend their support.   A portion of all the concert ticket sales and 100% of all proceeds from the Raffles benefited “Coins for Cole” and childhood cancer research.  

If you would like to make a donation to help Childhood Cancer Research - please make checks out to "Coins for Cole" and send to Michelle Stoddard, 4 Settlement Road, Sandown, NH, 03873.

To help increase Childhood Cancer Awareness please visit - www.facebook.com/yellowandgoldforcole    

We thank you for your support.

Sincerely,

Brenda Cirone

Editor's note: Letters to the Editor are printed upon receipt; content is unedited and is the letter writer's opinion.