Dracut Forum

I  saw this article in this months Pediatrics Journal. It didn’t surprise me, but I had hoped differently.

The sexual behavior of virginity pledgers does not differ from that of closely matched nonpledgers, and pledgers are less likely to protect themselves from pregnancy and disease before marriage. Virginity pledges may not affect sexual behavior but may decrease the likelihood of taking precautions during sex.

I always believe in discussing things openly with teens, and on this topic we always discuss the pros and cons of teen sexual activity.  (If you only talk about the negatives in an attempt to scare or intimidate, expect them to ignore you completely… the same is true of discussing drugs and alcohol).

Now, getting them to make “deals” or “promises” is always a good thing. We do the same with them all the time as a way of teaching responsibility and trust.

But when it comes to sexual activity, the studies now show that the “pledges” that they make, though probably made with true intent and strength of will at the time, do nothing to reduce the actual prevalence of sexual activity in teens.

I believe the same is probably true of drugs and alcohol.

Read the rest »

Hopefully, you won’t notice a thing, but I just completed a massive software update to the forum.
This is to install some security updates and upgrade to the latest version of Wordpress and the associated plugins that I use.
If you see any problems, please dont hesitate to email me at sjashe@comcast.net or through the contact form above to let me know.

I have always witnessed that the people of New England are some of the most charitable I have ever seen.

Whenever studies come out to attack the Northeast, saying that because of tax return studies it is believed that we give the least to charity.. I scoff.

The people of our area give without care of getting credit or “taking a deduction.” They give because they know it is right. They always have. I’ve seen it time and time again.. when the cause is right and just, the people come through.

It has always been said, sometimes pejuratively, you are measured by those you associate with.

Well, I believe that. I choose to associate with those who are there for something beyond themselves. Be it in the many volunteers I have worked with over the years in the BSA who believe that teaching character and citizenship is important, with Foster Parents who choose to take on some of the toughest of society’s responsibilities,  to this incredible team lead by Fred Simon and Warren Shaw who take months of their time every year to raise money for the Salvation Army.

Churches, UTEC, Food Pantries, the St Paul Society, the Lions Club, American Legion, Knights of Columbus, the Rotary, The Boy and Girl Scouts, the list goes on and on of endless volunteers working without an agenda other than to support a cause that will only improve our community and society.

The Sun’s editorial today summarized just a couple of successes. I recommend that everyone look for one that they can support, and get involved.

Despite the dismal financial picture, Merrimack Valley residents and businesses once again came through for those needing a helping hand.

Thanks to the generosity of many, Lowell’s chapter of The Salvation Army was able to meet its fundraising goal of $175,000 and, statewide, the organization surpassed its $3.5 million goal. Despite tough times, the group raised $400,000 more than it did last year.

That says a lot about the munificence of Massachusetts residents. The donations serve as a reminder that despite financial struggles those who are still employed — even if they fear potential layoff or pay reductions — recognize the greater need of those who are already going without.

Lowell Sun Editorial

With the national economy continuing its downward spiral, job losses increasing and new positions difficult to come by, area charitable organizations were concerned about meeting the region’s needs over the holidays.

They shouldn’t have worried.

Despite the dismal financial picture, Merrimack Valley residents and businesses once again came through for those needing a helping hand.

Thanks to the generosity of many, Lowell’s chapter of The Salvation Army was able to meet its fundraising goal of $175,000 and, statewide, the organization surpassed its $3.5 million goal. Despite tough times, the group raised $400,000 more than it did last year.

That says a lot about the munificence of Massachusetts residents. The donations serve as a reminder that despite financial struggles those who are still employed — even if they fear potential layoff or pay reductions — recognize the greater need of those who are already going without.

Read the rest »

I had heard last week that someone named Paul Nutt had decided to run for Dracut School Committee. I knew that I knew the name.. but just couldn’t place it.

After I did some research I realized that I did know him, and had spoken with him a number of times over the years at his Sports Nutrition store over on Mammoth Road.

I stopped over this morning to pick up a few items (they carry the flax seed and fish oils my doctor recommends, plus I’m getting back on the diet now that the holidays are over).

We had a good chat about Dracut politics.. and I got to sort of size him up as a candidate. It was just a quick visit, and I’ll do a more formal interview at a later time (as we will on the radio program as well).

He is a very optimistic person and likes to talk about possibilities and opportunities. He sees running for office as an opportunity for him to give back to the community. He did not speak about running “against” anyone, but running “for” office. I liked that.

He has experience with finance and investment, as well as having been the owner and operator of at least two local businesses in town for over 15 years. He’s survived a couple of recessions.. not to mention power failures!

He has lived in Dracut for over 30 years, his family having a home over in Collinsville since WWII according to his resume.

I didn’t really get into any of the school issues with him yet. There will be more time to do that as the campaign starts up.

As anyone who watches elections knows, a single challenger against two incumbents has a significant chance here. We’re still watching to see who else steps up to the challenge.

I think Nutt brings a lot to the table in terms of business, budgeting and finance.. not to mention optimism. We’ll be keeping an eye on him.

Busy with the holiday, I didn’t get to note last week about this Christmas Present that the Lowell Sun political column left to Bob Cox:

FOR DRACUT Selectman Robert Cox: a parade for the Dracut High School football team complete with Boston Duck Boats on Beaver Brook and a wide open Broadway Road with neon signs pointing to Coyle’s Tavern.

This was really an ugly happening, that sort of upset people all over.

During the Selectmen’s meeting last month (just days after the High School Superbowl win), Cox explained that a number of people were working to have a parade on the following weekend to celebrate the high school sports team successes.

While the enthusiasm around town was high, they were trying to put together a quick celebration.

The event fell apart, and in terms a little less than “cheerful,” Cox told me that someone at the Schools was against the event, and threw a wrench into the gears to kill it. Ok, he used much more colorful and specific terms, but you get the point.

When I spoke with people from the School Side.. they had circled the wagons and gave out reasons such as “the band wasn’t ready”, “midterms”, and “it was too short a notice.”

Too short a notice? Boston shut down the next day after the Superbowl and the World Series wins.

Cox wasn’t looking to stop all commerce for a day.. just get people together for a couple hours while the enthusiasm was high. The band didn’t need to perform, but would have been in the parade as additional students to celebrate.

The schools later had their athletic awards night, and will have some sort of ceremony in a few months for the Football Team as well.. but I don’t think the enthusiasm would ever be the same as it would have been that week.

(Would you go down to Boston this weekend for a celebration of last year’s Superbowl if the Pats had won?)

All in all.. an opportunity was lost for the people of the town, beyond just the parents and elected officials, to congratulate all these kids for such a great season.