Publius,
I'm the happiest person in the world today. Please accept and publish this as a separate article.
"SO ORDERED"
I've got in front of me the executed court order from Rockingham Superior Court ordering that the Vietnam Honor Roll panels be placed in front of Town Hall,-- exactly where Atkinson's Town Meeting voters have twice voted them to go.
I couldn't wait for the mail. It was worth a special trip to pick up the court order to see those wonderful words: "So Ordered."!!!
I'm estatic. It's taken over two and a half years of pain, anguish and heartache for the ladies of the Atkinson Vietnam Honor Roll Committee before right finally prevailed. And we owe it all to you wonderful Atkinson voters who came through for those 72 young people who left Atkinson to wear their country's uniform and serve under her flag during a tough period. You wonderful caring voters! You 74 % of the voters!
On behalf of the Honor Roll Committee, I'd like to give you our most heart-felt thanks. Also thank you to the donors and co-petitioners!
I'd love to hug you all !!
Carol Grant, Chairwoman
Atkinson Vietnam Honor
Roll Committee
NOTICE OF DECISION
05-E-0676 Carol A. Grant, Chairwoman, et al vs. Town of Atkinson, etal
Please be advised that on 10/10/2007 Judge Lewis made the following order relative to:
Amended Stipulation: Approved.
"So Ordered"
10/15/2007 Raymond Taylor
Clerk of Court
(Actually, the judge signed the
order SIX DAYS AGO !!)
AMENDED STIPULATION
NOW COME, the parties in the above-entitled matter, and having previously entered into a Stipulation, now as a result of a duly petitioned and Special Town meeting held on Wednesday, September 12, 2007, hereby amends said previous stipulation by replacing the terms thereof with the following:
1. In accordance with the September 12, 2007 Town Meeting Warrant Article Vote, the Vietnam Honor Roll panels will be placed directly in front of the Atkinson Town Hall, with one name panel to be positioned on each side of the existing "Vietnam map stone" within 8 feet of the "Vietnam map stone", with each panel positioned outside of and flanking the flagpoles, to be in place prior to Veteran's Day 2007.
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ATKINSON's Vietnam HONOR ROLL as VOTED and PASSED by 2005 Town Meeting and re-approved at Special Town Meeting Sept. 12
EDITORIAL-
A voice of compassion, an example of fairness and reasonable government.
One who believes in the strength and comfort you, your children and your family can draw from good government leadership.
A person who knows Atkinson is our home -- our most important possession that must be preserved and protected through fair taxes and sound community planning and where our children must be safe to grow to become a new generation of leaders.
One who knows that the citizens of Atkinson are all neighbors with her leadership to be dedicated and responsive to all.
One who believes that when those from Atkinson have served our nation and honors are deserved, those honors must be given.
In Valerie Tobin, we now have a leader we know we can entrust with these responsibilities because they are part of her character.
It is our honor to endorse Valerie for election to Atkinson’s Board of Selectmen.
Just a note for those who wish to count the deer.
In January 08 this blog had 16,000 hits and 1,500 unique visitors (for the month).
In 2007 this blog had over 100,000 hits and 5,750 unique visitors (for the year).
In 2007 this blog had over 100,000 hits and 5,750 unique visitors (for the year).
EDITORIAL-
"I offer nothing more than simple facts, plain arguments, and common sense . . ." [TP, 1776]
We take no small measure of umbrage at such a hostile official act against this BLOG’s patron. Therefore, a timely Editorial comment is both appropriate and necessary.
Discussion of Atkinson’s financial direction, from any viewpoint, is fundamental and encouraged and we will always attempt to limit and correct errors.
However, Righteous indignation towards purported error of such inconsequential nature is not appropriate.
The ENTIRE car deal is problematic. If it was caused by poor judgement, improper exercise of authority, neglect or mistake or even specious reasoning, this will never trump the facts that the entire questionable transaction started and ended within a very small circle of confidants.
We find the entire circumstances surrounding the disposition of the police Cruiser highly irregular at the least and the "explanations" somewhat trifling and exhaustive of our intellect.
Mr. Consentino: It’s time to go. Being Chief of Atkinson’s Police Department is NOT a birthright. That is a fabled legend of yesteryear.
Historically in Atkinson, police chief appointments were made "under the hand of the selectmen" for terms of one year at a time, as was also the case in the beginning of Mr. Consentino’s assorted and discontinuous stream of appointments to this position.
Your only remaining credential established on a claim of indispensability has faded.
So time is neigh. Plan a graceful exit, Clean out your desk, Accept the gratitude and tearful sentiments from some. We plan no editorial recriminations. It is time. Thank you for your service, We wish you a long and happy retirement. Bon Voyage.
LETTER
"To All Atkinson Residents,
I am writing to ask for your help. A member of the Atkinson Police Department needs our help. I am here to ask for your help in Corporal John Lapham's fight for his life. As you are aware, John has been diagnosed with Leukemia. He has been once again hospitalized with an infection that is threatening his life. He is one of the bravest people that I have ever met. He has never asked of anything from the residents of the town. Now is our chance to step up and help both him and his family out. As everyone is aware John has been out of work for a few months. His family has been busy helping John to get better. He needs our help, and I am hoping that this town can step up to the plate and help. From the moment that I met John, I have admired him. He does alot, but never asks for anything in return. He has helped so many people in this town. I for one am one of those people. Please help him.
There is a fund set-up in his name at TDBanknorth in Plaistow. Any amount will help John, while he is out of work. It would be great if this town could help ease a burden off his wife.
Thank You
Also if anyone would like to send a card, please address it to:
John Lapham
c/o Dana-Farber/Brigham and Women's Cancer Ctr.
Inpatient mail
75 Francis Street
Boston, MA 02115
United States
Please show Corporal John Lapham, that this community can stand up and show our support to those in need. I for one, miss John and can not wait until he can get better and return to work. Please show him that we support him. "
31 comments:
Who was it that said Carol Grant will never get her way?
Oh yeah, that was Phil.
Good job, Carol!
OK Mr. Sapia and Mr. Childs, do you need any further explanation on the definition of the word "IMMEDIATELY" ??
2 town votes. Town Counsel concurrence. Signed stipulation.
No more excuses. Do as the voters say. NOW.
Talk about STUPID.......
It is amazing to me what you have to go through to, not only do what is right, but to do what the denizens who voted you into office, voted to have done in the first place.
What the hell is wrong with the town of Atkinson.
It's about time for Carol Grant to get the thanks she deserves for not giving up.
Thank you...Carol
I assume a copy of this court order will go to the Eagle-Tribune. We need to keep the non-believers of this blog informed.
After what they've been put through the ladies of the Vietnam Honor Roll Committee should be dancing in the street! If ever a "good deed was punished, it was this one". However, after the member of the Veterans' Club read the hate letter at the prior Selectmens' mtg. I have a feeling this junk is going to go on and on! Don't be surprised to see the honor roll panels vandalized by some "unknown perpetrator" as soon as they are installed.
ego, megalomania, narcissism, ignorance, and arrogance. In spades in "The Chief," Childs and Sapia.
Bet they will "appeal" the decision or at best wait until November 7 before allowing any of the work to be done. And then The Chief will walk around every contractor's vehicle involved in the installment with a magnifying glass and tape m measure looking for infractions. He will also have his son follow the contractor waiting for just1 MPH over the speed limit.
They will not stop yet. It is not over. These vindictive twits will exact their revenge any way they can. If Mrs. Grant needs a permit for any work on her house, she will not get it. Remember harrassment under the color of authority is what these guys do.
Congrats to Mrs. Grant for this victory. But the war mis not over. There should be a 24 hour armed guard on the panels until they are installed. Once installed, there is still nothing to stop a "hood" from destroying the panels.
Be watchful of any signs of escalation.
From one Veteran in town NOT represented by "the veterans club";
I would like to issue a heartfelt THANK YOU to all of the 74% of the voters who voted to place these Honor Roll panels!
After two years of fighting the selectmen to get them to obey the voters, this is a sweet victory indeed. Again I thank all of you who have contributed, supported, and voted for these panels, BOTH TIMES!
Do you really think they will be allowed to be installed? Lets face it Mrs Grant is noted for being eccentric and that is what they play on. The whole point is she has been right all along. Everyone laughed at her. She's crazy, that is how the selectman portrayed her. But she is right. Stand up for your morals. Thanks Carol for teaching us this.
For three years I have watched Consentino, Sapia, and Childs rip Mrs. Grant a new one every time she came before them.
She would have a point to make, and they would push her buttons knowing that they could get her off on a tangent.
Then they sat there and talked about her as if she were crazy. They made outrageous comments about her and others.
Well, Mrs. Grant; Touche!
You were right, they were wrong, and if they had an ounce of conscience they would give you the apology you so richly deserve.
But cowards that they are they will never do this.
chalk up one more defeat for poor Phil.
To Carol Grant and all the great ladies at the Historical Society who worked with her for the completion of the Vietnam Honor Roll:
Congratulations on a job well done. Patience is a virtue. I am proud to be part of this organization even tho not part of this committee. Many good things have been accomplished by this group under many presidents since it's incorporation. God willing we will find some young blood to carry on the work that's already been done.Carol keep up the good work Atkinson Historical Society Ladies and gentlemen take a bow. You deserve it. The Red Sox didn't win last night but it's you're time to howl, See you at the placement of the monuments immediately.
Not much time to mess around.......
Only 2 weeks to get those panels placed. I wonder if the "Bully" will be able to get a contractor to do it by Veterans Day.
To Justice - Richard Atwood of Atwood Memorials (custodian of the panels for the past 2 yrs.) is poised and ready to go to do the install. It would be a wonderful gesture if the Chm. of the BOS would call him to relay this info, but I suspect that Mrs. Grant and the committee will do the honors. (I understand the panels have been quite an attraction at Atwood Mem. with all the publicity!)
The Atkinson Vietnam Honor Roll Committee has already notified Atwood of the signed court order. He will be meeting with the ladies of the Committee at the mapstone to place markers exactly where the cement footings will be poured and to mark the angles at which the two HOnor Roll panels will be canted to the map stone.
It will be a two-step process: the pouring of the cement footings, and after the cement cures for a few days, then comes the positioning of the Honor Roll panels on the footings.
We also have to pick up the two spot lights -- one for each panel. The current single spot-light illuminates only the map-stone and leaves the panels in darkness. Since so many people attend meetings at the Town Hall at night, they should be able to see the entire Vietnam Memorial area, and not just 1/3 of it.
Our Atkinson Electrical Inspector, David Pallaria, as his personal contribution to the Honor Roll project, will be very kindly donating his labor in putting in the two spot-lights. He's a nice man and we appreciate his help
Like the RedSox fan.....
Everything sounds like it is in place. But like the RedSox fan I am half waiting for the other shoe to drop and the so called "Chief" to unliesh his secret weapon. The Acme "Carol Grant-be gone" sling shot.
For those who are interested I have received my letter in NON-RESPONSE to my Criminal Complaint against Chief Consentino.
At 3:15 today I left 30 copies of this letter on the flyer table against the left hand wall of the Kimball public library, above the stacks of old newspapers. I hope Publius can get a copy and post it here.
The ladies of the Atkinson Vietnam Honor Roll Committee met this afternoon to discuss the Vietnam Honor Roll Panels Installation Celebration.
This year the true Veterans Day falls on a Sunday - Nov. 11. However, forgetting the true significance of the day, the State of N.H. and the federal government have announced that Veterans Day this year will be celebrated on Monday, Nov. 12, to accomodate those three day week-ends.
I hope that local businesses and companies honor that Nov. 12 Veterans Day and allow their employees that day as a holiday, because the Honor Roll Committee invites all who care about honoring Atkinson's Vietnam veterans to be present at the 1:30 p.m. Installation Celebration and un-veiling of the panels.
Absolutely EVERYONE is invited, especially the many donors, co-petitioners, and all of the 2005 and 2007 Town Meeting voters who are responsible for making this Special Day happen.
After being installed, the two panels will be covered until the Nov. 12 un-veiling ceremony so that the first people who see the installed name panels will be those veterans whose names are on them and who are being honored. They've waited so long. They deserve the honor of seeing them first.
I hate to be a dark cloud, but I have to say this: Don't count on our selectmen to get this installed anytime soon. In fact, if I had to bet, I would bet they don't do it. I hope I am wrong.
To Anonymous at 10:09,
It's not the selectmen's job to see to the installation of the panels. They've opposed and obstructed those panels from the start. For them to have any involvement now, would be to dishonor those panels and an arrogant insult to the ladies.
Installing those panels is a job solely for the ladies -- no, let me correct that -- it's an HONOR that should belong only to the ladies who fought for so long for those panels.
It is very kind and gracious of Mrs. Grant and her Committee ladies to invite "everyone" to the Installation Celebration.
However, there are two groups of people whose presence at the Celebration would be an insult to the townspeople, the veterans, the voters, and to the ladies themselves: those people who put the town through hell for over two years to prevent that Installation from ever happening.
The first group are Consentino, Sapia and Childs who refused from the start to honor the 2005 Town Meeting vote and who treated Mrs. Grant and her ladies, especially Mrs. Grant, with such rudeness and viciousness every time, those many times she or they (including Mrs. Zaremba) came before the Board to try to get the selectmen to honor the town meeting vote.
The second group who have no business being at the Celebration are those handful of fringe-fanatics who insult the word "veteran" by daring to call themselves the "Veterans Club."
They've been repudiated by the many hundreds of true veterans in Atkinson who refuse to attend their meetings or associate with them in any way. Those few club members never served from Atkinson and made it their total mission and sole focus to do all they could do to prevent the honoring of the names of those from Atkinson who did serve.
We've watched on cable tv the many selectmen's meetings over the past two years where Dave Weymouth, Jake Collins, Dick Magoon, and now Hurley and Frederickson have been attacking Mrs. Grant and her committee ladies and successfully pressuring our spineless, unpatriotic selectmen to sell out Atkinson's voters and true veterans by not allowing the panels to be installed.
Before the Special Town Meeting, those fringe fanatics put letters in the Trib and CT News urging everyone to vote against the warrant article.
When the townspeople and voters AGAIN repudiated them and their shabby tactics and by a landslide passed the warrant article, those sour-grapes fringe fanatics then wrote more letters to the Trib and CT News, and also read the very nasty letter at the selectmen's meeting that they would never honor those panels and would see to it that at each Memorial Day celebration that those panels were "disregarded." Sapia and Childs, even after the Special Town Meeeting vote continued to be supportive of those fringe radicals.
Such viciousness and mean-spiritedness. The presence of any of those fringe fanatics at the celebration would be an insult to everyone present.
Those fringe lunatics better never be allowed any official town involvement in our Memorial Day celebrations because of their stated intent to use the Mem.Day celebration as an opportunity to dishonor the panels and the names on them.
I disagree with those who say that the Selectmen, Chief, and opposing veterans should not be allowed to attend the dedication. It's over. Time to (I hesitate to say this) move on. Carol was right...everyone who wants to attend should be welcomed.
to anonymous of Oct.18, 2007,
I can understand you're meaning of words and frustration. All of us on the side of right are thinking the same thoughts.It's been a long haul, almost 2 1/2 years of not being able to sleep at night or crying ourselves to sleep over the fact that our Vietnam veterans memories could be treated so shamefully,and our vote being ignored but in this one instance we have begun to see the fruits of our labor and patience. This has been a lesson learned by all of us. This town needs to do some big time healing and there are more stones to be unturned, one stone at a time. Maybe in our small way we can show others our strength and as the song says and I quote, " LET THERE BE PEACE ON EARTH AND LET IT BEGIN WITH ME" Forgivness is a hard thing to do when you're hurting but feels so good when done. God bless us all. Hope to see everyone @ 1:30 PM Nov.12, 2007 at the Town Hall.
I strongly agree with Anonymous 8:13 a.m. and disagree with 9:43 a.m.
It's to Carol and her ladies' great credit that their invitation to the Celebration includes everyone, especially after how abusively they all were treated by Consentino, Sapia, Childs and those fist-clenched, hate-filled pseudo-veterans.
But those people in those two groups mentioned who caused the town such upset should not be present, even though the invitation is stated to include everyone. Those two groups forfeited the privilege to be there by their constant contemptible behavior over a 2 year period.
The ladies of the Vietnam Honor Roll Committee are a class act. Never once was there a derogatory remark made about the original committee who were responsible for the beautiful memorial "map stone". Several of them had contributed to it. These panels were intended to inhance that memorial stone and to honor Atkinson's vets by name. It is the committee's sincere belief that Mr. Hellmuth would have approved those panels had he been alive today. Let's not lose sight of the reason these panels were created. Not for personal benefit or glory, not for spite, but to simply honor our Viet vets; and we can do that on Nov. 12.
Use of the Atkinson Community Center is supposed to be for the support of community activities.
Since those few members of the almost memberless "Veterans Club" have been anything but community-minded and have repeatedly demonstrated that they don't share the Atkinson community's (at least 74% of the community) values concerning honoring our Vietnam veterans and since those Club members have stated their future plans to attempt to block honoring those panels and inscribed names on future Memorial Days, they should NOT be allowed to use our Community Center for their plottings.
The townspeople at Special Town Meeting have soundly and decisively repudiated those low-lifes who have been so intent on denying honor to our Atkinsonians who served. That "club" should not be allowed to use our Community Center for its plotting against Atkinson values and Atkinson's veterans. They should meet in each other's homes or under a rock somewhere.
As a veteran, I also feel strongly that they don't belong at the celebration that they did everything they could to prevent from ever happening.
I'm a veteran and also felt strong anger while watching the selectmen's mtg on cable when Hurley, representing the self-styled Veterans Club, read his hate letter from the Club.
No true veterans would object or try to obstruct fellow veterans from being honored. Those sicko Veterans Club members should be run out of town.
Published: October 18, 2007 12:00 am
Vietnam honor rolls will finally be placed
By Meghan Carey , Staff writer
Eagle-Tribune
ATKINSON - The Vietnam Honor Roll Committee is once again planning a big Veterans Day dedication of the Vietnam honor roll panels - and this time it looks like it will go through.
The two stones, with names on them, have had a long trip to their final destination, which will be in front of Town Hall on either side of the Vietnam Memorial. The journey began as a warrant article at Town Meeting in 2005, and traveled for two years through the court system and a Special Town Meeting in September. Now, a state Supreme Court judge has signed a new court order to follow the Sept. 12 vote and place the panels by Veterans Day next month, according to the court document.
('Plus' account required to read entire article)
If the opposing veterans and some of the town officials choose not to attend the dedication, that's their decision. I still believe Carol and the Historical Society have done the right thing by extending the invitation.
In the public eye which is being so closely monitored, who would look better - Carol and the Historical Society or the "others".
I hope the media is there to capture exactly who is there
AND who is NOT there. That will make for great PR. Any bets on who will NOT be there?
Dear Pulius,
Please print this great news!
Thank you.
Carol Grant
PANEL FOUNDATION FOOTINGS POURED!!
The cement foundation footings for the two Honor Roll panels were poured early this morning !
The Honor Roll Committee met with Mr. Atwood Friday morning to mark the exact location and angle of the panels. We expected the footings to be poured sometime this week.
But Mr. Atwood's "cement man" decided that this morning's weather was perfect and that early Sunday was the best time so as not to interfere with weekday resident traffic accessing the Town Hall.
Mr. Atwood phoned me at 9 a.m. to tell me that, as we were speaking, the footings were being poured. I notified the Committee members and we quickly took some snap-shots.
The cement team started at 7:30 a.m. (while most of us were either still sleeping or getting ready for Church) and were finished by 10.
By this posting, I am also asking Publius, if he will allow the posting on the blog of one of the snap-shots of the footings being poured.
Carol
Thank You for the photo you left at the monument. We have retrieved the picture and del. your message. We will post the picture asap.
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