The Maynard Marketing Task Force Wishes you a Happy Holiday Season
For town information, community building and pragmatic solutions
This month’s features:
– A “Citizen Planner Award” for one of our own
– The Backstory of how our Federal land, now the Assabet River National
Wildlife Refuge, was taken by eminent domain.
– Holiday events and giving opportunities
– Shout-out to our Public Library
– Capital planning “behind the scenes” under Education in Maynard
Did You Know?…
Free Downtown Holiday Parking:
Please be advised that the first two hours of metered parking is free from November 25, 2023 through December 31, 2023. Happy holidays from the Town of Maynard!
Source: Town of Maynard
https://www.townofmaynard-ma.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=144
Did You Know?…
“The Ammo Dump: A Taking of Heritage”, a newly published book by Maynard native Paul Boothroyd and sons Paul Jr. and Todd, tells the early history of the land and of the people who once lived on the Assabet River National Wildlife Refuge. At the breakout of WWII, the U.S. Army required a depot to safely store explosives until transport to Europe could be arranged. By eminent domain, Maynard lost a large swath of land. Practically overnight, 80 farm families lost their homes and livelihoods to establish a base the locals would come simply to call “The Ammo Dump.” Worst of all, they lost the lives they had built; they had their heritage taken.
The book is broadly divided into three chronological eras; first, from Native American occupation through the colonial and post-colonial settling by European colonists; second the taking of the land by the U.S. Army for use during World War II and after; and third, turnover of the land from the Army to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, for the majority of the land to become the Assabet River Natural Wildlife Refuge (ARNWR).
Join us for a talk about this important history at the library on January 20, 2024 at 1pm ( see the library’s event calendar to register)
The book is for sale at Russell’s convenience store, Main Street, Maynard, for $21.99.
Source: Paul Boothroyd and Family and David Mark
Around Town (Hall):
A Kickoff meeting on Short and Long term steps toward a Senior Center venue will take place on Monday night December 18 at town hall starting at 7pm with discussion on formation of a “Senior Center Committee”. Chris DiSilva has invited members of the Friends of Maynard Seniors and the Senior Center Focus Group to join the COA board . See link to agenda:
https://www.townofmaynard-ma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/2445/coa-agenda-20231218?bidId=
December Advantage Testimonial :
A testimonial from our Town Administrator (TA) Gregory Johnson:
“Maynard’s vibrancy, diversity, and desire to embrace progress makes it an ideal location for any investment. It is the sort of community I had always dreamed of working in, which is why I’m so proud to serve Maynard’s elected Select Board as their Town Administrator. Town Hall strives to partner with business-owners, developers and entrepreneurs of all size, from start-ups looking for a place to grow, and with visionaries seeking opportunities to invest in our multiple commercial areas, including our charming downtown and along regionally connecting corridors. I’m in awe of where Maynard is today, and I’m excited to witness its future”.
Source: Greg Johnson
Powder Mill Road Corridor holds Open House and next steps
The Planning Board Quorum attended the Powder Mill Road Corridor Open House on November 15, 2023. A brief summary of the initiative and meeting follows:
Connecting Maynard, Acton, and West Concord, the Powder Mill Road Corridor consists of approximately one mile in Maynard and a half mile in Acton. For the past two years, the Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC), the Town of Acton, and the Town of Maynard have worked together to create a long-term community-oriented strategy for the corridor to guide how future growth occurs. Community Forums and Focus Groups were conducted. The strategy recommended that the Towns work together to create an overlay zoning district that supports walkable, mixed-use developments, advances complete streets transportation options, and expands access to the Assabet River. This zoning initiative, Phase II of the project, seeks to make Powder Mill Road a more welcoming place for people to live, visit, and spend time.
On November 15th, a Public Open House was held at the Elks Lodge in Maynard, where members of the Planning Departments of Acton and Maynard were present, along with representatives from MAPC, to answer questions. The public was invited to walk around and read the information provided on the easels that were displayed throughout the room.
This project is being led by the Acton and Maynard Planning Boards and made possible by technical assistance from MAPC and Executive Office of Energy & Environmental Affairs Planning Grants.
The next step in the process will be for both Acton and Maynard to consider and vote on zoning law changes at their respective Town Meetings in Spring of 2024.
For updates on the project, please check out:
https://www.mapc.org/resource-library/powder-mill-road-corridor-initiative/
Source: Armand Diarbekirian
Volunteer Spotlight of the month: David Mark 2023 Citizen Planner award recipient:
You may know some of David’s multiple contributions over the years, but we’ll bet some of these accomplishments are new to you!
Maynard resident David Mark was selected to receive the Citizen Planner Award from the American Planning Association – Massachusetts Chapter (APA-MA). The AMA-MA awards were bestowed at a lunch event on December 8th, at the Colonial Inn, Concord. David attended with Jean D’Amico, his wife. Also attending from Maynard were Greg Johnson, Town Administrator, and Bill Nemser, Planning Director.
Excerpts from the town’s nomination for the award: “David has long been an institution of local knowledge and a fixture on the local historical circuit. Since his arrival in Maynard in 2000, he has authored numerous articles on Maynard, many of which were compiled in the book Maynard History and Life Outdoors. For the Town’s 150th anniversary, he published an expansive history of Maynard.
http://www.maynardlifeoutdoors.com/
David’s volunteer efforts in Maynard include extensive work on the creation of the Assabet River Rail Trail (ARRT).
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/massachusetts/assabet-river-rail-trail
This multi-jurisdictional effort resulted in the creation of a regional trail utilizing planning principles and the planning process to help successfully develop the ARRT. Additionally David has—on a volunteer basis—designed and coordinated sustained assistance with ongoing maintenance that cannot be funded by the town. This part of the initiative (ongoing maintenance) was critical and demonstrated effectiveness in formulating and implementing his plans and furthered the cause of planning.
Capping the ARRT maintenance efforts is the Trail of Flowers, a program David started in the fall of 2018 to add beauty to the Rail Trail, organizing donations and volunteers to plant flowering bulbs, plants, shrubs and trees along the ARRT.
David produced a program and lecture about Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC). Beginning in 1957, DEC helped make Maynard the “Minicomputer capital of the world,” as a multi-billion dollar company second only to IBM. Mark’s talk, with many images from the archives of the Maynard Historical Society, spanned the origin, rise, peak and decline of DEC. It also highlighted the work experience of women at DEC, and the company’s commitment to diversity training.
David’s greatest achievement to date was the dedication of the Marble Farm Historic Site on May 2, 2023 . This dedication ceremony was the culmination of a 3 ½-year process to convert a notable 18th-century home foundation on town property into a historic site and park.”
Congratulations David!
Source: Greg Johnson, Bill Nemser, David Mark, Jack MacKeen
Education in Maynard:
MHS Student Newspaper:
Check out our MHS student newspaper, The Tiger Times! A paper edition will be printed soon, but the newest stories are up online at:
https://maynardhighnewspaper.com/
Info on Green Meadow School Building plans:
https://www.maynard.k12.ma.us/o/green-meadow-school/page/gm-building-project-information
Related Capital Planning Context:
Maynard Advantage will publish Capital Project Plans as they are finalized in the coming months. For Context, see February 2022 Capital budget presentation:
https://www.townofmaynard-ma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/947/Capital-Plan-Presentation-FY22-PDF?bidId=
Capital Planning Committee Goals (in progress, see meeting agendas here):
https://www.townofmaynard-ma.gov/234/Capital-Planning-Committee
- Maintain a central list of the project needs from Department heads and TA
- Provide Select Board, TA/Finance Department, Budget Subcommittee (School Committee, SB and Finance Committee) with a recommended project list to fund with free cash
- Provide BOS, TA and FinCom with a 5 year plan for upcoming requests
Approach: (currently in progress)
- Maintain a central repository, system of record, for all towns needs in Cleargov (in progress)
- Discuss with Department Heads
- Identify likely debt-funded vs general-funded projects
- Score each project across six objectives –
- Improves/Aids Public Safety
- Needed to comply with legal regulation
- Save Town Costs / Efficiency
- Operational Necessity/ Needed Replace
- Inline with Community Vision
- Supports New Growth
- Prioritize Projects based on scores, discussion, available funding, and Department Heads priorities
- Highest Prioritized projects go to recommended list. For current spend, we use approximately $1M as the cut off per year to plan and adjust when we get numbers from TA.
- Build the 5 year plan
- Defer non-recommended projects in order of priority to future years targeting approximately $1M/Year
- Review Town asset list to add in projected replacement of obsolete equipment (in progress)
- Review debt service levels projected 5 years out and identify timing opportunities of debt funded projects
- Source: Greg Johnson
Source: Bob McCarthy and Jon Larkin
Maynard Advantage Student Testimonial:
Lily Waguespack
As a Junior at Maynard High School I have spent my last three years of education in classrooms with engaging teachers, in a building with supportive staff, and with a plethora of extracurricular activities at my fingertips. Even with starting my freshman year in the middle of a pandemic, working from home, and struggling to feel connected to my community I was able to utilize the resources MHS provided for me. Now I feel as though I am a part of the school community and a valued student.
Maynard’s educational staff is one of a kind, with teachers willing to make personal connections with students. The academics range from rigorous AP courses to introductory level classes that provide students with the opportunity to further explore their interests. The teachers are always ready to answer questions, assist outside of classroom hours, and are open to conversations about schoolwork and beyond. Taking many AP and honors classes is not always easy but you always know that there is a team that has your back when you need it.
It is not only the teaching staff that are ready and willing to help you with school work, but I have found trusted, caring, invested adults within the administration, and general staff. I can say with full confidence that there is always at least one person in the building that I can go to for advice or even a safe space to be in if need be. Staff is always willing to be of assistance and support me in my aspirations at MHS, and even my future goals beyond high school. They bring joy and spirit to the school, and my peers and I are appreciative for what they do for our community.
Outside of school hours I find myself unsurprisingly, still in the halls of Maynard High School. Whether I’m there early for a Student Government meeting, after school late for musical rehearsals, or even staying over at the school during WAVM’s Beacon Santa Telethon, a 24+ hour event. Maynard’s music program has been essential to my growth as a musician thanks to their inspiring and talented staff. The music department includes extensive and eclectic offerings, ranging from basic band and chorus classes, to the fall play and spring musical, small ensemble groups, and even music theory classes. But not only have I found joy in the music program, but also have found new interests in Maynard’s unique radio and television program, WAVM. Their classes during school draw in students wishing to be journalists or TV producers, and afterschool their programs entice students looking to expand their knowledge on everything audio and visual. I have learned so much, everything from working on an audio board, to learning how to confidently speak in front of a camera.
Maynard High School has given me opportunity, community, and most importantly joy in learning. My experience, like every other student, is unique, but I believe that Maynard will equip me with tools I can use outside of my time at MHS, and I am so grateful for that.
Source: Lily Waguespack
On the Menu… Little Pusan and your “family chef” Ms. Chong
Chong Bailey, proprietor and chef of Little Pusan at 83 Main Street in Maynard, isn’t sure how she got here, “The wind blew me,” said Ms. Chong. Fortunately, she stayed and for over 25 years she has served traditional, family-style Korean food in her restaurant and grocery.
Ms. Chong was born and raised in South Korea but is not from Pusan. When she came to Maynard, she found the established Korean restaurant, was able to buy it, and kept the name. She had never learned to cook as a child but after marrying an American serviceman stationed in Korea, they moved together to Okinawa.
After looking up recipes to cook for her son’s birthday party, the food was so delicious that the base recreation director asked Ms. Chong to give cooking classes. It was a lot of work because she hadn’t learned any recipes, but the director pushed her and she realized she had talent and enjoyed cooking. She was also able to go to Korea and take a cooking class. And she became famous in Okinawa for her food.
“Most of the customers at Little Pusan are American”, Ms. Chong said. “Koreans are picky butthis is new for Americans and my customers are now my family, they keep coming and they know what they like. It’s hard work but I do it all myself; that way I can make sure it is all delicious. People like everything, but especially my kimchi…everyone who comes in becomes my family”.
Ms. Chong’s daughter has a Korean deli in Sunderland, Massachusetts, and just told her mother she had just made 700 pounds of kimchi. Little Pusan doesn’t make that much at a time, but the deli cooler is stocked with three kinds of kimchi; the traditional kimchi with napa, but also one with cucumber and one with apples. Little Pusan doesn’t deliver but Ms. Chong will welcome you to eat in or get your food to go. With her big smile and welcoming ways, Ms. Chong and Little Pusan will fill your stomach and warm your heart.
Source: Mark Alston-Follansbee
Featured upcoming events in Town:
December 17 @ 1:00 pm
57th Annual Maynard Holiday Parade – Rescheduled!
Downtown Maynard Main St, Maynard, MA Free
This event was rescheduled from 12/3/23. New start time: 1pm.
Join the community as we celebrate the holiday season together during the 57th Maynard Holiday Parade!!!
Fall Jazz Jams at Evviva Trattoria
Evviva Trattoria 5 Digital Way, Maynard, MA
Thursday December 21 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm NO Cover Charge
Hosted by Blueprint Jazz Club.
This program is made possible with a grant from the Maynard Cultural Council and Evviva Trattoria Maynard
Wine Tasting and Raclette Party (Part Deux!)
At Art’s Specialties
Cheese and wine lovers are cordially invited to the second wine tasting in December.
43 Nason Street, Maynard, MA on Friday December 22, 5:00 to 7:00 pm
Tasting ends at 7pm and Ben will continue serving raclette until 8pm SHARP. (Cheese joke… get it?)
For more on events, shopping, things to do, and dining, go to: http://discovermaynard.com
Office Hours with Rep. Kate Hogan
THURSDAY, JANUARY 11
6:00—7:00 PM Trustees Room Maynard Public Library 77 Nason St
Representative Hogan will hold in-person Office Hours with constituents from the towns of Maynard, Bolton, Stow and Hudson. Office Hours are for individuals seeking one-on-one meetings with Rep. Hogan. Groups are asked to call in advance. Office Hours are first come, first served and held in accessible locations.
Business Spotlight – Lo Tide Boutique:
Maynard Advantage would like to welcome Casey Davis of Lo Tide to Downtown Maynard. Lo Tide is located at 4 Nason Street and offers curated, California-inspired apparel for men and women. Clothing will change seasonally so you will always be able to find new additions to expand your wardrobe. Lo Tide is focused on buying from small-brand, American-made clothing whenever possible or from nondomestic organic and fair-trade suppliers.
The open floor plan allows you to thoughtfully select your next purchase without having to hunt through racks and racks of clothes.
Maynard resident Casey has worked in customer-facing and corporate retail for two decades with almost all of that time in the apparel sector. She brings a wealth of experience and personalized services introducing people to new things and she enjoys providing help picking out that perfect gift. Casey has lived in Maynard for 13 years along with her 12 year old son.
Lo Tide, which opened in November, has hours Monday through Friday from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm, Saturday from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm, and Sunday from 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm. The store is closed on Tuesdays. While currently open, the official Grand Opening is scheduled for January.
Please stop by, check out the shop, welcome Casey to downtown and do not forget to say hello to Potato the “shop dog”.
Source: John Cramer
Artist of the Month…Andrew Child :
“Maynard is a diverse community where critiques,
encouragement, and a creative atmosphere have kept me moving forward more than once…
when stopping would have seemed so much easier.”
I always find it a little disorienting for the first few seconds. I’ve just rolled backwards off a boat and draw a couple of slow breaths while the bubbles clear to get my bearings. I’m new enough to scuba diving that everything still feels novel and this dive is no exception. The dive master and I exchange hand signals and descend along the vertical face of a reef thriving with corals, sponges, and the gaudy shapes and colors of sea life native to the Caribbean. The reef bottoms out to sand at around 60’ and I am mildly surprised when the dive master turns toward the reef wall, swims into a hole, and disappears.
In one of those Wizard of Oz moments, and with apologies to Dorothy, I realize I’m not in Maynard anymore.
I approach the hole, glance inside, and see that it’s a swim through to the other side of the reef. It’s maybe six feet wide and twenty long, with a deep blue shade of light at the far end promising an easy shortcut to the ocean side of the reef. I follow the dive master.
I emerge from the swim through and follow my companion up a slight incline along the sandy bottom. Up ahead and above us, through the murky blue that fades into darkness, a shape slowly begins to emerge. It is indistinct, black, and absolutely huge. A half dozen fin kicks later, I
begin to see edges. They’re really just lines at this point that separate hues of midnight blue from navy blue but it’s becoming clear that the shape ahead is man made. As I come within the 70 foot limit of today’s visibility, the shape slowly renders into the profile of a trawler resting upright on the seabed.
I shrug the moment of awe aside into a compartment of my mind that I will visit again, often, and get to work.
I am a panoramic photographer and have had my studio in Maynard for over twenty years, seventeen of those at ArtSpace.
During that time, I have published two books of infrared photography, Havana: Light Beyond Vision and Cape Cod and the Islands: Light Beyond Vision.
I also co-publish a fine art magazine on Cuba called CubaSeen.
ArtSpace, and more broadly Maynard, is where I do my planning, writing, image processing, and design.
http://Andrew Child Photography |
More than just a place to work, Maynard is a diverse community where critiques, encouragement, and a creative atmosphere have kept me moving forward more than once when stopping would have seemed so much easier.
Source: Armand Diarbekirian
A Shout-out to our Public Library:
Do yourself a favor and check out the excellent and varied resources at the Maynard Public Library. Explore the pull-downs at the top of the site here:
https://www.maynardpubliclibrary.org/
Free Tax Assistance and Preparation: The Maynard Public Library is again hosting the AARP Tax-Aide program for the upcoming tax season. The Tax-Aide program provides tax preparation for anyone, free of charge, with a focus on taxpayers who are over 50 and have low to moderate income. IRS-certified volunteers can prepare and e-file your Federal and Massachusetts tax returns.
The service covers most personal tax returns, but not business returns or returns for those who own rental property. The service begins the first week of February. Appointments are required and can be made by calling (978) 760-9146 starting January 15.
The local group of volunteers covers six towns. Last year they did returns for 122 Maynard residents and the average refund, from both Federal and Massachusetts returns, was about $1,150.
This year the library completed a new five-year strategic plan. Sample their strategic priorities and goals at:
Strategic Plan | maynardpubliclibrary
Deeper dives on town challenges and opportunities:
History and plans for Water Resources in Maynard
A Must Read…
https://www.townwidemall.com/news/the-hidden-story-of-water
Coming soon: A quarterly series on status of Maynard water resources and planned steps to establish a realistic long term sustainable supply
Opportunities to give back this holiday Season
http://www.maynardfoodpantry.com/
Maynardfoodpantry.com/donations/https:/
/www.opentable.org/other-ways-to-help/
Upcoming:
A sampling of what you may find here in the coming months:
Topical Information and “behind the scenes”
- Articles about what is happening or being considered in Maynard
- Progress reports on local and municipal initiatives and Economic Development
- “White Papers”; Delving into Town challenges and opportunities
- How government, schools and other civic groups cooperate to get things done
- Real Estate and Business overviews
- Budget and forecast overviews
Spotlights
- Featured events
- Local Businesses
- Testimonials
- Artists
- Volunteers
To read future newsletter issues, simply bookmark:
and then click on most recent newsletter posts at the top of the home page.
To be alerted by email when new posts are published subscribe by adding your email in the link below.
Some links for more town information:
Email: MaynardAdvantage@townofmaynard.net
Website: maynardadvantage.org
https://www.townofmaynard-ma.gov/27/Government
https://www.maynardpubliclibrary.org/
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