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'Know Your Town' serves residents

By Loir O'Brien

Correspondent



SOUTH HADLEY A question for town residents how well do you know your town?

For 59 years, a nonpartisan group of town residents has been vigilant in acquainting townspeople with issues that are important to them and the town's well-being.

The group is known as "Know Your Town," and the objectives haven't changed since 1949, according to Joan Rosner, president.

"The objectives are to acquaint the members with the various functions of town government and to assist in any way possible in the progressive development of South Hadley," said Rosner during an interview with Reminder Publications.

Fields of interest that Know Your Town members concentrate on include education, recreation, public health, mental health, town planning, legislation, elections and state legislation affecting the town.

Officers of Know Your Town include Michael Herrick, vice president; Pam Lannon, recording secretary; Margaret Jodoin, corresponding secretary, and Martha Terry, treasurer. Monthly board meetings are open to the membership which currently numbers close to 100.

Throughout the year, Know Your Town sponsors several relevant programs on events and issues that townspeople need to know, said Rosner. For persons unable to attend a program in person, the event is taped and shown on South Hadley's Community Access Channel 15 throughout that month. Most programs run approximately 60 minutes in length with time allotted for a 30-minute question-and-answer session.

On Nov. 2, Know Your Town hosted a Candidates' Night that gave members an opportunity to meet with local candidates and participate in a lively discussion on the state ballot questions. In January, the group will host an informal "Evening with State Rep. John Scibak and State Sen. Stanley Rosenberg."

The supportive nature of the group has also encouraged many of its members to strive for elected and appointed positions within town government over the years, added Rosner.

Rosner said what makes Know Your Town unique is that a group of townspeople can look at hot issues and provide a program that is unbiased and informational.

"We're informative," said Rosner, adding that when the group looks at a controversial issue they ensure they put together a panel to examine all sides.

Future topics that Know Your Town members are considering include the new canal park in the Falls area, the landfill and the town's new master plan.

Town officials use Know Your Town on a regular basis to get the word out about issues important to townspeople, noted Rosner.

Rosner was motivated to join Know Your Town more than 40 years ago when she moved to South Hadley with her family. She added that the members and topics still motivate her to stay involved with the organization. She encourages South Hadley residents who are interested in learning more about their town to consider joining the group.

Rosner will soon be completing her second year as president and hopes her goal of providing cutting-edge programming will attract younger members to join the organization. Rosner and board members also look forward to publishing an updated Know Your Town booklet in 2007 that explains all aspects of town government.

"The 2007 book will be part of our 60th anniversary celebration," she added.

For more information on Know Your Town or to become a member, contact Rosner at (413) 536-5669, or any member of the board.

Annual membership dues for an individual is $10 or $15 for a family with two adults in one home.