Photo on front cover.. 1

IN MEMORIUM.. 2

INFORMATION and business hours.. 3

ELECTED AND APPOINTED TOWN OFFICIALS – 2001. 6

IN RECOGNITION.. 11

PROCEDURE FOR OBTAINING A BUILDING PERMIT. 12

TOWN OF HAMPDEN PERMIT FEES.. 14

HAMPDEN TRANSFER STATION.. 16

ANIMAL INSPECTOR.. 18

BOARD OF APPEALS.. 19

BOARD OF HEALTH.. 20

BOARD OF REGISTRARS.. 22

BOARD OF SELECTMEN.. 23

BUILDING COMMISSIONER.. 24

CAPITAL PLANNING COMMITTEE.. 25

Cemetery Commissioners.. 27

CENTENNIAL COMMONS TENANTS ORGANIZATION.. 28

COMPUTER STUDY COMMITTEE.. 29

CONSERVATION COMMISSION.. 30

Hampden Council on Aging.. 31

HAMPDEN CULTURAL COUNCIL. 34

Dog officer.. 35

FIRE DEPARTMENT and forest fire warden.. 36

GOVERNMENT STUDY COMMITTEE.. 37

HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT. 39

HISTORICAL COMMISSION.. 40

HISTORICAL SOCIETY. 42

HAMPDEN HOUSING AUTHORITY. 43

Hampden Land Project. 44

HAMPDEn public LIBRARY. 45

PARKS & RECREATION.. 48

PERSONNEL REVIEW COMMITTEE.. 49

PLANNING BOARD.. 51

POLICE DEPARTMENT. 52

RIDGELINE AND HILLSIDE COMMITTEE.. 55

RECREATION ASSOCIATION OF HAMPDEN.. 56

SCANTIC VALLEY WATER DISTRICT. 57

HAMPDEN-WILBRAHAM REGIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT. 58

GREATER SPRINGFIELD SENIOR SERVICES, INC. (GSSI) 75

Tax Collector.. 76

Town Clerk.. 77

Town treasurer.. 78

TREE WARDEN.. 82

Department of Veterans’ Services.. 83

TOWN OFFICES WEBSITE AND EMAIL ADDRESSES.. 84

TOWN ACCOUNTANT. 85

TOWN OF HAMPDEN warrant. 108

Information and Emergency telephone numbers.. 119

ADVISORY COMMITTEE...See back of book

TOWN MAP...See back of book

Photo on front cover

Hampden Volunteer Fire Department, left to right

Back Row: David Sutcliffe, Frederick Warren, Jason Broom, Joshua Ross, Joseph Grant, Scott Rumplik, Michael Hatch (5^th generation volunteer of Hampden Fire Department), Derek Anti, R.J. Hatch, Albert Jones, Richard Hatch Sr. (Chief 1976-1987).

Middle Row: Lawrence Hatch (Chief 1988-1997), William Patric, Thomas Poulin (Chief 1998-2001), David Markham, Arthur McCarthy.

Front Row: Jason McCarthy, Richard Harris, Edward Poulin (Deputy Chief), Michael Gorski (Asst. Chief), Peter Hatch (Chief 2002), Matthew Loveling (Captain), Timothy Evans (Lieutenant), Michael Sicbaldi (Secretary), Harold House, Richard Thayer, Michael Maserati.

Missing from photo: Charles Beaver, William Brown, James Burns Sr., James Burns Jr., Donald Dickinson, Daniel Isham, Richard Kelly, William Levakis, Henry Manegre, Andrew Netherwood, Gregory Sears.

IN MEMORIUM

Howard Cutting

Hampden Volunteer Fire Department

Richard Boynton

Hampden Volunteer Fire Department

INFORMATION and business hours

POPULATION OF HAMPDEN Federal Census 1/1/91 4,709

State Census 1/1/85 4,762

Town Census 1/1/01 5,171

GEOGRAPHIC AREA 19.64 square miles

COUNTY Hampden County

TAX RATE $19.81 for Fiscal Year 2002

ANNUAL TOWN MEETING Last Monday in April at 7:00pm

ANNUAL ELECTION OF OFFICERS First Monday in May, 8am-8pm

ACTING GOVERNOR CONGRESSMAN

Jane Swift Richard E. Neal

Office of the Governor 437 Cannon House Office Bldg

Boston, MA 02133 Washington, DC 20515

Phone: 617-727-9173 Phone: 202-225-5601

OR

U.S SENATORS District Office

Edward M. Kennedy Federal Building, Room 309

U.S. Senate 1550 Main Street

Russell Senate Office Bldg. Room 315 Springfield, MA 01103

Washington, DC 20510 Phone: 413-785-0325

Phone: 202-224-4543

OR STATE SENATOR

2400 JFK Building, Room 409 Brian P. Lees, Hampden District

Boston, MA 02203 State House, Room 308

Phone: 617-565-3170 Boston, MA 02133

Phone: 617-722-1291

OR

John F. Kerry District Office: 527 Main Street

U.S. Senate Indian Orchard, MA 01151

Russell Senate Bldg. Room 421 Phone: 413-543-2167

Washington, DC 20510

OR REPRESENTATIVE

145 State Street, Room 504 Mary S. Rogeness,

Springfield, MA 01103 2^nd Hampden District

Phone: 413-785-4610 State House, Room 237

Boston, MA 02133

Phone: 617-722-2800

Residence: 22 Warren Terrace,

Longmeadow, MA 01106

Phone: 413-567-5480

INFORMATION and business hours p. 2

BUSINESS HOURS OF TOWN OFFICES AND COMMITTEES

BOARD OF SELECTMEN HAMPDEN-WILBRAHAM

Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 9am-4pm REGIONAL SCHOOL COMMITTEE

Meet every Monday at 7:00pm Meet 1^st & 3^rd Tuesday

Phone: 566-2151 566-2152 Phone: 596-3884

ADVISORY COMMITTEE CEMETERY COMMISSION

2^nd & 4^th Wednesday at 7pm each month Meet 2^nd Tuesday of January, April, July

& October at 7:30pm

TOWN CLERK – Eva Wiseman Phone: 3304, 3357, 3963

Office Hours: Monday – Thursday, 9am-1pm

Phone: 566-3214 COUNCIL ON AGING

Office Hours: Mon-Fri, 8:30am-4pm

TOWN TREASURER – Donna Easton-Vicalvi Meet 2^nd Monday of month, at 9:00am

Office Hours: Monday – Thursday, 9am-1pm Phone: 566-5588

Phone: 566-2401

HAMPDEN HOUSING AUTHORITY

TAX COLLECTOR – Eva Wiseman Meet 3^rd Thurs each month, 8:30am at

Office Hours: Monday – Thursday, 9am-1pm Centennial Commons

Phone: 566-2206 Phone: 566-8157

BOARD OF ASSESSORS BUILDING INSPECTOR

Office Hours: Monday- Thursday, 9am-3pm Office Hours: Every Wed 6-8pm

Meet 2^nd Tuesday 7:30pm – 9pm Phone: 566-2204

Phone: 566-3223

HAMPDEN LIBRARY TRUSTEES

CONSERVATION COMMISSION Meet 3^rd Wednesday each month

Meet 2^nd Monday at 7:00pm Phone: 566-3047

Phone: 566-2206

HAMPDEN PUBLIC LIBRARY HOURS

PLANNING BOARD Monday –Wednesday 12am-8:00pm

Meet 2^nd & 4^th Wednesday at 7:00pm Thursday 12am-6:00pm

Phone: 566-2403, 566-8591 for appt Saturday 10am-3:00pm

CLOSED ON Saturdays during August

WATER COMMISSION COMMITTEE

1^st Thursday of every month HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT

Monday-Friday, 7:30am-4:00pm

RIDGELINE & HILLSIDE COMMITTEE Phone: 566-8842

Meet 2^nd Wednesday each month at 7:00pm

SANITARY LANDFILL

BOARD OF APPEALS Saturday: 7am-5pm, Tuesday, 1pm-6pm

Meet 4^th Tuesday at 7:30pm

Applications available from Town Clerk

INFORMATION and business hours p. 3

BUSINESS HOURS OF TOWN OFFICES AND COMMITTEES CONT.

PARK COMMSSION HISTORICAL COMMISSION

Meet 2^nd & 4^th Thursday at 7pm Meet 1^st & 3^rd Tues month at 7:00pm

Office Hours: Call 566-4950 Phone: 566-8327

Memorial Park Hours: 8am-9pm,Apr1-Oct31 HAMPDEN CULTURAL COUNCIL

Meet as posted

BOARD OF APPEALS

Meet 4^th Tuesday at 7:30pm HISTORICAL SOCIETY

Applications available from Town Clerk Meet 4^th Tuesday at 7:30pm

at Academy Hall

VETERAN’S SERVICES- Arthur A. Booth Jr.

Phone: 267-4140

ELECTED AND APPOINTED TOWN OFFICIALS – 2001

ELECTED OFFICIALS

BOARD OF SELECTMEN/HEALTH TRUSTEES, HAMPDEN LIBRARY

Austin G. McKeon, Chairman 2002 Kathleen Hutchison, Chairman 2004

James D. Smith, Chair Health 2003 Beth E. Burger 2002

Duane Mosier 2004 Elaine Kingsbury 2003

Administrative Assistant to HAMPDEN HOUSING AUTHORITY

Board of Selectmen/Health William G. Joy, Chairman 2004

Karen Desmarais Miles Hapgood, Vice Chairman 2004

Aline Burt 2005

Secretary to Board of Selectmen/Health Cecilia Melville 2008

Kelly O’Shea

CONSTABLES

MODERATOR George K. Stone, Jr. 2004

Richard Patullo 2002 Miles Hapgood, Jr. 2002

Arthur A. Booth, Jr. 2003

TOWN CLERK

Eva Wiseman 2004 CEMETERY COMMISSIONERS

Henry Dunwoody, Chairman 2004

TOWN TREASURER Renate Oliver 2003

Donna Easton-Viclavi 2004 David Quill 2002

COLLECTOR OF TAXES PLANNING BOARD

Eva Wiseman 2004 John D. Flynn, Chairman 2004 Joseph Kruzel, Vice Chairman 2005

Joseph A. Dolben 2003

BOARD OF ASSESSORS Joseph Mascaro 2002

Stanley Witkop, Assessor 2004 Melissa Reeve 2006

Mary Lou Majkut, Chairperson 2003

Richard Jalbert, MAA 2002 Pioneer Valley Planning Commission

Representative, Melissa Reeves

Clerk to the Assessors Alternate, Joseph A. Dolben

Sara Gasparrini, Clerk Clerk to the Planning Board

Judith Jackson

HAMPDEN-WILBRAHAM REGIONAL

SCHOOL DISTRICT COMMITTEE PARK COMMISSIONERS

Ronald Thomson 2003 James Morris, Chairman 2004

Maryanne Morris 2003 Kathleen Duquette 2003

Thomas Crogan 2003

Glennice Flynn 2002

Honor Takorian 2002

Jay Fenlason, Director

ELECTED AND APPOINTED TOWN OFFICIALS – 2001 p. 2

APPOINTED TOWN OFFICERS – 2001

TOWN ACCOUNTANT BUILDING INSPECTOR

Clifford Bombard 2002 Mark Feeney 2002

DOG OFFICERS ELECTRICAL INSPECTOR

Thomas J. O’Connor Animal Control 2002 Robert Lague 2002

FIRE CHIEF/FOREST FIRE WARDEN PLUMBING INSPECTOR

Thomas Poulin 2001 Michael Ford 2002

INSPECTOR OF ANIMALS ADVISORY COMMITTEE

Shelly Sears 2002 Elizabeth DeSousa, Chair 2002

Judith Mikkola 2004

SUPT OF INSECT/PEST CONTROL 2002 Peter Nossal 2002

Dana Pixley 2002 Kathy Pessolano 2003

David Lalonde 2003

BOARD OF HEALTH AGENT Susan Rauscher, Clerk

Lorri McCool 2002

BOARD OF APPEALS

VETERANS’ GRAVE OFFICER Richard Patullo, Chair 2002

Richard Wiencek 2002 Mary Cesan, Vice Chair 2001

Kenneth Lefebvre 2002

VETERANS’ BENEFITS AGENT L. Jed Berliner 2003

Arthur A. Booth 2002 Francis Kotomski, Clerk

ACTING CIVIL DEFENSE DIRECTOR BOARD OF APPEALS ALTERNATES

Duane Mosier 2002 David Scott 2003

Richard Jones 2003

SUPT OF STREETS

Dana Pixley 2002 HAMPDEN CULTURAL COUNCIL

Heather Beattie, Chairman 2002

TREE WARDEN Carol Smith 2001

Dana Pixley 2002 Hermine Weston 2002

Barbara MacKenzie 2001

FENCE VIEWERS Judith Moriarty 2002

John H. Field 2002 Virginia Blake 2002

William H. Patric 2002 Carolyn Siano 2002

James McEwan 2002

TOWN COUNCEL Carol Gauthier 2002

David J. Martel 2002 Arlene Fisher 2002

PARKING CLERK INSURANCE COMMITTEE

Eva Wiseman 2004 John Bethel 2002

ELECTED AND APPOINTED TOWN OFFICIALS – 2001 p. 3

APPOINTED TOWN OFFICERS – 2001 CONT.

ASSISTANT TREASURER RIDGELINE & HILLSIDE COMMITTEE

Patricia Smith 2002 John D. Flynn, Chairman 2002

Jim Moriarty 2002

COMPUTER STUDY PROGRAM Robin Warner 2002

John D. Flynn 2002

Richard Rediker 2002 BOARD OF WATER COMMISSIONER

James Moriarty 2002 Robert E. Majkut 2002

George Bouchard 2004

CONSERVATION COMMISSION Michael Framarin, oper 2002

Bonnie Geromini, Co-Chair 2003 Richard DiSanti 2002

Camilla Desmarais, Co-Chair 2002

Richard Gouvan 2002 POLICE DEPARTMENT, CHIEF

Jack Matthews 2004 Philip J. Adams 2002

Wayne Meisner 2002 SERGEANTS

Dean Perham 2004 Jeff Farnsworth 2002

Patricia Clark, Clerk Joseph Henry 2002

CONSERVATION, ASSOC MEMBERS POLICE OFFICERS

Louanne Perham 2004 Scott Trombley 2002

Patricia Smith 2003 Michael J. Cooney 2002

Sheila Thompson 2004 William Joy 2002

Peter Choquette 2003 Todd Ely 2002

John DeMaio 2002

COUNCIL ON AGING Carl Mazzaferro 2002

Brian MacLeod, Chairman 2002 Tawrin Seega 2002

Albert L. Ouimet, Vice Chair 2003 DISPATCHERS (full time)

Virginia Schneider, Secretary 2003 Laurie Ryder 2002

William T. Olmstead 2003 Verna Caney 2002

Patricia Clark 2003 Radcliff Kenison 2002

George Lavallee 2003 Damian Dewolf 2002

Diane Hildreth 2003 POLICE MATRON

Arlene Fisher 2003 Verna Caney 2002

Richard Boynton 2003 Laurie Ryder 2002

George Ingle, Hampden Rep to Board 2004 Avery Church 2002

of Directors, Greater Springfield RESERVE OFFICERS

Senior Services, Inc. Avery Church 2002

Mark Galarneau 2002

COUNCIL OF AGING DIRCTOR Christopher Eck 2002

Carolyn Brennan 2003 Luke Lessard 2001

Keith Timme 2001

Harlan Cross 2002

Laurie Ryder 2001

Robert Robinson 2002

ELECTED AND APPOINTED TOWN OFFICIALS – 2001 p. 4

APPOINTED TOWN OFFICERS – 2001 CONT.

ELECTRIC COMMITTEE RESERVE OFFICERS CON’T

George K. Stone, Jr. 2002 Thomas Messier 2001

Richard Hatch 2002 Gary Courtney 2002

Raymond Shankel 2002 Thomas Cortis 2002

Guy Bartolucci 2002 Brett Purchas 2002

Jason Sutherland 2002

ENERGY COMMISSION Gregory Skop 2002

Walter Johnson 2002 Christopher Pandolfi 2002

Brian McQuillan 2002 DISPATCHERS (part-time)

Toi Graham 2002 Stephen Matroni 2001

Al Perusse 2002 Brett Purchas 2002

Robert Robinson 2002

BOARD OF REGISTRARS Thomas Messier 2001

Arthur A. Booth, Jr. 2003 Mark Galarneau 2002

Elizabeth M. Wells 2003 Luke Lessard 2001

Janet M. Redin 2003 Keith Timme 2001

Eva Wiseman Thomas Cortis 2002

Derek Anti 2002

HISTORICAL COMMISSION Christopher Eck 2002

Connie Witt, Chairman 2003 Avery Church 2002

Dorothy Bradway Hill, Secretary 2003 Jason Sutherland 2002

Chrissy Cesan 2003 Gregory Skop 2002

Noreen Couture 2002 Michael Lynch 2002

Nancy Quill 2004 Todd MacKecknie 2002

Christopher Pandolfi 2002

VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT

Thomas Poulin, Chief 2002 SECRETARY TO POLICE DEPT

Peter Hatch, Assist Chief 2002 Kathy Zanetti 2002

Michael Gorski, Deputy Chief 2002

Edward Poulin, Captain 2002 HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT

Matthew Loveling, Lieutenant 2002 Dana Pixley,Superintendent 2002

Patrick Markham 2002

William Brown 2002 Robert Richards 2002

James Burns, Sr. 2002 Albert Rosarti 2002

James Burns, Jr. 2002 Matthew Fredericks 2002

Donald Dickinson 2002 John Ouellette 2002

Edwin Dunlea 2001

Timothy Evans 2002

Joseph Grant 2002

Richard Harris 2002

Lawrence Hatch 2002

Richard Hatch 2002

Richard Hatch, Jr. 2002

ELECTED AND APPOINTED TOWN OFFICIALS – 2001 p. 5

APPOINTED TOWN OFFICERS – 2001 CONT.

VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT CON’T

Harold House 2002

Daniel Isham, Sr. 2002

Keith Isham 2001

Albert Jones 2002

William Levakis 2002

Henry Managre 2002

Michael Maserati 2002

Arthur McCarthy 2002

William Patric 2002

Joshua Ross 2002

Scott Rumplik 2002

Robert Sazama, Jr. 2001

Gregory Sears 2002

Michael Sicbaldi 2002

Thomas Smith 2001

David Sutcliffe 2002

Richard Thayer 2002

Frederick Warren 2002

Derek Anti 2002

Charles Beaver 2002

Michael Hatch 2002

Rick Kelly 2002

David Markham 2002

Jason McCarthy 2002

Andrew Netherwood 2002

AUXILLIARY FIREMAN

Daniel Isham, Jr.

Jason Broom

IN RECOGNITION

FOR THEIR YEARS OF DEDICATED SERVICE TO THE TOWN OF HAMPDEN THE BOARD OF SELECTMEN WISH TO ACKNOWLEDGE THEIR APPRECIATION TO THE FOLLOWING INDIVIDUALS

_______________________________________________________

Edwin Dunlea, Fire Department after 52 years of service

James E. Stone, Board of Appeals

Duane E. Mosier, Planning Board

Richard Fadus, Advisory Committee

David Lalonde, Advisory Committee

Carol Winter-Smith, Hampden Cultural Council

Barbara McKenzie, Hampden Cultural Council

Katherine Ashe, Board of Selectmen

Doreen Rauch, Board of Selectmen

Linda Ely, Dispatcher Police Department

Anna Mascaro, Sergeant Police Department

James Collins, Sergeant Police Department

PROCEDURE FOR OBTAINING A BUILDING PERMIT

The following is an outline of the steps that must be taken in order to secure a building permit, including the necessary supplementary permits or approvals, as may be required. The Board of Selectmen hopes that this procedure will eliminate confusion, which might otherwise arise. Specific questions or a more in-depth review of a particular department’s requirements may be discussed with each inspector.

1. Application to Building Department: Complete the building permit application and submit to the Building Inspector with 2 sets of site plans prepared by a Professional Engineer or Registered Land Surveyor, along with the application fee, in accordance with Zoning Bylaw 8.1.3. If you have questions, contact Mark Feeney 566-2204

2. Planning Board: The application and plat plan will be submitted to the Planning Board. Petitioner will verify that this is a registered lot, with the proposed building meeting all zoning requirements (which may include application to the Ridgeline & Hillside Committee, Zoning Bylaw 7.12). Contact the clerk to be placed on the agenda of the next meeting: Judy Jackson: 566-8591 (home).

3. Highway Department: If the driveway requires the crossing of an open ditch, contact the highway Superintendent for sizing and proper installation of the culvert. When any new driveway is installed (entering off a pave roadway), the builder will be required to pave an apron for the edge of the pavement back to the front property line (usually 7 –10 feet) at the driveway entrance. If you have questions, contact Dana Pixley at 566-8842.

4. Conservation Commission: Verify with this Board if you are near or part of your property is in or near the Wetlands Area. If you have questions contact the clerk, Pat Smith 566-2206.

5. Percolation Test: Year round testing. The owner. engineer arranges appointment for percolation with the Board of Health Agent and pays fee. Percolation test is valid for two years form date of issue.

6. Well Permit: Well installer submits to the Board of Health a permit and plan of property with well, septic system and house shown, at the time of application and with the permit fee.

7. Well Installation: After the well is installed the installer must file a Well Water completion report with the Board of Health. Property owner must then have the water tested with results sent to the Board of Health before a building permit will be issued.

PROCEDURE FOR OBTAINING A BUILDING PERMIT P. 2

8. Septic Application: All septic design applications to the Board of Health, signed stamped and with the fee paid. A septic permit, which is approved, shall expire three years for the date of issue unless construction of the approved system is begun before the expiration date.

9. Septic Installation: Septic Installer must be licensed by the Town of Hampden and must advise Board of Health before installation starts. Installation must be inspected by Board of Health agent and Design Engineer before system is covered.

10. Septic Compliance: Engineer and installer must sign Certificate of Compliance after the final inspection.

11. Building Department: Building plans must be submitted for review by the Building Inspector. A building permit will not be issued until all prior steps have been successfully completed. The permit is valid for three (3) years form date of issue. Construction work must begin within six months of receiving building permit and work must be finished within three years. If you have questions contact: Mark Feeney 566-2204

12. Electrical, Plumbing, Gas, Oil burner, Smoke Detector, and Wood Stove Permits: Requests for the above permits are to be submitted to the Building Department, with the necessary Building Permit fee. The applicant contacts the appropriate inspector with the inspection request. An Occupancy Permit will be issued only after the Building Inspector checks with other inspectors to make sure all the above procedures have been completed as well as insuring that the house number is permanently found on the property and easily readable form the street.

If you have questions or if the Board of Selectmen may be of service, please contact us at the Town house 566-2151. ALL FEES ARE PAYABLE TO THE TOWN OF HAMPDEN.

TOWN OF HAMPDEN PERMIT FEES

FOR BUILDING, ELECTRICAL, PLUMBING, GAS, FIRE, & HEALTH

BUILDING PERMITS – MARK FEENEY – 566-2204

Application for Building Permit	$10
Commercial/Industrial Building ($100 minimum)	10-cents/sq ft
New house ($60 min) If more than 1 unit per bldg an add fee of $4 per unit will be charged in addition to normal fee for new house	10-cents/sq ft
Alterations/Additions/Accessory Buildings ($25 min)	10-cents/sq ft
Swimming Pool	$20
Solid Fuel Stoves	$15

ELECTRICAL PERMITS - ROBERT LAGUE - 566-8472

Commercial/Industrial Building Additions	$60
New House If more than 1unit per building an add fee of $4 per unit will be charged in addition to normal fee for new house	$40
Alterations, Rewiring Existing Structure	$40
Alterations, Change of Service, Temporary Service	$20
Additions-added rooms, breezeway, garage, etc	$20
Swimming Pools, appliance	$20

PLUMBING PERMITS - MICHAEL FORD - 566-5578

Commercial/Industrial Building	$75
New House Add fee of $2 per fixture over 10 fixtures will be charged, in addition to the normal fee of $50 per bldg.	$50
Additions-additional charges as above	$30
Swimming Pool Any swimming pool with a permanent plumbing connection is subject to a permit fee.	$20

GAS PERMITS - MICHAEL FORD - 566-5578

All Gas Permits If multi occupancy or multi-unit dwelling, the charge will be $20 per meter up to 5 fixtures; above that the fee will be $2 per fixture.

$20

SOLAR PERMIT

Permits for Solar installations will be based on

the categories.

Contained in the columns for Building, Electrical & Plumbing.

TOWN OF HAMPDEN PERMIT FEES p. 2

FOR BUILDING, ELECTRICAL, PLUMBING, GAS, FIRE & HEALTH

FIRE PERMITS - PETER HATCH - 566-3314

Smoke Detector Inspection (new house)	$15
Smoke Detector Inspection (real estate transfer)	$15
Oil Burner Inspection	$15
Blasting Permit – Fire Chief	$10
Renewal of Smokeless Powder (Fire Chief)	$5
LP Gas Storage Permits (Fire Chief)	$15
Underground Storage tank Installation (Fire Chief)	$10
Underground Storage tank Removal (Fire Chief)	$40
Tank and Burner Inspection	$15

CALL-BACK FEES

Call-back fees for Electrical, Plumbing, Building, and Fire Inspectors

$15

BOARD OF HEALTH – LORRI MCCOOL – 566-2151

Well Permit	$20
Percolation Test Permit	$100
Septic Tank Installation Permit (new or repair)	$100
includes one revision, each additional revision	$50

HAMPDEN TRANSFER STATION

DROP-OFF RECYCLING

2^ND & 4^TH SATURDAYS 7am-5pm

1) GOODWILL CLOTHING COLLECTION BOX

2) STORAGE TRAILER

3) NEWSPAPERS

In brown grocery bags or tied in 6” bundles

NO PLASTIC GROCERY BAGS.

4) CLEAN METAL

SMALL: $10 MEDIUM: $12 LARGE: $25

5) MIXED PAPER

YES NO
Catalogs Egg Cartons
Glossy Flyers Pizza Boxes
Junk Mail Take-Out Containers
Magazines Window Envelopes
Office Paper
Paperback/Phone Books
(Remove Covers)

6) CARDBOARD

Corrugated, cereal boxes, detergents, etc.
NO WAXED (Frozen food) CONTAINERS OR PIZZA BOXES.

7) MIXED RECYCLING-GLASS, PLASTIC & METAL

YES NO
All plastic labeled #1-7 aerosol cans
Deli containers ceramics
Drink boxes glassware or dishes
Glass bottles & jars hangers
Milk & juice cartons light bulbs
Yogurt containers paint cans
Tin cans styrofoam
Aluminum products plastic bags
Any redeemable container window glass

All containers must be rinsed clean. Plastic and metal may be flattened.

8) BULK PICK-UP AREA

Please see reverse side.

Tires will no longer be taken on recycling days. They can be disposed of through the bulk pick-up.

NO HAZARDOUS WASTE ITEMS ARE ALLOWED

EFFECTIVE MARCH 1, 2002

HAMPDEN TRANSFER STATION p. 2

BULK PICK-UP DAYS

Beginning on March 2, 2002, the Town of Hampden will be offering the services of Bulk Disposal Inc. of Wilbraham to dispose of unwanted bulk items. This service will be available on the 1^st Saturday of the month from 8am-12pm at the Recycling Center. Bulk Disposal Inc. will also be offering home pick-up of items on the 2^nd Saturday of the month by appointment only.

The following are the prices for disposal supplied and set by BULK DISPOSAL INC.

ITEMS DROP OFF HOME PICK-UP

Refrigerators (with freon) $30.00 $40.00

Kitchen stove $17.00 $20.00

Washing machine $17.00 $20.00

Dryer $17.00 $20.00

Sleeper sofa $22.00 $25.00

Regular sofa $17.00 $20.00

Living Room chair $12.00 $15.00

TV-Table or computer monitor $15.00 $18.00

TV-Console $17.00 $20.00

Mattress $9.00 $10.00

Box Spring $9.00 $10.00

King-sized mattress or box spring $13.00 $15.00

Car tires (without rims) $4.00 $4.00
(with rims) $5.00 $5.00

Tables, kitchen chairs, chests, end tables, etc. will depend on size and weight.
Truck, motorcycle, or tractor tires will depend on size and whether or not it has rim.

NOTE: Greater quantities of items brought to the Recycling Center or for home pick-up at one time will receive a proportional discount off regular pricing. ****To be determined by BULK DISPOSAL INC.****

For more information about the bulk pick-up or to schedule a home pick-up, please call the Board of Health at 566-2152.

To find out more information on pricing, please call Fred Heini of Bulk Disposal Inc. at 596-9276.

ANIMAL INSPECTOR

As the Animal Inspector for the Town of Hampden, I would like to report the following for 2001.

Adult Young

Cattle: (Adult = 2 years & over)

Dairy 2 1

Beef 33 14

Steers/Oxen 0 0

Goats: (Adult = 1 yr & up) 19 6

Sheep: (Adult = 1 yr & up) 6 0

Swine:

Number of breeders 0 0

Number of feeders 2 0

Equines:

Number of horses 96 9

Number of ponies 26 2

Number of Llamas 11

Poultry # of chickens 285 # of turkeys 0 # of ratites 0

# of waterfowl 24 # of gamebirds 1

Number of rabbits 16

Other animals 1 Burro

There was one (1) domestic animal quarantined due to a wildlife encounter and one (1) dog bite to a human reported.

Respectfully submitted,

Shelley Sears,

Animal Inspector

BOARD OF APPEALS

Case – 2001-1 Special Permit to remove earth to improve land for agriculture. (Renewal) GRANTED

Case 2001-2 Special Permit under Section 4 “Continuance of Existing Uses” to allow the rebuilding of a hours in the R-4 District on a 7 acre lot having 60 feet of frontage upon which a single family home previously existed. DENIED (application was found moot after review with Town Boards)

The following are members of the Board of Appeals:

Richard E. Patullo, Chair Francis Kotomski, Clerk

M. Chris Cesan, Vice Chair Kenneth E. Lefevbre

L. Jed Berliner Richard P. Jones, Alternate

David R. Scott, Alternate

Member James E. Stone resigned in June 2001 as he moved out of Town. In his letter of resignation he noted that he had enjoyed his short tenure on the Board, and he will miss the people and the interesting topics the Board entertains.

Respectfully submitted,

Hampden Board of Appeals

BOARD OF HEALTH

	2000	2001
Annual Flu Clinic	243	265
Pneumonia	N/A	75
Tetanus	N/A	75
Annual Rabies Clinic	69	40
Water Tests	79	40
Percolation Tests	57	58
Septic Systems Installed/Repaired	49	27
Installer Permits Granted	16	15
Septic Hauler Permits Granted	4	4
Well Permits	26	20
Health Complaints	10	6
Court Actions	0	1
Food Service Permits	31	20
Public Swimming Pool Permits	1	1

At the Annual Flu Clinic this year we introduced an option for both Pneumonia and Tetanus. This was well received with 75 people each requesting either one or both of the vaccines. Due to the lack of early Flu vaccines we had to offer the Flu Shots in two sessions. The first session was a priority clinic for those previously identified as having chronic health problems, and for those seniors age 80 or older; the second was for the general public age 50 or older. If you have reason to believe that you, or someone you provide care for, should be on a potential priority list for next year, please contact the Council on Aging at 566-5588. Our goal is to have only one clinic, but if the vaccines are again delivered over a period of time, we will offer the vaccines first to individuals with previously identified chronic health problems.

Transfer Station and recycle operations were given a thorough review in December and January. Costs of trash disposal had increased, and revenues from the “pay as you throw” operations were consistently falling far short of actual expenses. Consequentially, the Board of Health made the decision to convert the Transfer Station operations from a sticker system to a bag system. This decision was made for two reasons – to bring revenues in lines with actual costs and to create a system that is easier to monitor and control.

To control the cost side of the equation, the Board is in the process of seeking competitive bids for hauling and disposal. Price reductions, if any, will be applied first towards reducing the operating deficit.

BOARD OF HEALTH P 2

Recycle operations are also under review and changes will be implemented throughout the late winter and early spring. Recycle contamination – the wrong materials being placed in bins – is causing unnecessary separation expenses. To control this, emphasis will be placed on better education and enforcement.

To make it easier to dispose of a wider variety of materials, a once-a-month bulk drop-off will be offered. This bulk drop-off program will be administered through a private hauler and residents will pay fees directly to the hauler. The hours of operation of this program may be limited depending on demand.

Respectfully submitted,

James D. Smith

Austin G. McKeon

Duane E. Mosier

BOARD OF REGISTRARS

The number of registered voters on Jan. 1, 2001 was 3348. On Dec 31, 2001 it was 3325.

Voter attendance during 2001:

Republican Party Caucus, March 29, 2001 92

Democratic Party Caucus, March 30, 2001 10

Special Town Meeting, April 30, 2001 275

Annual Town Meeting, April 30, 2001 275

Annual Town Election, May 7, 2001 1113

Special Town Meeting, October 29, 2001 87

Inspectors and Tellers:

Republican	Democratic	Unenrolled
Beth Burger	Brenda Ahlberg	Mary Lou Black
Edith Casey	Arthur Booth, Jr.	Carolyn Brennan
Andree Crowley	Ann Burian	Aline Burt
Irene Cutting	Joan Cady	Mildred Davis
Beryl Doten	Mary Cesan	Robert Dieckmeyer
Gerald Doten	Carol Collins	Catherine Herchel
Mary Dunklee	Sophie Davenport	Diane Hildreth
Barbara Dunwoody	Nancy Downey	Nancy Joy
Kathleen Duquette	Kathleen Flynn	Deborah O’Brien
Beth Fatse	Sheila Flynn	Doris Ouimet
Rebecca Gibb	Richard Gouvan	Doreen Rauch
Mary Hamel	Shirley Gouvan	Susan Rauscher
Miles Hapgood	Sandra Gray	Donna Easton-Vicalvi
Dorothy Hill	Judith Jackson	Lynn Zanolli
Joyce Libby	Sally Kealy	William Zanolli
David Kingsbury	Dorothy Kibbe
Elaine Kingsbury	George Lavallee
Chesley Metcalf	Ronald Lech
Nancy Salerno	Gail Lefebvre
Philip Schneider, Jr	Janet Redin
Sheila Slawiak	Kathleen Rochford
Thomas Slawiak	Margaret Rochford
Patricia Smith	Evelyn Schmidt
Elizabeth Wells	Rita Southworth
Robert Wells	George Walsh
Carolyn Whipple
Richard Willis

Respectfully Submitted by Board of Registrars:

Arthur Booth Jr., Janet Redin, Elizabeth Wells, Eva Wiseman, Clerk

BOARD OF SELECTMEN

To those who believe Town government doesn’t work:

“In 1958 our Highway Department Garage addition was built with oil heat and a flush toilet installed. These improvements have been greatly appreciated by the Department.”

-Report of the Superintendent of Streets; Town Report for the year ending December 31, 1958.

The Board of Selectmen has had an active meeting schedule this year and participated in numerous meetings with other Boards and Committees. We have set a high priority on communications and to that end we sent out a mid-year newsletter to residents; instituted monthly meetings of operating departments to exchange activities and discuss issues of mutual concern; have started the posting of minutes and upcoming meetings on the Town website: www.hampden.org.

We continue to hold available the period from 7-7:30 on our meeting nights available for residents to bring items of interest to the Board, without the need for an appointment.

In addition to assessing the items consistent in every Town Report: increased population effects, roadways, school buildings, improving by-laws, trying to stabilize the tax rate, the Board has instituted several initiatives:

• Chartered a Town Government Study Committee;
• Chartered and appointed a Personnel Practice Committee;
• Chartered and appointed a Capital Planning Committee;
• Set goals for the Police and Highway Departments through the Chief and Superintendent. Goals are reviewed quarterly and a performance report issued annually. We anticipate a similar process for all Town employees in the future;
• The Board has been aggressive in looking at grants that may fit our needs and this will continue.
• Several efficiencies have been initiated in our office to better track spending and to improve the flow of information among Board members.

We have received notice that our revenues from the State are being greatly reduced in the current fiscal year and again next year. This will make the delivery of services and budget preparation a challenge for several years. By acting quickly, the Town was able to secure $76,000 in MEMA funding to repair the damage done by the June 17 storm.

As you read this, we will be close to the Special Town Meeting and Special Election for the Green Meadows expansion/renovation. The Board hopes that all residents have taken the opportunity to read the information and attend the presentations. The Board of Selectmen encourages any one wanting more information to contact a member of our Board or the School Building Committee.

The Board would like to thank the volunteer members of the numerous boards and committees for their cooperation and unselfish service to the Town.

Austin G. McKeon, James Smith, and Duane Mosier.

BUILDING COMMISSIONER

BUILDING PERMITS & INSPECTIONS TOTAL PERMIT & INSPECTION

Dwelling: 11 Building 80

Additions: 17 Electrical 90

Alterations: 10 Plumbing & Gas 82

Shed: 4

Barn: 7

Garage: 4

Swimming Pool: 13

Carport: 2

Demolition: 2

Wood Stove: 4

Deck: 3

Porch: 2

Storage Facility: 1

Total: 80

Respectfully submitted,

Mark J. Feeney, Building Commissioner

CAPITAL PLANNING COMMITTEE

In fiscal year 2001, the Selectmen established a capital planning committee in order to assess the capital needs of the Town of Hampden. This committee consists of 5 members, 2 from the advisory committee, 1 selectmen and 2 citizens. Each town department was asked to submit anticipated capital projects to the committee for review and for inclusion in this report. Capital projects have been defined as those having a useful life of at least five years and a cost greater than $10,000. The Capital Planning Committee has not recommended favorable action on any of the projects presented. All projects are under review. The following is a compilation of the projects, the estimated cost and the desired time schedule:

Dept	Description	2003	2004	2005	2006	2007
Gen Gov	Town Hall Parking lot reconstruction	79,000
COA	Elderly Transportation (van)			45,000
Fire	Fire Truck				300,000
Library	Expansion		28,000
Highway	Road Paving	75,000	75,000	75,000	75,000	75,000
Highway	Bridge Maint Mill&/or Chapin Rd per	350,000
Highway	Drainage Maint Carmody Rd	18,000
Highway	Drainage Maint TWB	18,000
Highway	Drainage Replace Fernwood Rd		30,000
Highway	Drainage Replace Hickory & Walnut	35,000
Highway	Roof Replace Salt shed			16,000
Highway	New Equipment (J. Deere backhoe) *	75,000
Highway	Equip. Replacement (Dumptruck w/ plow)		40,000
Highway	Equipment Replacement (GVW Dumptruck w/ plow and sander)					95,000
Highway	Equip. Replacement (Pickup Truck)					27,000
School	TWB Repair & Renovation	1,000,000	1,000,000
Police	Weapons	12,500
School	TWB Fire Alarm & Intercom	47,000
Total		1,709,500	1,173,000	136,000	375,000	197,000

* Lease would be $16,000 per year

CHARTER: CAPITAL PLANNING COMMITTEE

Section 1:

The Board of Selectmen shall establish and appoint a committee to be know as the Capital Improvement Planning Committee, composed of one member of the Board of Selectmen, two members of the Advisory Committee and two members at-large to be appointed (1) by the Board of Selectmen, (1) by the Moderator. At-large members to be appointed to staggered three-year terms, other members to be appointed for one-year terms. The Town Accountant and Treasurer shall be ex-officio members without the right to vote. The Committee shall appoint its own officers and observe all requirements of the “open meeting law”.

Section2:

The Committee shall study proposed capital projects and improvements involving major non-recurring tangible assets and projects which:

• Are purchased or undertaken at intervals of not less than five years;
• Have a useful life of at least five years;
• Cost over $10,000

Section 3:

All officers, boards and committees (including the Selectmen and the School Committee) shall by October 15 of each year, submit to the Committee, on forms provided by the Committee, information concerning all anticipated projects requiring Town Meeting action during the ensuing six years. The Committee shall consider the relative need, impact, timing, cost and the effect each will have on the financial position of the Town. No expenditure shall be voted for a capital outlay by the Committee which is not reflected in the Committee’s report unless the requestor shall first have submitted a report explaining the omission.

Section 4:

The Committee shall prepare an annual report recommending a Capitial Improvement Budget for the next fiscal year and a Capital Improvement Program including recommended capital improvements for the following five years. The report shall be submitted to the Board of Selectmen for its consideration, approval, and inclusion in the annual Town Report no later than January 30 of each year.

Section 5:

Such capital program, after its adoption, shall permit the expenditure on projects included therein of sums from departmental budgets for surveys, architectural or engineering advise, options, or appraisals; but no such expenditure shall be incurred on projects which have not been so approved by the Town either by approval or through the appropriation of sums in the current year or in prior years

Cemetery Commissioners

The Commissioners have been active overseeing the maintenance of Prospect Hill and Old Cemetery. Arrangements were made for the excavation and refilling of graves at the time of internment. Twenty-one internments were made in 2001. Activities this year also included marking out several graves for the installation of monuments and the placement of corner markers on several lots.

Several lots were sold in Old Cemetery and space is still available there. We had anticipated opening up a new section of Old Cemetery in the spring to make more lots available but a survey of the land comprising the cemetery was not completed. A review of space usage is in progress in Prospect Hill Cemetery with the hope of making some lots available there. This is taking longer than anticipated but progress is being made. We explored the possibility of putting a water supply in both cemeteries but we determined the cost was too prohibitive for the gain derived.

The state has mandated that each lot have a permanent marker showing the number of the lot in each cemetery. We are in process of fulfilling this but this requires finishing the map showing the actual location of each lot. The space usage review mentioned before is part of this process as well as a redrawing of the maps. To keep costs down we are attempting to do as much of this as we can ourselves but this is time consuming and can only be done in good weather.

Notice has been received from the state veterans office, that it is the responsibility of each town to maintain the markers on each veteran’s grave, and to make sure that those responsible for the installation of flags on these graves have an updated list of each veteran in the cemetery with its location on an annual basis. Working with the Veteran Officer, and the Historical Society, the listing is nearing completion. Much work still has to be done on repairing some of the markers, which have been damaged over the years. We are investigating what is to be done and how it can be done. Please note the display of the cemeteries put on by the Historical Society in the Library.

Please remember that the maintenance of anything planted in the gravesite is the responsibility of the owner. Plantings that exceed the boundaries of the gravesite should be removed. Please dispose of any trash in the barrels provided at the cemeteries. This is a country cemetery and does not have some of the amenities of more expensive sites. Please do your part to maintain the beauty of these spots.

Quarterly meetings of the Cemetery Commission are held at the Town House the second Tuesday of January, April, July and October at 7:30 PM. Commissioners may be contacted at this time or by calling an individual commissioners at the phone numbers listed below or calling 566-2204 and leaving a message.

Respectfully submitted,

Henry W. Dunwoody (566-3357), Renate Oliver (566-8684), David Quill (566-3552)

CENTENNIAL COMMONS TENANTS ORGANIZATION

We begin our twenty-fourth year here at Centennial Commons and there are still a few of the original tenants left who came early in the spring of 1978.

The tenants association was started in 1979 and has been active ever since. The agenda is still the same as it was then. We meet quarterly to enact new and old business with a well-rounded group of tenants.

Our community is very safe and a pleasant place to live, as attested by those who live here. Tenants have enjoyed birthday parties, Thursday night cars, Crazy Whist, showers and a host of other activities, tag and bake sales, morning card games, our summer hot dog roast, and last but nor least our Christmas party and dinner.

Even though we try to keep busy with activities we still miss the companionship of town folks from the meal site even though it has been over a year since they moved to the new Senior Center. However the shuttle bus that runs from the Commons to the Center every day is a blessing.

Respectfully,

Aline Burt, Secretary

COMPUTER STUDY COMMITTEE

The Computer Study Committee is an ongoing task committee organized by the Board of Selectmen in 1986. Since that time, it has assisted the Town departments in purchasing, installing, and maintaining their computer systems. We have stressed a practical and consistent approach to implementing these systems with an emphasis on productivity and good value. The Committee provided assistance to several departments, such as the Assessors, Police, and Library, with research and recommendations for their technology needs. Also, in the past year, the Town Hall and the Senior Center have been equipped with broadband cable access.

The Committee has a master plan that we feel represents a prudent, fiscally responsible path for the Town to follow. In these tough economic times, it is sometimes difficult to recognize the advantages of capital investment in computers and software. We are always available to respond to any questions or inquiries that residents may have. We wholeheartedly welcome any suggestions and advice.

We would also like to remind the residents that the Town continues to expand its public communications through the Town’s Web page at http://www.hampden.orgw ww.hampden.org. We would like to thank Springfield Public Access (www.the-spa.com) for their hosting of the Town web page and unlimited mailboxes for all Town departments.

Respectfully submitted,

John D. Flynn, Chair

Jim Moriarty

Richard Rediker

CONSERVATION COMMISSION

The Hampden Conservation is comprised of seven full time members and three associate members. We meet the second Monday of the month. Our purpose is to protest the resource areas in town from abuse and development. The guidelines we use are the Massachusetts Wetland Protection Act and Regulations as well as the Town of Hampden Wetland By-Laws and Regulations.

This year we held twelve regular meetings as well as three special meetings. We received three Notices of Intent, seven Request for Determinations, and four requests for Certificates of Compliance. We also issued three violation notices.

We actively work on projects with both the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts. Two projects came before the commission this year. The Girl Scouts were involved with the Minnechaug Mountain project and helped erect a sign denoting the area. There is a gravel parking lot connecting to the trails on the mountain. We are very fortunate to have these ninety-two acres preserved. This acquisition would not have happened without the diligent work of the Hampden Land Trust. Also Mark Hildreth, a local boy scout, came before the commission with plans to clean out debris and large objects from the Scantic River. The focus was between the Somers Road Bridge and Mill Bridge. He completed this project in one day and earned the rank of Eagle Scout.

The commission welcomes two new members, Dean Perham and Sheila Thompson.

We are always anxious to meet people interested in joining. Please contact our clerk, Pat Smith, at the Town House. We need pro-active people interested in preserving our town’s natural resources.

Respectfully submitted,

Bonnie Geromini, co-chair	Associate Members
Kim Desmarais, co-chair	Pat Smith, clerk
Dick Govan	Louanne Perham
Dean Perham	Peter Choquette
Sheila Thompson	Art Thibitot
Wayne Meisner
Jack Matthews

Hampden Council on Aging

A community has developed at the new senior center that is strong and diverse in age, health and financial status, work background and gender. Adults of all ages are renewing old friendships and forming new ones. Residents who have recently retired as well as those who have been retired for 15-20 years are eating together, playing together and learning together.

The Council on Aging endeavors to provide programs and services that will help seniors “charge” through their adult years instead of “enduring” them. We do that by offering the following programs and services:

ü Geriatric Care Management	ü Health and Education
ü Transportation	ü Tax Assistance
ü Monthly newsletter and outreach	ü Monthly health screenings
ü Insurance Counseling	ü Daily congregate meals
ü Prescription Assistance	ü Home delivered meals
ü Caregiver support	ü Lock box program
ü Fuel assistance/ emergency fuel assistance	ü Entertainment/Social Club
ü Recreation/hobbies/arts/crafts/game room	ü Health and Education

The heartbeat of the senior center is the meal site, better known as the “lunch bunch”. Managed by Janis DeGrandpre and funded by Greater Springfield Senior Services, the meal site provides a place for seniors and their friends to meet daily for a nutritious meal and most importantly socialization. Socialization continues to be the most vital factor contributing to healthy and successful aging.

Home delivered meals are provided weekdays and through the gracious generosity of Mary Lyon Nursing Home, weekend and holiday home delivered meals are also provided. Volunteers deliver the meals 365 days a year.

The COA and Mary Lyon Nursing home are expanding their collaboration this year by co-sponsoring a monthly educational forum for caregivers in the community.

The Friends of Hampden Seniors continue to provide invaluable financial support to the center. This year we were able to complete the expanded paving, constructed a shed for storage and provided two shuffleboard courts adjacent to the patio.

The center is open M-F, 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM and in response to the many requests for evening programs, we are open Monday, Tuesday and Thursday nights, 6 – 8 PM.

HAMPDEN COUNCIL ON AGING P. 2

As we endeavor to keep the center open 55+ hours each week, we are unfortunately exhausting our financial resources to adequately fund the staff needed to oversee the building. This is why the COA Clerk position has become critical in the operations of the senior center. The responsibilities of the only full-time staff position, the Executive Director, require work outside of the building. For the safety of all of the participants, the senior center must provide a staff person’s presence while the building is open. Our seniors need to be confident that when they are with us at the center they are safe. The connection between adequate staffing and their confidence cannot be overstated.

That is why, this year, we are again asking the town for full funding of this position. We are sensitive to the town’s financial position and very appreciative of all that has been done however a significant building with its many ongoing programs requires adequate staffing.

The COA is also requesting a favorable vote on an article submitted to enable any resident in the town to apply for a temporary Handicap Parking Permit when needed. This permit would allow those residents who are temporarily handicapped to quickly be given a permit for accessible parking privileges. Presently, the state issued permanent parking is lengthy and in many cases individuals recover before they can benefit from the permit.

The Senior Center could not function without the 130+ volunteers who tirelessly contribute their time to the COA. In April of this year, all of these volunteers will be recognized at the COA’s and meal site’s 25th anniversary.

Finally, this year the Mass Association of Councils on Aging began the process of certifying Senior Center Directors. After developing and submitting a portfolio that depicted the Director’s ability in distinct areas of programming and management, 11 Directors across the state proved their proficiency and were certified. Executive Director, Carolyn Brennan was one of two Western Massachusetts Director’s who were certified.

HAMPDEN COUNCIL ON AGING P. 3

Whether it is socialization and recreation or choosing the best supplemental health insurance the COA is equipped to provide professional and accurate information to adults faced with the complexity of choices that can affect their overall health and well being.

Respectfully submitted by:

Carolyn F. Brennan, Executive Director	Richard Boynton
Brian MacLeod, Chairman	Patricia Clark
Rita Vail, Vice Chairman	Arlene Fisher
Al Ouimet, Treasurer	Diane Hildreth
Virginia Schneider, Secretary	George Lavallee

Council on Aging Staff:

Admin. Clerks, Helena Nossal & Doreen Rauch	Senior Aide, Tiny Burt
Activities Coord/Meal Site Mgr Janis DeGrandpre	Outreach Coord., Lissa Fontaine
Senior Recourse Officer, Gary Courtney	Custodian, Rudie Voight

Affiliations: National Council on the Aging, Mass Association of Council on Aging & Senior Center Directors & Western Mass Assoc of Councils on Aging, Greater Springfield Senior Services.

HAMPDEN CULTURAL COUNCIL

The Hampden Cultural Council is responsible for distributing funds allocated by the Massachusetts Cultural Council. Applications for funds are submitted to the local council in October of each year. The council then meets to consider those requests. The applicants who are rejected are given time to appeal and under the new streamlined granting process; those who are approved are notified by the local council of their approval in December following a brief review by the Massachusetts Cultural Council. The actual funds to approved applicants are then available for distribution by the end of January pending budget passage by the state legislature.

Local groups or individuals who would like to request funds can get more information and the grant applications from the Selectman’s office. It should be noted that the council gives preference to projects sponsored by town organizations or residents. Due to limited funds, requests are rarely granted in full.

The Hampden Cultural Council again focused significant energy in local fundraising with a total of $625.70 profit from various activities. The Hampden Cultural Council would like to publicly thank the many individual contributors and volunteers for their generosity in these efforts. One such program/fund-raiser was a 3^rd Grade Art Contest entitled ”What I Love Most About Hampden.” Seventy-five third grade children participated and the first prize drawing was stenciled onto t-shirts and sold at the Memorial Day Parade and throughout the summer at various locations in town. The drawings were incredibly creative and demonstrated why most of us choose to live in Hampden.

The Massachusetts Cultural Council granted the Hampden Cultural Council our yearly allocation of $3,300.00. The council has recently made decisions regarding the re-granting of these monies.

Projects and activities that have been awarded grants for 2002 include:

· A trip to Symphony Hall for 3^rd graders

· A Music Matters program for grades 2 and 4

· A hip-hop dance performance to delight the teens & others in town

· Support for the Senior Woodworking Shop

· Support to the Hampden Public Library summer reading program

· An intergenerational performance for residents of Mary Lyon Nursing Home

· A senior citizen concert

· Two Blues Concert/Lectures at Minnechaug Regional High School

We have experienced great pleasure and satisfaction in being able support these cultural events and hope to continue to support cultural education and enjoyment of town residents of all ages.

Heather G. Beattie, Chairperson, Virginia Blake, Carolyn Siano, James McEwan,

Carol Gauthier, Judith Moriarty, Hermine Weston

Dog officer

Thomas J. O’Connor Regional Dog Control Center

701 Center Street

Chicopee, MA 01013

Tel. 781-1484

E- Mail animalcontrol1@rcn.com

In this past year we have continued the spay program with Tufts University and have had approximately 100 dogs spayed before being adopted. In April we held our annual rabies clinic. This year we offered parvo/distemper vaccines at a reduced rate in addition to the low cost rabies vaccine for dogs and cats. Additional preventative vaccines are administered to dogs impounded at our Center.

The year 2001, also brought a restructuring and increase of staff that includes, Michelle Downie: Director, Robert Larocque: Assistant Director, Dr. Gerald Cutting: Contractual Veterinarian, Felix Lisojo: Veterinarian Technician, Sarah Kiely: Kennel Assistant, Christine Higgins: Office Assistant, Pedro Cardona: Maintenance, Nick Dominik: Dog Officer, George Roberts: Dog Officer, Richard Hartnett: Dog Officer, William Day: Dog Officer, Mike Girard: Night Dog Officer.

The following list indicates duties conducted for the Town of Hampden by the staff of the Thomas J. O’Connor Regional Dog Control Center for the period of January 1, 2001 to December 31, 2001.

Investigation of loose dog complaints	12	Impounded dogs	16
Investigation of barking dog complaints	4	Returned to owners	8
Stray dogs captured and impounded	8	Adopted by Hampden residents	7
Dog bite investigations	4	Euthanized	1
Vicious/loose dog complaints	3	Transport, Rowley Animal Hosp.	1
Stray dogs brought from Hampden	0	Follow – up calls	2
Stray dog complaints	15	Hampden Dog Licenses sold	12
Sick and or injured dogs	1	Meetings due to dog problems	2
After-hour emergency calls	0	District Court appearances	0

The Town of Hampden has been a loyal participating member of the Regional Dog Control Program since June 1, 1994. Our staff appreciates Hampden’s concern in canine matters and cooperation in canine law enforcement.

Respectfully Submitted,

Michelle Downie, Director

FIRE DEPARTMENT and forest fire warden

In 2001 the Hampden Vol. Fire Department responded to 104 calls for assistance. They broke down as follows: house fires 3, smoke in house 2, car/truck fires 2, car accidents 2, down/smoking power lines 8, Haz-Mat 1, arson 1, rubbish 3, smell of gas/propane 6, stove 1, oil burner 1, CO detector 5, housing for elderly 21, automatic/false alarms 28. We also responded to the aid of neighboring towns twice in 2001.

The department would like to thank everyone who supported the purchase of the new fire truck, and donated to the Boot Drive. The new truck, a 2001 International rescue/pumper, is scheduled to be in service by May 2002. Through the Boot Drive and a donation by the fire department over $4,200 was sent to the New York City Firefighters Fund in response to the 9-11 tragedy.

We would also like to extend our thanks to the Hampden Police Department, and the Hampden Highway Department for their help and support in the past and years to come.

Any town resident 19 years of age or older interested in joining the Hampden Vol. Fire Dept. is encouraged to contact the department at 566-3314.

Respectfully submitted

Thomas Poulin, Chief, HVFD

FOREST FIRE WARDEN

The Hampden Vol. Fire Department responded to 18 brush fires in 2001. Burning season begins January 15, 2002 and extends through May 1, 2002. Permits are issued on a daily basis, weather permitting. To obtain a permit call 566-3314 after 9:00 a.m., burning hours are from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and no permits will be issued after 1:00 p.m. All fires must be attended by the individual with the permit, and be extinguished promptly at 4:00 p.m. Brush is identified as trimmings with a but-end smaller than 1 inch, and burning of grass, hay, leaves, stumps, and building materials is prohibited.

Respectfully submitted,

Thomas Poulin,

Forest Fire Warden

GOVERNMENT STUDY COMMITTEE

The Board of Selectmen voted to create a committee to study the structure of the government of the Town of Hampden with emphasis on the administrative functions. The goal was to determine if changes in the government structure could make for a more efficient delivery of town services.

Due to other urgent issues coming before the Board in the fall and early winter and budget considerations the committee has not been formally formed. It is the intention of the Board to convene this committee in the future and to set new target dates for results of the committee to be brought before the town.

CHARTER: GOVERNMENT STUDY COMMITTEE

A 5 member ad-hoc committee for the purpose of examining the structure of town government related to the role of the Board of Selectmen in the administration of town services. Such committee to review Massachusetts General Laws and the Town by-laws in conjunction with the current Town government structure and to make recommendations for any changes that may improve the efficiency in the delivery and/or administration of town services.

If the recommendations include changes to town by-laws then such recommendations shall include language appropriate for presentation at Town Meeting

The Committee shall be directed to make their recommendations by examining Hampden’s current administrative structure and procedures; by exploring administrative structures and procedures of demographically similar towns in the Commonwealth; by seeking input from a wide variety of elected and appointed officials, town workers and residents in the Town of Hampden; and by performing any other reasonable analysis that will enhance the objectivity, thoroughness and validity of their recommendation.

The Committee shall consist of five members. No member shall have served the town as either an elected or appointed official within the previous 5 years and no member shall be directly related to a current elected or appointed official of the town. Recommendations for members of the Committee shall by the Moderator based on nominations received by the Board. The Board of Selectmen shall then make appointments to the Committee.

The Board of Selectmen shall also appoint a single Board member as a liaison to the Committee. The liaison shall direct and monitor the activities of the Committee and make any necessary progress reports to the Board of Selectmen, but shall not participate significantly in the proceeding of the Committee.

The Board of Selectmen shall make legal counsel available to the Committee as warranted.

All meetings of the Committee shall be conducted in accordance with Massachusetts Open Meeting Laws. All proceedings shall be duly recorded and such record shall be made available to the public.

HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT

In the year 2001, the Highway Department completed two road reconstruction projects, several maintenance projects and repaired the damage done from the severe rain event in June. The reconstruction projects were funded with Chapter 90 Agreements through the Massachusetts Highway Department and a grant that was received for South Monson Road. The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) reimbursed all expenses associated with the June storm.

South Monson Road was reclaimed for the first 3,500 feet, graded and paved with both base and top courses. Curbing was installed; shoulders were graded, loamed and seeded. The balance of the road was resurfaced to the town line and all traffic markings were redone. The second project was on North, Burleigh and a section of Hollow Roads. They were cleaned and had shoulders cut. Then they were entirely paved to level and re-profile the surface. The top course will be completed in the spring, which will complete this project.

The June rain event dropped 5.8 inches in a short period of time. This deluge caused several culverts to plug causing washouts on several roads. Bennett Road, South Road, South Monson and Howlett Hill were among the hardest hit. Repairs to those roads, along with the cleanup and minor repairs to several others, took over six weeks to complete and cost over $70,000. Fortunately, the application for emergency reimbursement, which was sent to MEMA, was approved. All funds expended were reimbursed to the town.

There were a total of 28 winter storms in 2001. As always, the members of the Highway Department worked diligently to clear the roads for traffic. The members of the Highway Department are; Patrick Markham, Robert Richards, Albert Rosati, Matthew Frederick and John Ouellette. Relief drivers who also often assist us include; Harold House, Ron Neilsen, David Hawley and Jason Walbridge. I would like to thank them all for their services, support and cooperation.

I would also like to thank the many other employees and volunteers of the town, as well as the residents who have supported the Highway Department over the past year.

Dana S. Pixley

Highway Superintendent

HISTORICAL COMMISSION

The purpose of the Historical Commission is to plan and implement programs for identifying, evaluating and protecting our town’s historic resources. We work with boards and commissions within the Town to achieve our goals. We are responsible for commenting on environmental review issues at the local level. We are also mandated to alert state and federal agencies to local preservation issues.

Cemeteries

The photo on the back cover of this Town Report is of the gravestone of Revolutionary War veteran, John Williams. The Sons of the American Revolution placed the marker that holds his flag at the site c. 1907. It is used on the Town Report to recognize our veterans and call attention to our cemeteries. The Historical Commission, Cemetery Commission, Veteran’s Agent and Selectmen have been working together to assure that every veteran buried in our cemeteries is honored with a marker and an American flag as required by law. To this end, Rita Vail has computerized and earlier list done by Henry Dunwoody of all veterans known to be buried in the Town cemeteries. Over 70 veteran’s graves have been identified as missing a flag and/or a marker. We found 78 broken, tipped over, leaning or sunken stones in Old Cemetery alone – an undetermined number of stones are completely covered over.

The Historical Society has joined in the effort to rejuvenate our cemeteries with an innovative project called, “Adopt a Plot”. Won’t you join in tending the graves of those that created and defended the town we live in? Call the Historical Society for more information on how you can help ensure that our cemeteries are dignified and beautiful places of peace.

The Historical Commission and the Library are cooperating on an exhibit named, “Cemeteries: Stories in Stone”. The Commission will present highlights of the cemeteries’ history and significance. The Library will parallel this with an exhibit of related publications.

West Side Survey

Our West Side Survey has expanded! The area survey of Somers Road, East Longmeadow Road, and Allen Street now includes the Woodland Park development. Much of the information complied on this area has been via oral history given by residents who live/lived in this geographical area as well as photographs and architectural reports. We hope to complete the survey this year and submit the documentation to the Massachusetts Historical Commission.

We were pleased to learn that the archeological report we submitted to the Massachusetts Historical Commission concerning Minnechaug Mountain earned the Town extra “points” in their application for a self help grant. The purchase of the 93 acres has insured that at least part of out Town will maintain it’s rural character.

HISTORICAL COMMISSION P 2

We wish to thank all town officials and employees as well as the Townspeople for their interest, help and enthusiasm for our work. The Massachusetts Historical Commission has also given us technical support, advise and encouragement.

Our meetings are held the first and third Tuesdays of each month. We welcome your attendance and hope you will tell us of any preservation issues you wish us to address.

Our concerns are not just old buildings and archeological sites. We are also concerned about maintaining our rural heritage through preservation of farmlands, scenic roads, and conservation protection and smart growth. Member, Noreen Couture has been selected to represent the Historical Commission on the town Community Preservation Committee.

WE WORK IN THE PRESENT TO PRESERVE THE PAST FOR THE FUTURE

Respectfully submitted,

Connie Chapin Witt, Chairman

Dorothy Bradway Hill, Secretary

Chrissy Cesan, Archeology Coordinator

Noreen Couture, Publicity/Computer Coordinator

Nancy Quill, Cemetery Coordinator

HISTORICAL SOCIETY

Just as in days gone by when Hampden’s people flocked to the town house, now Academy Hall, for entertainment so today the Historical Society of the Town of Hampden meets there to be entertained and the acquire knowledge at the same time. A wide range of programs in 2001 have given members information about Shakers, antique furniture, the evolution of firearms, the Appalachian Trail, “Country Dreams” by Roger Hart, and much more. At each meeting, too we indulge in a variety of goodies, along with coffee.

On Memorial Day, we again sold t-shirts with the word Hampden across the front of the red, white, and blue design, as well as small flags, and people seemed to enjoy them. We have a few t-shirts on hand for purchase if anyone failed to get one. Our museum was open that day, and many visitors toured both the downstairs displays and ones upstairs.

Our annual ice cream social in June gave taste treats to participants, with a show and tell program afterwards, when members brought intriguing items from their homes and told their history.

We were delighted this year to receive more donations to the museum, increasing our display of items relevant to the town.

More pleasurable programs are planned. Everyone is welcome to join us. You need not be a member of the society for the programs are free to anyone interested. Please join us on the 4^th Tuesday of each month at 7:30 p.m. in the Academy Hall.

Respectfully submitted,

Linda Krawiec, President

HAMPDEN HOUSING AUTHORITY

The Hampden Housing Authority meets on the third Thursday of every month at the Community Building at 26 Springmeadow Lane. Meetings are posted with the Town Clerk and are open to the public.

Elected members of the Authority are as follows: William Joy, Miles Hapgood, Aline Burt, and Cecilia Melville. In December 2001, Governor Swift appointed Benjamin Bump to the position of State Appointed member of the Hampden Housing Authority. Our staff members are: Christine Evans - Executive Director, Carole Robert – Site Manager, Frank Hull – Maintenance. In October 2001 Hampden Housing Authority joined forces with Wilbraham Housing Authority to hire a Resident Coordinator to serve the needs of the residents of Centennial Commons. Catherine Sauter of Wilbraham serves in this position, which has been very well received and appreciated.

The mission of the Hampden Housing Authority continues to be focused on the provision for decent, safe and affordable housing at a rental rate that is based on 30% of net income. Maximum contract rents will be adjusted effective April 1, 2002 as follows: 1 bedroom - $469.00; 2 bedrooms – $536.00. All eligibility and occupancy standards are in keeping with the Department of Housing and Community Development and HUD guidelines. Our agency is subject to state audit every two years by the Office of the State Auditor.

Our sincere thanks goes out o the Hampden Police, Fire and Highway Departments for their continued dedication and service to our residents.

Applications for housing are available through the Hampden Housing Authority office at 26 Springmeadow Lane, or by calling 566-8157. Office hours are Monday and Wednesday from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Tuesday and Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The office is closed on Friday.

Respectfully submitted,

Christine Evans

Executive Director

Hampden Land Project

Hampden Land Project, a 501(c) 3 non-profit land trust, is committed to permanently protecting critical areas of open space in Hampden.

2001 was a banner year for Hampden Land Project (HLP), with the successful completion of its first land acquisition project. An important 93-acre parcel on the north slope of Minnechaug Mountain was saved from development when HLP obtained an emergency loan and purchased the parcel. At the annual Town Meeting, we received enthusiastic voter support to apply existing town conservation funds towards this purchase, and ultimately turned this land over to the town, at no cost to the taxpayer. We then received major funding from state grants, private foundations and individual donors, and paid off our loan.

In September, 300 people attended a fundraising Barn Dance, and in October, 130 people enjoyed a Harvest Hike and Brunch, with local Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts acting as trail guides, and Key Clubbers handing out trial maps.

As we enter 2002, our membership has grown, as more people value the scenic beauty and rural atmosphere of our town, and realize that we must work together to balance new development with conservation. With the recent passage of the Community Preservation Act, we have a new source of funding for land protection. We look forward to future conservation projects, including the protection of farms, forests, wetlands, and mountains.

Please contact us at HLP, P.O. Box 455, Hampden, MA 01036 or visit us online at our MassLive website: www.landproject@hampden.org.

Respectfully submitted,

Sherry Himmelstein, President

HAMPDEn public LIBRARY

The mission of the Hampden Free Public Library is to provide materials of popular interest to our adult and juvenile patrons, and to provide materials and services to help local residents satisfy their informational, entertainment, and educational needs.

In an effort to fulfill this mission, we have created a welcoming and helpful atmosphere, providing materials and information in a variety of formats including traditional print, audio books, Internet, videos and CD’s. In October 2001 we expanded our services to our patrons by participating in system-wide holds through CWMARS. Through this service the collections of over 140 libraries are available to our patrons, with delivery from libraries in Central and Western Massachusetts to the Hampden library within 2-3 days. We have already seen a marked increase in circulation as a result of this service.

Our outreach to the schools has resulted in expanded services as well. We have assisted teachers with curriculum materials and supplemented the collections of TWB and Green Meadows media centers on special topics. Homework alerts have allowed us to meet the needs of the students for homework and special projects. The Center for Success, a homework center for Hampden children will open in January 2002. This center was made possible by a federal Library Services and Technology Act grant from the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners, a bequest from Henry Chester Dickinson, and our annual state Municipal Equalization grant. It will provide a supervised area, which is equipped with print resources and Internet access, where students can complete homework assignments, work on special projects, receive extra help in troubling subjects, or just study quietly.

Children’s programming has always been an important part of library services. During fiscal year 2001, 131 children’s drawing attendance of over 4,000. In addition, we had another successful summer reading program. The theme this summer was “First of All, Read”. A total of 157 children from preschool to entering grade 5 completed their reading goals. Certificates of Completion were awarded at the end of summer party. Each child was also given a paperback book of their choice from the Friends of the Library and prizes from local businesses.

As part of the summer programs, 19 students entering grades 6 through 9 continued to support the library by donating an hour of their time each week to assist on the circulation desk. We also had 14 students participate in the summer reading, each of whom was awarded a Certificates of Completion and book from the Friends of the Library. A pizza party was held to celebrate the end of the summer and prizes were awarded.

HAMPDEn public LIBRARY P. 2

For the first time, we also held an Adult Summer Reading program and had an overwhelming response from 52 participants. Each adult had to read a library book and prepare a review. A party was also held at the end of the program. Peter Pan Bus Lines donated the grand prize of 2 round-trip tickets to New York City. Hampden Nurseries, Graziano Brothers, Lands End, Eastfield Mall Merchants and McDonald’s also donated prizes.

Our thanks go to the many local businesses who contributed to the Summer Reading Program: Monson Savings Bank, Charter One Bank, Village Food Mart, How Sweet It Is, Pop’s Pizza, Annie’s Place, Fenway Golf, Friendly’s Ice Cream, Adventureland, Dave’s Soda and Pet Shop, Eastfield Mall Merchants, McDonald’s.

Back by popular demand was the babysitting class, which is supported annually by the Hampden Lions Club. This year 18 children were awarded their American Red Cross Certificates.

We have had 2 very active monthly book discussion groups; one groups meets at the Hampden Senior Center in the afternoons and the other at the library in the evening. A wide variety of books of all genres have been read and enthusiastically discussed.

We would like to thank the Friends of the Hampden Public Library for their support in providing funds for children’s programs, and video and CD acquisitions. Also, thanks to the Hampden Garden Club, whose members once again decked our walls and windows with beautiful seasonal decorations.

Report of the Library, P.2

Volunteers are always welcome at the library. This year we had the outstanding services of Steve Thomsen, Nora Guyer, Florence Joubert, and Dawn Gurski, whose faithfulness and enthusiasm is greatly appreciated.

None of the above activities could happen without our awesome staff: Monica Tronsky, children’s librarian, Cindy Rowley, technical services librarian, Robyn Janczulewicz, library assistant, and Brandy Fagan, page.

LIBRARY STATISTICS

General Services FY 2001

Circulation
Print Material - Adult	10,934	Volumes Added	1,461
Print Material – Juvenile	15,821	Volumes Discarded	1,344
Magazines	2,627	Total Collection	25,750
Non-print Material	12,806	Magazine Subscriptions	57
Inter-library Loan	533
Total	42,721	Registered borrowers	3,693

*Young Adult materials now recorded with Juvenile.

HAMPDEn public LIBRARY P. 3

Finances FY2001

Receipts
Municipal Appropriation	$82,402
State Aid	2,154
Monetary gifts, trusts, endowments	2,411
TOTAL	$86,967

Expenditures
Wages	59,604
Books and Materials	20,002
Maintenance Agreements	2,312
Other Expenses	5,049
TOTAL	$86,967

(Note: The status of the library’s trust funds is listed in the “Report of the Town Accountant.”)

TRUSTEES, HAMPDEN PUBLIC LIBRARY
Kathleen Hutchison, Chairperson	2004
Beth Burger	2002
Elaine Kingsbury	2003

HAMPDEN PUBLIC LIBRARY HOURS
Monday-Wednesday	Noon to 8:00 p.m.
Thursday	Noon to 6:00 p.m.
Saturday	10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Closed Saturdays during August

Respectfully submitted,

Ellen C. Bump, Director

PARKS & RECREATION

The Parks Department has experienced yet another year of growth. The Summer Camp Program had a record number of attendees. A new Community Bulletin Board was put up to keep everyone updated on coming events and special happenings. Changes in the Sports Programs have been made, increasing participation and allowing for the programs to be run smoothly. Movie nights, as always, continue to be very successful.

New State regulations force us to re-evaluate the pool facility at Memorial Park. The Commission, along with consultants, is exploring various options that may require capital improvements. The pool is a central part of Memorial Park, and an asset to the Town and its’ programs.

We welcomed a new Director in August, Jay Fenlason. Jay brings a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to the Parks Department.

The CARES Group’s fundraising for new playgrounds at Green Meadows School is nearing their goal of $40,000. They plan to break ground at GM in early spring.

The Fall Festival on September 29,2001, was a huge success. On a beautiful fall day, thousands of local residents bought crafts, enjoyed terrific food, and watched their children play games and go on the rides. We offer a heartfelt “Thank you” to all the businesses, civic organizations, and restaurants that participated. The Fall Festival Fun Run drew over 100 people to its 3^rd anniversary.

The Commissioners would like to thank the wonderful staff from last year’s summer program. The dedication, enthusiasm, and hard work shown by over 25 of our town’s young people ensured that the program continued in spectacular fashion. We are looking forward to working with many of them again.

A large THANK YOU must go to Dana Pixley and his Highway Department Staff. They are always willing to work with us to eliminate any problems. The incredibly efficient, and highly organized, staff at the Town Hall also deserves our thanks and appreciation.

All of our town sports programs are run in conjunction with the Recreation Association of Hampden (RAH). RAH’s group of committed volunteers help to organize and monitor out the programs. Their contributions are vital to the growth of our programs.

PERSONNEL REVIEW COMMITTEE

The Board of Selectmen established a five member Personnel Review Committee on June 12, 2001. Members of the Committee appointed by the Selectmen are Donald Collins, Chairman, Atty. Thomas Argenio, Richard Ayers, Atty. Ronald Kidd and William Gouzounis. The purpose of the Committee is to provide recommendations to the Board of Selectmen relative to the present employee handbook and personnel policies. The Committee has reviewed the present handbook of the Town of Hampden and handbooks of numerous other towns; in addition, it has considered new customary policies and legal requirements for personnel practices. A revised proposed handbook for the town will be submitted to the Board of Selectmen for their review early in 2002.

CHARTER: PERSONNEL COMMITTEE

Establishing the Committee:

Motion made and approved that the Board of Selectmen appoint a Personnel Committee for the purpose of providing recommendations to the Board of Selectmen relative to the current employee handbook and personnel policy.

Committee Charter:

Motion made and approved that the Personnel Committee shall consist of five (5) members selected from the community, preferably with experience in personnel or management. Said committee will conform to all aspects of the open meeting law. The committee charge includes, but is not limited to, the review of:

• Current personnel policy
• Performance criteria
• Performance evaluations
• Performance implementation
• Compensation administration
• The need for a personnel board

The committee is to present their findings and make recommendations to the Board of Selectmen by October 1, 2001.

PLANNING BOARD

The Hampden Planning Board had a busy and productive 2001, due in no small part to the expansion of the Town Zoning Bylaws in late 2000. We are very appreciative of the support and understanding of the residents during the public forums and Town meetings.

As always, the State is tirelessly working to implement new regulations and programs that affect our community; we continue to work with other towns and the Pioneer Valley Planning Cooperative to proactively review these programs, to ascertain how we can best be prepared and protected in our community.

We would like to thank Duane Mosier for his years of service to the Planning Board and Zoning Board of Appeals. We welcome Melissa Reeves to our Board.

The Board would also like to thank Mark Feeney, Building Inspector, and Judy Jackson, Planning Board Clerk, for their tireless efforts.

The Board meets every second and fourth Wednesday of each month and welcomes the input of Town residents.

Respectfully submitted

John D. Flynn, Chair

Joseph Mascaro, Vice-Chair

Joseph A. Dolben

Joseph Kruzel

Melissa Reeves

POLICE DEPARTMENT

2001 said goodbye to some experienced people and hello to young individuals. After 18 years of service Sergeant James Collins has retired. Sergeant Anna Mascaro served the community for 15 years receiving a medical retirement for an injury while on duty. Dispatcher Linda Ely also served this community for 12 years and resigned to take another position in a neighboring community. All three of the above individuals served this community faithfully and loyally throughout their careers. I would like to thank them for all that they have done for this Police Department.

Officers Tawrin Seega and Carl Mazzaferro were new faces employed by the Police Department this past year. Both Officers come with valuable experience and knowledge in law enforcement with a desire to serve this community. Damian DeWolf was hired as a full time dispatcher and he is also a reserve officer. A promotional examination for sergeant was given for the first time in the history of this police department with the promotion of Officer Joseph Henry to Sergeant. Sergeant Joseph Henry will be the third shift Supervisor, with Sergeant J. Farnsworth being the second shift supervisor. The Police Chief will be the first shift supervisor.

A major goal, which was to maintain spending within the approved budget, has been accomplished this year. Although we had to change our way of doing business by not always having the manpower we would like on all shifts, we were able to provide the type of police service the community has come to expect and deserve. The Police Chief has taken on “calls for service tasks” as well as “administrative tasks” to assist in realizing this goal. A team effort through positive communication between all members of this police department has benefited this community.

Our community policing advisory committee spent many hours in providing programs to the residents of this community. Activities throughout the community were targeted by this group, which touched everyone from the senior citizen to the teenagers of our community. A survey on community policing was conducted seeking to devise strategies, which address crime, fear of crime, and issues that detract from overall quality of life. The results will be examined for future programs by this police department.

As in the past, this police department has seen the addition of new reserve officers and dispatchers, as well as the loss of a few valued reserve officers. New this year was Derek Anti and Todd Mackecknie as a dispatcher. Michael Lynch, Gregory Skop and Jason Sutherland were appointed as Reserve Officer/dispatcher. Leaving us this past year was Luke Lessard, Mark Porter, Charles Seder, and Keith Timme.

Police Department P. 2

In conclusion, I wish to thank the Board of Selectmen for their continued support and cooperation, all officers and civilian employees of the Police Department, the Fire Chief and members of his department, the Highway Superintendent and members of his department, all the elected and appointed town officials we have worked with and the citizens of the community for their continued support and cooperation throughout the year.

I submit herewith, the Annual Report for the police department for the year ending, December 31, 2001.

During the year, the Police Department received 8,883 calls for service. Most of the calls received by this department were for assistance, complaints and for reporting crimes or accidents. The following is a general breakdown of some of the types of complaints received and investigated by this department.

Accident (Property Damage)	93	Illegal Dumping	16
Accident (Personal Injury)	11	Larceny (Over $250)	24
Accident (Hit & Run)	8	Larceny (Under $250)	30
Alarm (Burglary)	273	Medical Assist	171
Alarm (Fire)	66	Missing Person	9
Alarm (Hold-Up)	4	M/V Stolen	1
Alarm (Other)	28	M/V Disabled	50
Alarm (Panic/Trouble)	13	M/V Stop	965
Animal Complaint (Domestic)	162	Officer Assistance	81
Animal Complaint (Wild)	41	Property (Lost)	9
Annoying/Obscene Phone Calls	14	Property (Found)	28
Assist Citizen	438	Property (Returned)	19
Assist Motorist	14	Restraining Order Served	43
Assist other Agencies	151	Restraining Order Violation	3
Assist Other Police Departments	82	Runaway	3
Breaking & Entering/Burglary	11	Suicide Attempt/Threat	1
Breaking & Entering/MV	15	Summons Served	85
By Law Violation	17	Suspicious Automobile	142
Disturbance (General)	38	Suspicious (Other)	44
Disturbance (Domestic)	37	Suspicious Person(s)	63
General Services	420	Special Attention	106
House/Building Checks	144	Trespass Complaint	25
Hunting Violations	3	Vandalism	87

Police Department P. 3

During the year we had 641 total offenses committed, with 144 total arrests and 11 juvenile arrests. Listed below are some of the complaints filed.

Assault	25	Larceny (All Other)	67
Burg/Breaking & Entering	29	Liquor Law Violation	8
Destruction/Damage/Vandalism	72	Motor Vehicle Theft	7
Driving Under the Influence	11	Other Offenses	91
Drug/Narcotic Violations	12	Traffic By-Law Offenses	267

We had 116 motor vehicle accidents this year. There were a total of 975 citations issued during the year with a total of $63,685.00 in fines. The town has received $16,312.50 from the Registry of Motor Vehicles, which represents the town’s share of fines on tickets written. 53% of these citations were measured by radar. The average speed is 51 mph. Average mph over speed limit is 17 mph.

WARNING CITATIONS

Fail to yield at intersection	8	Seat Belt Violation	4
License/Reg not in possession	6	Speeding Violation	206
Plate Missing	287	Stop Sign Violation	30
Marked Lanes Violation	64	Unregistered M/V Trailer	18
No Inspection Sticker	30	Vehicle Violations	35

CIVIL CITATIONS

Children’s Seat Violation	23	Seat Belt Violation	12
Fail to yield at intersection	6	Speeding Violation	308
License/Reg not in possession	15	Stop Sign Violation	22
Marked Lanes Violation	4	Unregistered M/V Trailer	20
Number Plate Missing	10	Vehicle Violations	5
Oper. MV – License Restrictions	12

CRIMINAL CITATIONS

Fail to stop	2	Speeding	15
License/Reg not in possession	3	Uninsured Vehicle	16
No Inspection Sticker	8	Unlicensed Operation of M/V	26
Op. M/V with Revoked Lic/Reg	29	Unregistered M/V Trailer	13
OUI	5	Vehicle Violations	5

During the year $2,620.00 was turned over to the Town Treasurer for firearms identification cards, pistol permits, photographs, unregistered vehicle, and various report fees.

Respectfully submitted,

Philip J. Adams, Chief of Police

RIDGELINE AND HILLSIDE COMMITTEE

The Ridgeline and Hillside Committee provide an advisory function to the Planning Board. Applications for development in this overlay district are reviewed by the members; site visits and progress reviews are held; and a recommendation is then passed to the Building Inspector.

All residents are welcome at any meeting and any volunteer help is greatly appreciated. We encourage all residents to make suggestions and comments.

Respectfully submitted,

Robin Warner

John D. Flynn

Jim Moriarty

RECREATION ASSOCIATION OF HAMPDEN

The Recreation Association of Hampden's primary focus is to provide a youth sports program which fosters participation, skill development, and most importantly fun for the youth of Hampden. The youth sports program offered enrollment in the traditional sports of soccer, basketball, baseball, and softball. We would like to thank those companies and individuals who, through their contributions to RAH, enable us to offer events such as Coach Training and Certification classes.

During the past year, RAH saw a continuing increase in the number of Hampden children involved in the Town-sponsored sports programs. Baseball and Softball saw terrific growth with over 230 children participating in both Rec. and Travel leagues. The Town Basketball program had excellent participation, with new teams being sponsored in the CYO league, giving children options for all levels of play. The Soccer program was well represented, with ten teams in the PVJSL’s Fall league, as well as a strong showing in the 1^st/2^nd grade League and the Instructional program.

We would like to thank the Hampden Parks and Recreation Commission for their cooperation and assistance in providing the best programs possible. We welcome Jay Fenlason as the new Recreation Director. We would like to thank Claire Sibilia and Mary Kay Theoharides for their many years of serving on the RAH Board. Their input will be sorely missed.

RAH meets monthly at the Hampden Town Hall and encourages all residents to attend our meetings.

Respectfully submitted,

The RAH Board

John Flynn, President

Chris McDonald, Vice Pres.

Rick DeSanti, Treasurer

Karen Hatch, Clerk

Directors Dave Avery, Mark Dentzau, John Donaruma, Rick Green, Rick Kapinos, Joe Martins, Ed Pessolano, Steve Sugermeyer, Rick Willis

SCANTIC VALLEY WATER DISTRICT

During 2001, the Scantic Valley Water District (SVWD) pumped 589,440 gallons of water from two wells on the Massachusetts Audubon Society property, off Main Street, Hampden. There are ten active water services in the SVWD, providing potable water to two Laughing Brook properties and eight homes. The 2001 Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) sampling schedule for the SVWD was accomplished with twelve Coliform, five Lead, five Copper, two Nitrate and two Volatile Organic Compounds samples taken at various locations in the water system. All sampling results were within the acceptable range for standards set by DEP for drinking water in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Events that occurred during 2001 included; completion of the pump house telemetry alarms on January 5, a faulty air compressor component in the pump house was replaced on February 21, a water service line break was discovered and repaired on March 30 and a large leaning tree that had the potential to fall on the pump house was taken down on November 12, 2001.

Respectfully submitted,

Robert E. Majkut, Chairman

George Bouchard

Rick DiSanti

Michael S. Framarin, Operator

HAMPDEN-WILBRAHAM REGIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT

621 Main Street

Wilbraham, Massachusetts

The 2000-2001 school year marked a time of continued growth and change for the school District. As the new programs, such as full-day kindergarten, continued to grow, we also experienced a change in leadership at several levels.

At Mile Tree Elementary School, long-time Principal Jane Leone retired and was replaced by Lynne Kimball from the Westfield Public Schools. Mrs. Leone was a dedicated and well-respected administrator who made a positive impact on our schools. She will be remembered fondly for her many accomplishments. At Soule Road Elementary School, Rosemary Brosnan replaced John Cavanaugh. Mrs. Brosnan came to the District from the Holyoke Public Schools. In the Central Office, Assistant Superintendent Dr. Anne Towle left to become Superintendent of the Gardner Public Schools. Donna Scanlon, formerly the Director of Curriculum for the Holyoke Public Schools, replaced Dr. Towle. Finally, Superintendent Dr. Brenda Dietrich left to become Superintendent of the Auburn-Washburn School District in Topeka, Kansas. Dr. Dietrich had served the District well since 1995. Under her leadership the District experienced much progress. She was instrumental in guiding the District in its early years of full regionalization and oversaw the reconfiguration of the elementary schools in Wilbraham. Dr. Paul Gagliarducci, long-time Superintendent in Somers, Connecticut, replaced Dr. Dietrich. Dr. Gagliarducci returned to Massachusetts, having served as a teacher and administrator in the West Springfield, Hampshire Regional and Tantasqua Regional school Districts.

The following reports from District administrators and principals detail the accomplishments of students and staff. The District remains committed to its motto “Excellence First, Learning Always”. The vision statement written in the District’s Strategic Plan speaks to the communities working collaboratively to develop an educational environment that promotes learning. As we look to the future, we are focused on the development of this collaborative spirit that ultimately impacts the lives of the children who attend school in Hampden and Wilbraham.

Curriculum Update

Donna M. Scanlon

Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum, Instruction,

and Professional Development

The Hampden-Wilbraham Regional School District has a rich and rigorous core curriculum, as evidenced by students' excellent accomplishments. The District is currently renewing curriculum development processes in order to establish continuity in grades.

HAMPDEN-WILBRAHAM REGIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT P 2

K-12 and consistency across the schools. Strengthening the integration of technology into instruction to improve learning is also a high priority that is actively being addressed. The goal is that the curriculum, instruction, and assessment meet the educational needs of all students and result in the steady improvement of student achievement.

Achieving this goal requires that:

ü Effective short-term interventions, or, as appropriate, long-term support, will be provided to all students who need it.

ü Consistent core materials are available in every classroom.

ü Current research based instructional practices for diverse learners are implemented in every classroom.

ü Systems that assist in the continuous monitoring of student progress toward meeting the State/District benchmarks are implemented.

ü Released MCAS items are meaningfully incorporated into classroom tests and quizzes at appropriate levels.

ü Systematic, long-term, intensive, professional development is provided along with in-classroom support as needed.

ü Instructional technology is fully supported and consistently utilized.

ü Written curriculum guides are revised in response to new State Frameworks.

The State learning standards are used to guide curricular and instructional decisions at the District, school, and classroom level. All teachers design powerful, standards-based learning opportunities that will actively engage students in the learning process and prepare them to perform well on tasks as rigorous as MCAS items. Non-tested subject area teachers such as foreign language, family/consumer science, art, music, technology, health, and physical education also play an important role in ensuring that all children reach the learning standards in the tested as well as non-tested disciplines. They help us to reach all children through addressing their unique strengths, multiple intelligences, and creative processes. They demand creativity, critical thought and academic growth from all children in multi-dimensional ways and are valued for the contribution they make in helping students reach the promise of their potential.

MCAS Scores

Donna M. Scanlon

Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum, Instruction, and Professional Development

The fourth annual administration of the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System brought some changes. The test results for MCAS 2001 are the first used to determine student eligibility for a high school diploma. Members of the graduating class of 2003 are required to pass both the grade 10 MCAS English Language Arts and the grade 10 MCAS Mathematics tests as one condition for receiving a high school diploma.

HAMPDEN-WILBRAHAM REGIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT P 3

Students must also meet all local graduation requirements. A scaled score of 220 (the lowest score in the Needs Improvement performance level) or higher will be considered a passing score on each test. Students who fail either or both tests will be given multiple opportunities before the end of their senior year to retake the test(s) they did not pass.

Table 1: The chart below compares The Hampden-Wilbraham Regional School District results for 2001 with the State:

Grade/Subject Tested	HWRSD Results: Percent of Students Scoring Advanced/Proficient	State Results: Percent of Students Scoring Advanced/Proficient
Grade 3 Reading	80%	62%
Grade 4 English Language Arts	66%	51%
Grade 4 Mathematics	49%	34%
Grade 6 Mathematics	58%	36%
Grade 7 English Language Arts	62%	55%
Grade 8 English Language Arts	81%	67%
Grade 8 Mathematics	49%	36%
Grade 10 English Language Arts	62%	50%
Grade 10 Mathematics	62%	45%

The District scores for 2001 have shown significant improvement.

¨ The percentage of 10^th grade students who scored at the Failing level in English Language Arts has decreased from 23% to 8% since the spring of 2000.

¨ The percentage of 10^th grade students who scored at the Failing level in Mathematics has decreased from 36% to 12% since the spring of 2000.

¨ The percentage of 10^th grade students who scored at the Advanced/Proficient level in Mathematics has nearly doubled, from 34% to 62%, since the spring of 1998.

¨ The percentage of 8^th grade students who scored at the Failing level in Mathematics has decreased from 31% to 14% since the spring of 1998.

¨ The percentage of 8^th grade students who scored at the Failing level in English Language Arts has decreased from 5% to 2% since the spring of 1998.

The Hampden-Wilbraham Regional School District is committed to increasing the use of data to drive decisions. The recent influx of valuable information related to the high stakes MCAS tests has stimulated the administration to create a structure for analyzing the information systematically, and using it to set clear and concrete learning goals for continual improvement.

HAMPDEN-WILBRAHAM REGIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT P 4

SAT Accomplishments

Carolyn Lewis, MRHS Guidance Director

2000-2001 Comparison of SAT Average

VERBAL		MATH
519	Minnechaug	527
511	Massachusetts	515
506	National	514

Over 94% of the Class of 2001 graduates enrolled in college, with 70% of its members enrolling in four-year colleges. Our students continue to attend highly competitive colleges. The Class of 2001 sent graduates to Amherst College, Bates College, Boston College, Dartmouth College, Mount Holyoke College, Renssalaer Polytechnic Institute, Skidmore College, Syracuse University, University of Pennsylvania and the United States Military Academy at Annapolis. Over 23% of students attended two-year colleges.

SCHOOL BASED INITIATIVES

Mile Tree Elementary School

Lynne Kimball, Principal

Mile Tree Elementary School’s theme is “Everyone Reads”. Activities, programs, assemblies, and school-wide spirit days have focused on improving the motivation and stressing the importance of having everyone read.

The Mile Tree Elementary School family participated in “Food For Kids From Kids” by collecting over 510 pounds of food for the Tri-County Survival Center. Mile Tree Elementary School’s “Change for Children Turns Into Dollars For Disaster” was a post-September 11^th tragedy fundraiser. Staff and students in Preschool, Kindergarten, and Grade 1 decorated milk cartons in a patriotic red, white, and blue theme and brought them home as collection banks for the Red Cross. The fundraiser resulted in a phenomenal amount of change--$2,545.51, which was donated to the Pioneer Valley Chapter of the American Red Cross.

Our new School Improvement Plan this year includes participation in the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) accreditation process and the creation of a learning environment that closely monitors students’ social and emotional well-being.

HAMPDEN-WILBRAHAM REGIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT P 5

Green Meadows Elementary School

T. Jeffrey Sullivan, Principal

Green Meadows Elementary School continues to focus on improving reading and language arts skills for its students. “First Steps”, a comprehensive writing program, is fully implemented and proven to be very successful. “The Meadows” Publishing Center opened for business earlier than any other year. Volunteers, including our own Hampden Police Resource Officers help the children become published authors. As a result of last year’s success, April has been designated “poetry month” once again.

The tragic events of September 11^th brought our school together to help in community service. Green Meadows students collected hygiene products to send to the rescue workers at Ground Zero. Students also collected money to send to the Red Cross and Salvation Army. Volunteers in Public Schools (VIPS) continue to work with us on community service projects in addition to coordinating our Read Aloud program in November, February and April. This program is again supported through the generosity of the Monson Savings Bank.

Green Meadows will soon offer an after-school program to help third graders prepare and develop skills for taking the spring MCAS. Our MCAS committee has analyzed last spring’s scores. This information will help us plan lessons and activities for success on this spring’s testing.

“Study Buddies” has given third graders a chance to get support after school on Tuesdays and Thursdays throughout the year. We are pleased to have “Mad Science,” an after-school program, this fall and winter for interested children.

Having successfully implemented Accelerated Reader, we will soon pilot Accelerated Math in our second grades. Hopefully we will be able to expand the program for third grade next year.

Memorial Elementary School

Deborah Thompson, Principal

Memorial Elementary School opened for its 51^st year in the fall. We returned this year welcoming students in grades 2 – 6. In addition, Memorial Elementary School also welcomed four new staff members in grades 4, 5, 6, and Instrumental Music.

Memorial Elementary School continues to strive for excellence in academics through our School Improvement Goals of continuous improvement in reading, writing and math, as well as using technology to enhance teaching and learning. This technology goal will be implemented through our new lab that will open in late February 2002, featuring 24 computers and a teaching station.

HAMPDEN-WILBRAHAM REGIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT P 6

In response to the changing social climate of our society and schools, Memorial Elementary School adopted the theme of “R.E.A.C.H. HIGHER!” R.E.A.C.H. stands for Respect, Excellence, Achievement, Caring and Honesty. Throughout the year Memorial Elementary School has been participating in several school-wide programs to reinforce our theme. In the fall, teachers concentrated on study and organizational skills to ensure excellence and achievement in academics. After the September 11^th tragedy, students organized a fundraiser for the American Red Cross to help survivors of the New York terrorist attacks. During that time, $700 was donated. During November and December students conducted a food drive for the Survival Center in Ludlow. Approximately 800 pounds of food was collected. A school-wide assembly was held in honor of Martin Luther King Day. At that assembly students spoke of their hopes and dreams for the year 2002. In addition, the entire school took the “Kindness and Justice Challenge Pledge.” For the next few months students will be recognized for acts of kindness, justice and courage.

Soule Road Elementary School

Rosemary Brosnan, Principal

Soule Road Elementary School’s Improvement Plan addresses academic achievement, school safety and security, technology and community involvement. Each one of these goals will help to ensure a high quality education for the students of Soule Road Elementary School.

Students in grades 3-6 took the MCAS test in the spring of 2001. The District results that arrived in November showed continued improvement. Teachers were able to analyze and interpret the testing data provided by the State. This information helped teachers to know where the curriculum was successful and where they needed to provide student support. Also, monthly grade level and bi-monthly leadership team meetings provided a time to discuss student work and share successful practices.

Several new student initiatives were introduced in September. Soule Road Elementary School had its first Student Council. Each of the grade 4, 5, and 6 homerooms elected a representative to serve on the council. The purpose of this student leadership group is to plan community service events and to coordinate school spirit activities. Some of their projects included “Trick or Treat” bags for the children at Shriner’s Hospital; canned food drive that netted over 500 pounds of food for the Survival Center; and a holiday candy cane sale, with proceeds going to the Springfield-Chicopee-Holyoke Head Start holiday fundraiser. In addition, the Student Council organized a school mascot vote. The penguin is now the official Soule Road Elementary School mascot.

A grade 2 and 6 cross-grade partnership was formed. This “Buddy Program” paired the oldest students in the building with the youngest students. The sixth grades had a welcoming reception in September for their new friends and have followed it up with numerous activities.

HAMPDEN-WILBRAHAM REGIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT P 7

Also new this year is the “Caught Being Good” program. Every month staff members nominated a student whom they observed doing a positive action or deed. The student’s picture is displayed on a bulletin board in the main foyer for all to see.

The Soule Road Elementary School P.T.O. continued to provide support in the building. They recently purchased a computer and printer for each grade six homeroom. The purchase of these computers increased the technology access for students in their classroom. This active and supportive P.T.O. brought many programs and funded numerous field trips throughout the school year.

Stony Hill Elementary School

Eleanor Fernands, Principal

Stony Hill Elementary School’s faculty established a goal for the 2001-2002 school year that promotes an environment where each person is a valued and respected member of the community. The faculty formed committees to promote a bully-free environment. The three committees are:

a) Committee to promote reading and writing opportunities for students on prevention and procedure.

b) Committee to provide training for students and faculty on bullying prevention and procedure.

c) Committee to plan all school events where we will celebrate belonging to the Stony Hill community.

Highlights of our year have been Pride Assemblies, writing projects, speakers and activities for students and staff. In addition to Officer Randy Wiler of the Kansas Bullying Prevention Program working with the staff and students, Dr. Rob Robinson worked with faculty on how to use class meetings to diffuse relationship issues. Gina Kahn, Youth Risk Service Coordinator, did a series of workshops with students with the emphasis on getting along to get ahead. Stony Hill has developed a fall and spring after-school enrichment program that promotes individual interests and talents. Over 100 students participated in courses from art to computers.

To improve student achievement in math, the Accelerated Math Program has been extended to Grades 4 and 6. An after-school Accelerated Math Club at Stony Hill that has 40 members has met weekly since October. All students at Stony Hill took the Accelerated Math Star Assessment in the fall and will be tested again in the spring so that improvement can be tracked. Stony Hill has a before and after school program to assist students with math and literacy skills. Building a top-notch library continues to be a focus for Stony Hill. Our plan is to double the number of volumes in the next three years. The focus continues to be non-fiction and age appropriate reading books. Stony Hill PTO has dedicated funds for purchases. We have added Grade 3 to our Stony Hill

HAMPDEN-WILBRAHAM REGIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT P 8

Tiger Paws Publishing Center and each 2^nd and 3^rd grader will have a published book by the end of this school year.

Thornton W. Burgess Middle School

Noel Pixley, Principal

Thornton W. Burgess Middle School’s Improvement Plan has focused on three strategic goals for the 2001-2002 school year. Improving academic growth in the areas of math and language arts continues to be a focus, along with promoting a positive school climate for staff and students, and refining the school safety plan. Preparing students for the MCAS, and other such testing programs continues to be a focus for all staff members at all grade levels. We are pleased to report that due to continued improvements in student performance demonstrated by our 2001 MCAS scores in English Language Arts and Mathematics, Thornton W. Burgess Middle School has been invited to apply to be a 2002 Commonwealth Compass School. Compass Schools help provide direction to other schools exploring, planning or implementing improvement strategies by sharing practical details of specific initiatives that they report have been key in their students’ improvement. Teachers and administrators of Thornton Burgess School continue to be actively involved in various grade level student groups and are immersed in curriculum review, curriculum mapping and rubric development.

This year the staff of Thornton W. Burgess Middle School also made the unanimous commitment to become an active member of the “Foundation for Excellent Schools” (FES). We learned that through membership in this group, FES would assist us in creating an educational environment that would produce measurable growth in academics and school climate. The Foundation for Excellent Schools, a national non-profit organization located in Vermont, is committed to providing opportunities for all students to succeed in school and beyond. Since 1991, the FES has helped more than 220 schools nationwide create measurable gains in graduation requirements, test scores, and parental and community involvement. Through our involvement with the FES, the Thornton W. Burgess Middle School faculty will be better prepared in providing high quality educational opportunities for all students.

As in the past, the administration and faculty of Thornton W. Burgess Middle School would like to recognize the parents, PTO, and VIPS for their continued support of such programs as our annual magazine drive and Career Day. Without their remarkable and continued support, we would not be able to offer the high quality field trip and in-school programs that we have. Many thanks also to Sergeant Farnsworth and Officer Joy for their commitment to D.A.R.E. and the community policing program. Their support and commitment to these programs have had a positive impact on the entire school community.

HAMPDEN-WILBRAHAM REGIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT P 9

Wilbraham Middle School

Robert Dionne, Principal

Wilbraham Middle School enhanced the transition activities for both 6^th and 8^th grade students. An informational video program was produced in cooperation with the Wilbraham Public Access Channel for incoming 7^th grade families. Eighth graders from both Wilbraham Middle School and Thornton W. Burgess Middle School had a chance to meet new classmates while participating in activities at Springfield College, Stony Brook Acres, and both school buildings. The involvement of our parents through the work of the PTA continues to be a major asset and resource for our school. The PTA funded the purchase of new computers for the Library and our Language Arts teachers. Additionally, they sponsored a number of student activities and programs that enriched the curriculum in a number of academic areas. A new computer laboratory was opened for the 2001-2002 school year. The Homework Center continues to assist students after school on Tuesdays and Thursdays and is made possible by funding from the Scantic Valley YMCA. The Career Education program was funded for the second year through the Massachusetts Office for School-to-Work Transition. This program provides our students access to the Bridges software program that will assist students with learning about career opportunities and how to develop their individual portfolios. School Improvement goals focus on improving school climate, specifically in the areas of character education, increasing student voice, preventing bullying and harassment, and revisiting core values in the school’s mission statement. Wilbraham Middle School has met the Department of Education’s MCAS improvement expectations in all three academic areas (Math, English Language Arts, and Science and Technology) and expects to receive State recognition for this achievement.

Minnechaug Regional High School

John K. Logan, Jr., Principal

Minnechaug Regional High School hosted a visit from an evaluation team of the New England Association of Schools and Colleges in March of 2001. We are pleased to announce that their Commission on Secondary Schools has chosen to continue our accreditation based on the findings of the evaluation committee. The Commission

highlighted twenty-seven commendations that included:

· The self-motivated, dedicated teaching staff committed to excellence.

· The intellectually challenging and rigorous coursework and establishment of high expectations in all subject areas.

· The respectful and appropriate behavior of our students.

· The demonstrated parent participation in all aspects of the operation of the school.

HAMPDEN-WILBRAHAM REGIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT P 10

The Commission also highlighted a number of areas for us to focus on in support of our constant efforts to achieve excellence in education. Our progress in these efforts will be reported to them in a special progress report in April 2002, as well as a two-year progress report in October 2003.

The Massachusetts Department of Education announced that 21 Minnechaug Regional High School students are 2001 Stanley Z. Koplik Certificate of Mastery Award Recipients. In all, 1,859 students from 214 high schools across the State received these awards. These certificates recognize the mastery of skills and knowledge as demonstrated through the students' accomplishments in mathematics, science, arts, and humanities. To meet the award criteria, applicants received qualifying scores on the MCAS tests and demonstrated two additional qualifying accomplishments that included at least one Advanced Placement or SAT II test score. In addition to the honor itself, recipients attending Massachusetts public colleges and universities are eligible for tuition waivers for up to four years, which are then contingent upon maintaining a 3.3 minimum grade point average.

The following are highlights from a number of the various departments at Minnechaug Regional High School:

Activities: Minnechaug Regional High School continues to offer an extensive array of student activities. The following are a few of the many accomplishments:

· Chess Club, third place in league.

· Computer Club, first place at WNEC Programming competition.

· EMERALDS won award of "Excellent" from National Council of Teachers of English.

· Science Olympiad, first place in Western Massachusetts and eleventh place out of 40 teams at the State meet.

· SMOKE SIGNAL, first place in Quill and Scroll and first place in American Scholastic Press Association.

· MRHS students volunteered thousands of community service hours and they also raised over $23,000 for various organizations in the community.

Athletics: With the addition of two new sports, boys' and girls' indoor track, our comprehensive program now totals 30 sports/activities. Our teams continue to excel both in athletics and academics receiving MIAA Academic Excellence Awards. Our athletic teams continue to place high in both league and Western Massachusetts competitions. Girls' lacrosse qualified for the State semi-finals.

HAMPDEN-WILBRAHAM REGIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT P 11

English: Teachers continued to study and revise curriculum in response to the needs of the State MCAS tests. The EMERALDS magazine and our school newspaper, SMOKE SIGNAL, were recognized for their excellence by their respective national organizations. Fifteen of our students' works were published in the anthology, YOUNG POETS SPEAK OUT. Advanced writing students continued to receive national recognition for their work. Our Classic Drama students presented the plays, "Dracula" and "A Midsummer's Night Dream."

Family and Consumer Science: Expanded their use of guest speakers from schools such as Johnson and Wales and the American Culinary Institute; continued to offered catered brunches; and entered into a collaborative effort with the Fine Arts Department entitled, "A Musical Feast."

Fine Arts: The Art Department is in the first year of using its newly renovated D1 art suite. Students were involved in field trips to the Museum of Modern Art, Metropolitan Museum, and Whitney Museum in New York City. The Music Department continued to present a Spring Music Festival, Jazz Show, and Winter Concert. As usual, Minnechaug Regional High School was well represented at the Western District and All-State Music Festivals by both choral and instrumental students. Rock and roll legend, Gene Pitney, visited the music department and shared with our students his career and involvement in the recording industry.

Foreign Language: Has expanded its language clubs offering activities in Spanish, French, and Latin.

Guidance: In an attempt to be more proactive and better serve our students and parents, the Guidance Department has initiated "Coffee with Counselors," an informal morning program for parents; College Applications 101, a fall evening program for senior parents; evening hours for parents to meet with counselors; an expanded Tech Prep Program; a guidance-parent advisory council; and senior workshops with recent graduates.

History and Social Science: Responding to the tragic events of September 11, 2001, teachers developed instructional units that addressed these events and, in particular, fostered a greater understanding of Islam and the Muslim world.

Math: The Math Department has been working vigorously for the past two years implementing technology at all levels. For those students at risk of failing MCAS, teachers have been given special training in order to implement the “Carnegie Cognitive Tutor”. This software and curriculum was developed by Carnegie Learning, a division of Carnegie Mellon Institute, and has proven to be quite successful at increasing MCAS scores for these students. In both the level 1 and intermediate level courses teachers have been trained in the use of the “Geometer Sketchpad”, and it has been incorporated in to the Geometry curriculum. At the Advanced Placement level,

HAMPDEN-WILBRAHAM REGIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT P 12

“Mathematica” has been implemented as a part of the Calculus curriculum. In addition to the above-mentioned software, it should also be noted that the graphing calculator is used extensively at all levels of mathematics.

Science: The Science Olympiad team is having the best season in over twelve years in the regional competitions and is looking forward to the State championships in March. Individual members of the department have been involved in an innovative tenth-grade inclusion biology class created to meet the needs of diverse learners.

Tech Ed/Business/Computers: The Business Department was shifted from Math to Tech Ed/Computers. As we enter the new millennium, we find ever-increasing applications of technology, in particular computers, in this department. New computers updated our M8 computer lab, along with a television set-up. Our students continue to be recognized at the Robotics Competition and the Western New England Programming Competition. American Technology Honor Society students offered free classes for senior citizens, Internet courses at the Wilbraham Public Library, developed the computer program for our climate survey, worked on the high school computer inventory, and assisted students and staff throughout the building.

Adult Community Education and Recreation

Ned Doyle, Director

Adult Community Education and Recreation continues to serve the diverse needs of the Hampden-Wilbraham community and the District’s New Beginnings Program continues to flourish and expand. The fall and spring offerings continue to target the adult population in the community, while the summer offerings are focused on the youth. The New Beginnings Program continues to be the umbrella structure for the following entities:

· Adult Community Education Program

· MRHS Summer School Program

· Elementary Summer Reading Program

· “Summer Programs ‘R’ You” Program

· Community Recreation Program

· HWRSD-Scantic Valley YMCA Co-operative Programs

The New Beginnings Program just finished its fourth year with the completion of the fall offerings. The program continues to effectively provide educational and recreational enrichment to both the youth and adult populations of the community. Since classes were first offered in 1998, thousands of students have enjoyed the program offerings. The popularity of the summer programs for school-age children is particularly noteworthy. In all regards, the New Beginnings Program continues to be a tremendous success and to be extremely well received in the community. This positive trend is sure to continue as it strives to meet the educational and recreational needs of our diverse constituency.

HAMPDEN-WILBRAHAM REGIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT P 13

Student Services Department

Thomas Philpott, Director

Student Services Department is comprised of special education, support for students whose primary home language is not English, and health care services. Our special education programs are involved in exciting new initiatives such as developing and supporting innovative “inclusion” plans; promoting the concept of “the continuum of services” throughout the District; making the evaluation process more efficient and responsive to the needs of the District; emphasizing the importance of professional development by making available to staff several experts who are knowledgeable in such areas as reading acquisition, organizational strategies, and behavior management (areas often cited in referring students to special education); and expanding the inventory of technological resources while providing the opportunity to provide staff with the training necessary to effectively operate these resources in ways beneficial for our special education students.

Thanks to the generous support of the District and the acquisition of a State public health grant, there is now a full-time nurse in every school building. Through the grant, a data collection software program was purchased and all student health care information has been entered, thus allowing our nurses to maintain a current health record for all students. Nurses are now available to become active members of child study, crises response, and special education teams.

Though the number of students in the District in need of English acquisition support is relatively small (38 students), the diversity of languages, in combination with the scattering of students throughout all eight of our schools, as well as the multiple grade levels, places a huge challenge on the staff assigned to helping limited English speaking students make academic progress. The success of this program reflects the hard work of our ESL staff and the tremendous cooperation of dedicated classroom teachers.

HAMPDEN-WILBRAHAM REGIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT P 14

FIVE-YEAR ENROLLMENT HISTORY

	1997 – 1998			1998 – 1999			1999 – 2000			2000 - 2001			2001 - 2002
Grade	H	W	T	H	W	T	H	W	T	H	W	T	H	W	T
K	43	129	172	50	162	212	50	144	194	63	193	256	61	180	241
P-1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
1	92	179	271	58	149	207	67	177	244	59	176	235	65	210	275
2	71	188	259	86	196	282	57	175	232	66	179	245	62	189	251
3	73	216	289	73	194	267	91	213	304	64	185	249	63	184	247
4	80	203	283	67	224	291	72	204	276	96	217	313	64	195	259
5	83	201	284	82	204	286	72	240	312	75	210	285	95	229	324
6	67	203	270	84	205	289	82	213	295	80	244	324	80	216	296
7	75	207	282	65	204	269	84	216	300	88	221	309	76	251	327
8	83	199	282	78	219	297	64	217	281	88	219	307	88	227	315
9	66	210	276	80	220	300	89	245	334	60	192	252	87	243	330
10	72	183	255	68	202	270	73	209	282	77	200	277	66	222	288
11	62	160	222	66	173	239	63	190	253	82	231	313	72	218	290
12	64	156	220	62	158	220	69	182	251	68	229	313	79	208	287
9-12
Other			77			87			88			85			87
TOTAL	931	2434	3442	918	2508	3516	933	2625	3646	966	2696	3747	958	2772	3817

SCHOOL COMMITTEE

Paula R. Tingle, Chairperson

Pamela C. Burch, Vice Chairperson

Lois R. Megliola

Mary Anne Morris

Alan Neelans

Peter T. Salerno

Ronald E. Thomson

SCHOOL COUNCILS

The Hampden-Wilbraham Regional School District wishes to acknowledge the effectiveness of the School Councils and to thank them for volunteering their personal time to pursue a commitment to the education of our young people. We would also like the community to recognize the services rendered by these parents and citizens of the HWRSD.

HAMPDEN-WILBRAHAM REGIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT P 15

MILE TREE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL GREEN MEADOWS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Lynne Kimball, Principal T. Jeffrey Sullivan, Principal

Meg Cyr Donna Benoit

Bill Fraser Victoria Janeczek

Debbie Kelly Cathy Leslie

Dina LaMotte Ann Marie Mielke

Janet Libby Richard Moriarty

JoAnn Mack Jennifer Peloquin

Pam Pearson Diane Scott

Carolyn Webber

MEMORIAL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL SOULE ROAD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Deborah Thompson, Principal Rosemary Brosnan, Principal

Denise Cargill Maureen Burke

Wayne Carpenter Krista Hanson

Robin Clifford Stephanie Harju

Lynne Leveillee Betty Howarth

Darlene Maconi Cathy Mahoney

Mary Marek Charity Marlatt

Sharon Tellier Tom Moran

Louise Pelletier

Missy Taft

STONY HILL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL THORNTON W. BURGESS MIDDLE SCHOOL

Eleanor Fernands, Principal Noel Pixley, Principal

Michelle Axtmann Cheryl Clarke

Jenn Bauduccio Jean Godek

Gretchen Cardoso Bonnie Howell

Andy Cohen Phyllis Hultstrom

Shawn Lawrence Ken Peterson

Kim Leary Susan Raimer

Judy Maleckas Lynn Schmitt

Mary Ellen Shea

Cheri Tanguay

HAMPDEN-WILBRAHAM REGIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT P 16

WILBRAHAM MIDDLE SCHOOL MINNECHAUG REGIONAL HIGH SCHOOL

Robert A. Dionne, Principal John K. Logan, Principal

Carole Alderman Susan Bunnell

Scott Berg Patricia Casey

Donna Berrouard Elizabeth Contant

Linda Cooper Kristen Fuss

Suzanne Laba Patricia Gordon

Hans Mentzen Lois Hedberg

Timothy Pelletier Wilbur Jenkins

Jane Robinson Clifton Johnson

Kyle St. Germain Lorelei McCollum

Catherine Taft Gary Petzold

Theresa Terbush Gregory Schmutte

Constance Shea

Ryan Tougias

RETIREMENTS DURING 2001 WERE:

Dominick Anzalotti, Soule Road Elementary School

Milton Barnes, Soule Road Elementary School

Martin Barrett, Minnechaug Regional High School

Carol Davis, Student Services

Patricia Downes, Thornton W. Burgess Middle School

Elizabeth Ezold, Memorial Elementary School

John Farrell, Mile Tree Elementary School

Roger Farrell, Thornton W. Burgess Middle School

Victor Granaudo, Minnechaug Regional High School

Donna Hick, Minnechaug Regional High School

Ann Kane, Green Meadows Elementary School

Sharon Kelly, Memorial Elementary School

Patricia Krzesik, Wilbraham Middle School

Mary Jane Leone, Mile Tree Elementary School

Catherine Maleckas, Minnechaug Regional High School

Gail McFadden, Mile Tree

Linda Peck, Mile Tree

James Shea, Jr., Soule Road Elementary School

HAMPDEN-WILBRAHAM REGIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT P 17

DIRECTORY

Mile Tree Elementary School (Grades Pre K – 1)

Lynne Kimball, Principal

625 Main Street, Wilbraham, MA 01095 – Telephone (413) 596-6921

School Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 3:15 p.m.

Green Meadows Elementary School (Grades Pre K – 3)

T. Jeffrey Sullivan, Principal

38 North Road, Hampden, MA 01036 – Telephone (413) 566-3263

School Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 3:15 p.m.

Memorial Elementary School (Grades 2 – 6)

Deborah Thompson, Principal

310 Main Street, Wilbraham, MA 01095 – Telephone (413) 596-6821

School Hours: 8:25 a.m. to 2:40 p.m.

Stony Hill Elementary School (Grades 2 – 6)

Eleanor Fernands, Principal

675 Stony Hill Road, MA 01095 – Telephone (413) 599-1950

School Hours: 8:25 a.m. to 2:40 p.m.

Thornton W. Burgess Middle School (Grades 4 – 8)

Noel Pixley, Principal

85 Wilbraham Road, Hampden, MA 01036 – Telephone (413) 566-8950

School Hours: 8:25 a.m. to 2:40 p.m.

Wilbraham Middle School (Grades 7 – 8)

Robert Dionne, Principal

466 Stony Hill Road, Wilbraham, MA 01095 – Telephone ((413)) 596-9061

School Hours: 7:50 a.m. to 2:05 p.m.

Minnechaug Regional High School (Grades 9 –12)

John K. Logan, Jr., Principal

612 Main Street, Wilbraham, MA 01095 – Telephone (413) 596-9011

School Hours: 7:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Superintendent’s Office

Paul C. Gagliarducci, Ed.D., Superintendent of Schools

621 Main Street, Wilbraham, MA 01095 – Telephone (413) 596-3884

Office Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

GREATER SPRINGFIELD SENIOR SERVICES, INC. (GSSI)

In the past year, GSSSI’s accomplishments were many, including provision of state-funded home care services to over 2000 frail elders, some in Hampden. In addition, more thousands of senior citizens were helped through delivery of congregate and home-delivered meals, protective services for seniors vulnerable to abuse, nursing home ombudsman to assist with problems and conflict resolution, and information and referral to other sources of assistance and elder-care questions.

As an area agency on aging, under the Federal Older Americans Law, elders’ need are assessed in the twelve-town Greater Springfield area, to guide forward planning. Such need include in home foot care and rehabilitation, legal services, exercise classes, and various categories of health administration.

The year ahead will be difficult due to ever increasing elders’ needs especially of those over age eighty five, and the contraction of the states budget’s funding, which averages 75% of the total annual GSSSI budget of about ten million dollars. We can be sure that GSSSI will continue its evident and impressive competence in delivering the most and best possible elder services under these restrictions

As my term approaches its end, I look back on a constructive learning and serving experience. I look forward to a continuation of this contribution to Hampden’s seniors by my successor, John Shay.

Respectfully submitted,

George W. Ingle

Hampden Representative on the GSSSI Board of Directors

Tax Collector

Fortunately, the employee turn over in the Town Hall this past year has had little impact on the operations of the Tax Collector’s Office. This has been due, in a large part, to the efforts of Assistant Collector, Pat Smith and outgoing Collector, Rita Vail. By always making themselves available with advice and assistance, they have done their very best to insure a smooth transition.

The Community Preservation Act that was passed in the May election has resulted in some minor changes on our third quarter tax bill. However, because of the $100,000.00 exemption, there has been more curiosity than concern. The town expects to raise nearly $23,000.00 for the C.P.A. in FY 2002. Funds from the state are expected to match our first year total but increased statewide participation will probably mean only a percentage will be matched in following years.

If you have any questions about your tax bill, please call us at 566-2206 and we will be happy to assist you.

I would like to thank everyone for the support that I have had in my first months in office and assure you that I will try to make this change as smooth as possible.

Respectfully submitted,

Eva Wiseman, Tax Collector

Town Clerk

This has been a year of change in the Town Hall and all departments, including this one, have been affected. I feel very fortunate, however to have had the support that I have been given, especially that of Rita Vail, our outgoing Clerk, and Pat Smith. Pat has been the assistant in this office for 13 years and her experience and patience have made this adjustment much easier for everyone involved. She has gently pointed me in the right direction for these first seven months and continues to watch over me to make certain that all goes according to plan.

People like Pat make the job look easy and for that reason, it’s easy to overlook all that she does. Thank you, Pat!

Money collected in 2001 and submitted to the Treasurer is as follows:

Fish and Game
Gross	$ 5809.15
Town Fees		261.30
Dog Licenses		956.00
UCC Recordings		755.00
Certified Copies and Publications		2013.00
Trade Names and Marriages		450.00
Miscellaneous		485.00
TOTAL		4920.30

Available in the Town Clerk’s Office:

Subdivision Control Law	5.00
Zoning By-Law	7.00
Zoning Map	7.00
Certified Copies (vital statistics)	5.00
Marriage Licenses	15.00
Trade Name in Business (dba)	20.00
Street List	10.00
Voter’s List	7.00
Voter’s List on diskette	20.00
Voter Registration Card	5.00

Vital Statistics recorded in Hampden are:

	1999	2000	2001
Births	37	32	44
Deaths	61	64	73
Marriages	22	14	14

Respectfully submitted,

Eva Wiseman, Town Clerk

Town treasurer

Respectfully Submitted,

Donna M. Easton-Vicalvi

TREE WARDEN

In the fall of 2001, Massachusetts Electric Company began trimming power lines in Hampden. This activity provides for more reliable service to Hampden’s residents and also facilitates the removal of many dangerous trees along our roads. Trimming on Main Street, Glendale Road and North Monson Road was completed, by the end of December. They will continue trimming other roads, which will be listed in next years report.

Also in 2001, the members of the Highway Department, along with the occasional assistance of a local tree service, removed 64 trees that were dead, dying or diseased. Below, I have listed the streets where trees were taken down and cleaned up by the Highway Department and trees that were felled by a professional tree service and then cleaned up by the Highway Department. This continued maintenance of the trees within the town helps reduce our exposure to personal injury, power outages and in general improves the overall appearance of the town.

Trees removed by the Highway Department were as follows:

Allen Street – 1	Mill Road – 3
Bayberry Road – 1	Mohawk Drive – 4
Carmody Road – 1	Sessions Drive – 1
East Longmeadow Road – 3	Somers Road – 5
Hickory Lane – 1	Stony Hill Road – 3
Howlett Hill – 1	Wilbraham Road – 6

Trees removed with the assistance of a professional tree service were as follows:

Allen Street – 2	North Road – 10
Ames Road – 3	North Monson Road – 1
Bennett Road – 1	Somers Road – 3
Glendale Road – 6	Stony Hill Road – 1
Main Street – 3	Wilbraham Road – 3
Mountain Road – 1

A total of 16 stumps were ground, loamed and seeded at several other locations throughout the town in an effort to keep our roads clean and neat. They were located as follows:

Allen Street – 3	South Monson Road – 12
Main Street – 1

If anyone has any questions regarding a town tree or would like to report a tree that they feel is in poor condition, please feel free to contact me at the Highway Department office (566-8842).

Dana S. Pixley

Tree Warden

Department of Veterans’ Services

This year has been challenging because of State budget cuts and requirements to seek alternative sources of revenue, wherever and whenever possible to support our veterans.

During this report period the VSO has been involved in many cases that have required travel to the Agawam Veterans’ Cemetery, other Towns for the gathering of evidence during investigations for veterans’ benefits and home visits to assure veterans and their families were receiving support.

Your VSO worked diligently to reduce caseload by working with VA, Social Services and other area providers in order to assure no vet is left without the means to provide for themselves or their family. Working with and through the VA for benefits requires time and effort on behalf of the veteran, spouse and family members. This effort requires travel to the Boston Regional Office and also to sit in on and defend veterans in appeals, requests for waivers and requests for re-consideration in the cases of denial.

Returns to Hampden for ancillary benefits provided to veterans through the VA continue to grow as we transition from local benefits to VA awards. Your town veterans received $514.000.00 for the past reporting year. This figure will continue to grow as more and more veterans are removed from local roles to receive VA benefits.

An important issue to watch this coming fiscal year is unemployment and the possibility of peacetime veterans being allowed to apply for veterans’ benefits at the local level. These issues may increase disbursements from this office and your VSO has attempted to reflect this eventuality in the upcoming budget year. It is still important to remember that for every dollar dispersed from the Veterans’ Benefits Line Item, 75% is returned to the General Fund from the Commonwealth.

Respectfully submitted,

Arthur A. Booth

Director/VSO

TOWN OFFICES WEBSITE AND EMAIL ADDRESSES

WWW.HAMPDEN.ORG

selectmen@hampden.org

health@hampden.org

chief@hampden.org

police@hampden.org

planning@hampden.org

parks@hampden.org

treasurer@hampden.org

library@hampden.org

assessors@hampden.org

highway@hampden.org

coa@hampden.org

TOWN ACCOUNTANT

TOWN OF HAMPDEN warrant

Commonwealth of Massachusetts

County of Hampden Town of Hampden

TO: Either of the Constables of the said Town of Hampden in said County:

Greeting: In the name of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, you are hereby required to notify and warn the inhabitants of the Town of Hampden qualified to vote in Town Affairs, to meet at Thornton W. Burgess Middle School, Wilbraham Road, Hampden, on Monday, April 29, 2002 at seven o’clock in the evening, then and there to act on the following articles:

REPORTS Article 1. To hear the Annual Town Reports of all offices of the Town and any committee whose duty it may be to report at said meeting, and act thereon.

BUDGET Article 2. To see if the Town will vote to fix the salary and compensation of all elective officers of the Town as provided for by Section 108 of Chapter 41, General Laws and to raise and appropriate the necessary sums to cover same, and to raise money and make appropriations to defray the expenses of the Town for the period July 1, 2002 to June 30, 2003.

PREVIOUS Article 3. To see if the Town will vote to authorize the payment of any bills departmental bills of the year FY-01 or previous years, and will vote to raise and appropriate a sum of money therefor.

REVOLVING Article 4. To see if the Town will vote to accept Chapter ACCOUNTS 44 Section 53E – ½, or take any other action relative thereto.

HIGHWAYS Article 5. To see if the Town will vote to accept a sum of STATE AID money form the Commonwealth of Massachusetts under the provisions of local aid fund distribution, General Laws Chapter 53, Acts of 1999, and be allowed to borrow in anticipation of reimbursement, or take any other action relative thereto.

CONSERVATION Article 6. To see if the Town will vote to approve the COMMISSION Conservation Commission’s use and expenditure of fees

RESTRICTED received from the filing of Notices of Intent in order to defray

FUND the expenses for the performance of the Conservation

Commission duties as allowed under Section 54 of Chapter 287 of the Acts of 1989 amending Chapter 131, Section 40,

or take any other action relative thereto.

CONSERVATION Article 7. To see if the Town will vote to raise and

FUND appropriate a sum of money for the Conservation Fund, said

fund to be used for the purpose of acquiring available land

for the Town for conservation purposes, if said purchase is

voted upon and approved at Annual or Special Town Meeting prior to such purchase, or take any other action relative thereto.

LIBRARY Article 8. To see if the Town will vote that in Fiscal Year ADDITIONAL 2002, if state aid for the Library is received, this money will

STATE AID be made available for Library Trustees to use at their discretion, or take any other action relative thereto.

RESERVE Article 9. To see if the Town will vote to raise and

FUND appropriate a sum of money for the Reserve Fund, or take any other action relative thereto.

STABILIZATION Article 10. To see if the Town will vote to transfer a sum of FUND money from the Overlay Reserve Fund, or take any other action relative thereto.

REDUCING Article 11. To see if the Town will vote to transfer from

TAX RATE unappropriated available funds in the treasury a sum of money for the purpose of reducing that tax rate for Fiscal Year 2002, or take any other action relative thereto.

TEMPORARY Article 12. To see if the Town will vote to amend the PERMIT General By-Law of the Town of Hampden by adding to Chapter VII PROTECTION OF PERSONS OR PROPERTY, Section 7, as follows:

SECTION 7. Temporary Permit

If a physician certifies in writing that a person has a temporary disability, the Board of Health has authority to issue to that person a temporary permit bearing the international symbol for the handicapped. The permit is limited to a duration of six (6) months but is renewable by the Board, if necessary, with the written certification of the physician.

The Board of Health shall revoke a temporary handicap permit issued by it if the vehicle to which the permit is affixed is used for special handicapped parking privileges when the vehicle is not operated by or is not carrying as a passenger the person for whose handicap the permit was issued. If the owner or operator of a vehicle for which a temporary handicap permit has been issued stands or parks the vehicle for handicapped persons when the vehicle is not being operated by or is not carrying as a passenger the person for whose handicap the permit was issued, he is subject to a fine and to the procedures established under General Laws Chapter 90, Section 20A ½; or take any other action relative thereto.

TRI ANNUAL Article 13. To see if the Town will vote to raise and CERTIFICATION appropriate $23,000.00, or a greater or lesser sum, to contract for the Tri Annual evaluation of a real estate in the Town and certification of values to the Department of Revenue, or take any other action relative thereto.

LIBRARY Article 14. To see if the Town will vote to accept REVOLVING the provisions of Chapter 44, Section 53E ½ of the

FUND Massachusetts General Laws to create a revolving fund for the Hampden Free Public Library. Such monies to be expended by the Library Director, without further appropriation, or take any other action relative thereto.

GENERAL Article15. To see if the Town will vote to amend

BYLAW Section XI, Section 2 of the general bylaw of the Town DISPOSITION by deleting Section 2 as it now reads and substituting the following therefore:

Section XI. Non-Criminal Disposition of Certain Violations

Section 2: Amount of Penalty

The penalties for the infractions set forth in Section 1 above shall be as specifically set forth in the respective order, bylaw, rule or regulation which is violated but, if no such penalty is provided, the penalty shall be as follows: $50.00 for the first offense, $100.00 for the second offense, and $200.00 for the third offense. Each day, or portion thereof, that such violation continues shall constitute a separate offense. All fines shall be paid into the town treasury, or take any other action relative thereto.

TOWN Article 16. To see if the Town will vote to raise and BOUNDARY appropriate a sum of money to locate, repair, replace, or install new town boundary markers, or take any other action relative thereto.

ZONING Article 17. To see if the Town will vote to amend

BYLAW the Zoning Bylaw as follows:

ENFORCEMENT

In Section 2 “Definitions” under 2.125 travel or Camping Trailer, by Deleting the phrase: “But not exceeding 40 feet in length” in the first sentence so that as amended, it reads: “A vehicle similar to a mobile home and designed primarily for recreational purposes. The term ‘travel’ or ‘camping trailer’ shall also be applied to any motor vehicle whose body has been equipped for occupancy similar to that of a travel trailer or camping trailer.” or take any other action relative thereto.

ZONING Article 18. To see if the Town will vote to amend the BYLAW Zoning Bylaw as follows:

ENFORCEMENT

In Section 2 “Definitions” under 2.37 Common Driveway, by deleting the phrase: “but no more than four (4) residential units” so that as amended, it reads as follows: “A vehicular access from a road to more than one residential unit, built in accordance with the common driveway standards as stated in this bylaw, where allowed by special permit.” or take any other action relative thereto.

ZONING Article19. To see if the Town will vote to amend

BYLAW the Zoning Bylaw as follows:

ENFORCEMENT

In Table 7.2, in the Business District under the heading “Minimum side setback in feet”, add the words: “except 50 where it abuts the residential district.”

In the Flood Plain District in Table 7.2 under the heading “Minimum frontage (continuous) in feet amended 1993”, add the number “200.” or take any other action relative thereto.

ZONING Article 20. To see if the Town will vote to amend the BYLAW Zoning Bylaw as follows:

ENFORCEMENT

In Section 3.1 Establishment of Districts: Delete the sentence: “For purposes of this bylaw, the Town of Hampden is divided into the following types of districts.” And replace with the following: “For purposes of this bylaw, the Town of