Why not choose several town projects that need funds.  The bathhouse in Onset has a committee, building plans and no funds, it would appear.  Spinney Library needs money, although it is mired in controversy.  There are numerous plans for intown Main Street that seem to lack funding.  Doing something positive is a terrific idea.

What great ideas, I just said to myself this morning that I was going to put a new topic up here just to report the things we see around town that make this place special.  I would hope this site has enough readers at this point where we really can promote our local businesses, people and basically just the love we all carry for this town. 
For starters, there is a gentleman that walks daily and picks up a bag of roadside trash everytime he goes out, its become a habit for him.  I wish I knew his name, he wears a baseball cap and always has a set of am/fm headphones on,  If anyone ever sees this man yell out a big Thank You!!

I agree.  Great ideas.  As soon as TM is over with, we could promote a coat drive through Christmas and give them to the many that truly need them for warmth this winter.  I'll work on the advertising and welcome help from anyone.  I know I've got at least 6 or 8 coats I haven't worn in years.
Sorry, no barracudas.
Well done Cas.  I've got photos too.

Bob,
This is a great idea. So many people out there could use a coat for the brutal winters we have. I look forward to the details.

falcon wrote:

So, even if this sounds a bit 'corny', perhaps a Wareham's Favorite Recipes collection is worth looking at as well.  I have seen this generate a fair amount of financial support for church and other civic groups in my experience living in eight different states during my life, why not here and now?

Falcon, this sounds like a fun (and delicious) idea - do you have any idea how to create one?  My old church did something similar, but I wouldn't know where to start creating a cookbook

All, there are some great ideas on here - let's keep them coming!

CAS:
Sorry, I was not trying to hijack your thread.  The BoBO problem is solved-He fixed his mistake and my editing bill is in the mail.

I have worked on a cookbook committee.  You need a large organization to generate recipes.  You need a
dedicated group of volunteers to type, edit and layout the cookbook.  MOST importantly you need outlets to sell the cookbooks.   This might be a project for the future, but it very time-consuming, and it will cut into the time that people have to devote to the April elections.  I think we should plan to do a cookbook, after the elections.

I think photobooks, calenders, barbacues, etc: are all ideas that we might explore as alternatives to a cookbook.

I have to agree with Emma Turning Point is a good place for the coat drive to send their collection. There is an underground population in Wareham and Turning point has a handle on it. It takes a long time to gain their trust but they are the ones in the most need. i have worked and helped some of their clients and the need is more than the so called town Fathers want to admit.

Larry:  the 'Taste of' concept can take on a life of its own.  I previously lived in RI, and the 'Taste of' idea has become a year-round activity there with ongoing baskets of locally produced goodies available as well as the annual celebration (in warmer weather) of live tastings of local culinary delights.   Even though I am not a citizen of Wareham, I would enjoy attending any barbeque you put on (even if there were to be a 'cover charge' for out-of-towners).

gogatemen:  You have the advantage over me, I have only purchased and used group cookbooks to enhance my own meager kitchen talents.  I am sure there is a lot of behind the scenes work to make such a project successful.  In my 'defense', I was not suggesting this should divert any resources from meeting the current vital efforts of Wareham citizens to Take Back Wareham.  I was only saying that I have seen such projects bring good results for charitable and worthwhile organizations and there seems to be an abundance of culinary expertise in the Wareham community.

casual:  sounds like gogatemen may have the experience to teach the rest of us how to put this together when the time is right.

emma:  even though I live a couple of towns over from Wareham, I will make an effort to attend the Holiday Fair and buy a cookbook!

nothing better than a southern BBQ at my house! I even toss in some sausages, real bratwurst, and burgers/dogs for the less daring!

Investing in conservation land is investing in Warehams future, because that is where the next generation is living. We have more people living in the woods and there cars parked in the conservation areas than most people want to know. We are no different than any major city. Just more into the woods.  Instead of under the overpass e need to take care of these people. They love their children as much as we do and maybe more in that they hide so they will not loose them. Talk to turning point they know the truth about Wareham home less. Not to take away from the seniors that need help as well the problem is bigger than anyone wants to admit. It is more important than any 40b problem If a town just wants to meet its 40 b requirement and them is not responsible they are looking the wrong way. We who can make are own way are not the towns problem the  people who can’t are. We are looking at it from the wrong side of the scale.

gogatemen wrote:

Why not choose several town projects that need funds.  The bathhouse in Onset has a committee, building plans and no funds, it would appear.  Spinney Library needs money, although it is mired in controversy.  There are numerous plans for intown Main Street that seem to lack funding.  Doing something positive is a terrific idea.

Be forewarned and be careful.  I think we still have a committee to resurrect the bathhouse, but no funding.  It would definately be a plus to beautiful Onset Beach and would keep the sand and lines out of the Harbormaster's
rest rooms on the pier.  But.....there are many, many, many, many skunks living under the "beachcomber".  They come out as it is getting dark.  Just ask the summer bike and walking patrols.

wareham pride wrote:

What great ideas, I just said to myself this morning that I was going to put a new topic up here just to report the things we see around town that make this place special.  I would hope this site has enough readers at this point where we really can promote our local businesses, people and basically just the love we all carry for this town. 
For starters, there is a gentleman that walks daily and picks up a bag of roadside trash everytime he goes out, its become a habit for him.  I wish I knew his name, he wears a baseball cap and always has a set of am/fm headphones on,  If anyone ever sees this man yell out a big Thank You!!

Is he on Rte. 28 between Millpond and the Ford Center, maybe?

acasualobserver wrote:

falcon wrote:

So, even if this sounds a bit 'corny', perhaps a Wareham's Favorite Recipes collection is worth looking at as well.  I have seen this generate a fair amount of financial support for church and other civic groups in my experience living in eight different states during my life, why not here and now?

Falcon, this sounds like a fun (and delicious) idea - do you have any idea how to create one?  My old church did something similar, but I wouldn't know where to start creating a cookbook

All, there are some great ideas on here - let's keep them coming!

Boy, I must be old.  My Church made one years ago and I will dig it out and make it available.  It has a spiral binding.  Semi-hard cover.  Call the printer.

Brian Boru wrote:

I have to agree with Emma Turning Point is a good place for the coat drive to send their collection. There is an underground population in Wareham and Turning point has a handle on it. It takes a long time to gain their trust but they are the ones in the most need. i have worked and helped some of their clients and the need is more than the so called town Fathers want to admit.

People are living in plywood shacks, tents and boxes.  A lot of them are along the tracks behind Walmart.  The police know of some of them,  and have tried to get them shelter, but some won't take it.

Brian Boru wrote:

We have more people living in the woods and there cars parked in the conservation areas than most people want to know. We are no different than any major city...  They love their children as much as we do and maybe more in that they hide so they will not loose them. Talk to turning point they know the truth about Wareham home less. Not to take away from the seniors that need help as well; the problem is bigger than anyone wants to admit.

Brian, would you join me in an effort to get at least one homeless shelter built ?  I'm confident with the right minded people we can make it happen.
Wareham has plenty of tracks of land available that might be ideal for such
use.  Let's make it happen.

Cas,  Good thread !

Please let me know where I can send a donation.

onboard19 wrote:

Lets hope the people opposing us in the news will copy and try to outdo your efforts.

That would be amazing.  We know they all read this site - I have not yet heard from anybody via email or IM, so we'll see.  Based on other threads I've seen, Mr. Slager appears to be continuing to focus on negativity, which I suppose is to be expected, but I really hope he comes around. 

Do folks think that we should pick one of these ideas and really hone in on it, or try to spread across a couple of areas?  If we want to pick just one, I'll pull together a poll and put it in a new thread - Democracy in action!

start a poll... list all the options.. i love bobs idea we just put the roof on our association hall.. start to finish just under 7 hours 4 guys on the roof 3 girls on the ground.. we all pulled together fed of each others strengths and covered each others weaknesses.. it was a job well done..

all my brothers and sisters from other mothers we can do this if we want!!!!

acasualobserver wrote:

Do folks think that we should pick one of these ideas and really hone in on it, or try to spread across a couple of areas?  If we want to pick just one, I'll pull together a poll and put it in a new thread - Democracy in action!

The more good ideas and "giving what we can" the better. Clothes & book donations, recipe books, "Wareham Rocks" photo book, whatever. These ideas all sound good to me, and like alot of people, I'm alot more liable to get "involved" with donationg my time, ideas, efforts (sorry, not alot of xtra $$ right now), when I have a bunch of good people working with me. Thanks Cas, and everyone else. A nudge in the right direction is all some of us need.

GIVE BACK TO WAREHAM :-)


PShooter
TAKEBACKWAREHAM

Folks, let's start out simple. Steve Holmes and others (inlcuding myself) worked to collect cans at Stop n Shop for Damien's Pantry. The very same people that manage the pantry would be a contact point for a Coat Drive. They are serving the same people that would benefit from such a drive. While there are several projects that are worthwhile and we should pursue, the winter is almost here and let's do something immediate that could benefit some people in need. It would take time and effort to collect the coats, but who wouldn't give up a saturday to do this?

If everyone is up for it, I'll contact Steve (hopefully he is reading this) and we can do a bit of advertising(on this wonderful site and maybe in the Courier) and AWAY WE GO!

If we do it under the banner of Give Back to Wareham, then it doesn't matter what side of the political agenda you are on.

Who's up for it?????

cas i like the town hall idea we could do it a coat/winter items, food, and toys for christmas!!
all at the same time since there would be plenty of room and a central location..

Cas,
I will contact Steve and go through his contact at Damien's Pantry. I know there are several ideas, but with winter approaching, this one is definitely needs to happen soon. I'll get more info and get back with everyone.

Thanks Larry!

I'd suggest that we focus on one "thing" first - maybe it's "winter clothes", maybe it's "coats"...it would probably be easiest not to branch out into toys and other stuff at this point.  Let's get the first project right, and then we can move on to bigger and better things.  Larry, let me know if you need any help.

The library had a basket for fleece jackets to donate recently.  Last year Damiens had sweaters scarfs jackets and the like out for anyone who needed them.

My own computer is on the fritz.  Thanks to my kind friend for letting me use theirs for a few minutes.
There are a couple of good books at the new book store covering the wonderful things about Wareham. Great pictures.

Dan, please do send a check.  Wareham needs it.  lol

acasualobserver wrote:

Thanks Larry!

I'd suggest that we focus on one "thing" first - maybe it's "winter clothes", maybe it's "coats"...it would probably be easiest not to branch out into toys and other stuff at this point.  Let's get the first project right, and then we can move on to bigger and better things.  Larry, let me know if you need any help.

Cas, I hear you. But, what I'm gonna do is clear out the house. Winter/Christmas is coming. If me giving old coats, boots, toys, etc., to people who might actually get some good use of them, then it's probably something I should have done yesterday, y'know?

I'm not trying to take the focus away from any one thing. Our focus is TM for about another week. This is something that's needed all the time. There are some who always do what they can, and there are a quite a few of that type who post here. I say if anyone has alot of stuff they feel can be put to better use (and clear some space), now's as good a time as any. Heck, email me anyone and I'll pick it up on my way. I'm not a real "dip my toe in the pool type". When I decide to jump in the pool, it's usually by way of the "cannonball"

PShooter
TAKEBACKWAREHAM

Last edited by PShooter (2009-10-24 16:31:47)

cas has said it right; these are all great ideas ,"but you can only eat an elephant one bite at a time."...and winter clothes donations will get stimulated by the realities of the weather.  In addition to our own  stuff , maybe we could get the stores in town that sell winter clothes to donate?   I'll be glad to take a shot at that one this week . L.L Bean first.

...then on to Old Navy, T J Max, Wal Mart....who else?

Fr Gabe from Damien's left me a voice message I will give him a call and ask about the winter clothing.

There's a great spot for a drop off next door to Benny's on Cr Hwy and the place is empty

Wow, I am overwhelmed with the suggestions popping out of this site.  What a great show of support for people less fortunate.  Being a "Tobey Hospital Special" & living here my entire life, I didn't find out until I was older that a lot of us were poor.  We had a roof, heat, lights, clothes & food. I was very fortunate to be born to my parents, who raised us with good morals, to value a dollar, to not be selfish but share, to appreciate what we had, to be unprejudiced and NEVER think we were better than anyone.  We loved getting hand me downs.  We gardened, & froze, canned or preserved our fruits & veggies. We lived in the woods, with a few summer homes nearby.  Two kerosene stoves to heat our old, uninsulated, big hunting lodge home.  Wild rabbits would eat out of our hands. Adopted 2 baby crows & 2 baby raccoons that would have died if left alone.   Loved tromping thru the woods.  That's where I got to love the beauty of nature.

I feel we should move slow. Gather up CLEAN, (no stains) clothes. Make sure buttons are there & zippers work.  First, before advertising, seek out every school principal, nurse & secretary.  They see these kids every day.  They cannot give you names, but they can get sizes.  Mary Walker, the school resourse officer has helped many families over the years as a regular police officer.  She knows the needy areas.         Contact the COA & some of the smaller churches.  We have lots of people who love to knit.  I think a lot of us have a skein or 2 around - hats, mittens, scarfs & baby blankets. It would give them a way to help even if they have no $, they have talent.  Some may sew & could replace buttons, zippers all year long.         After filling the needs at the schools, advertise.  I would contact the Nazarene Church and Turning Point first before advertising coats or clothes. They have regular customers.  By doing it this way you will actually reach more people. Lots that don't have transportation, are embarrassed to ask, won't show.  After these bases have been tagged, then offer a weekend drive in Onset & Wareham.  Damien's Pantry & St.Pat's have food pantrys.  Those volunteers would know who needs coats & shoes, etc.   Turning Point helps those who are homeless or about to be.  I can't say enough good things about them.         Baby goods are always needed.  Just clean the car seats or toys before you bring them in.  Nobody wants to get anything dirty.

HOMELESS SHELTERS.  The former town library belongs to Tobey Hospital. I don't think they would open this as a shelter. They just let go of 50 workers. So we would need to pay for heat and there is probably a liability insurance to deal with.  Don't get me started on the will of Alice Tobey.  Billw can fill you in on more & has dear friends that know the will & are outraged by the way the will's wishes have been disregarded and abused by Tobey and the BOS.  The Homestead was to be used as a school or a home for orphans to live in to go to school from.  Billw can tell you the truth about it. The correct story.  I would love to have his dear friends hold a hall meeting and speak to us about this. They are old and the story should get out before no one left in town can tell it.  Billw should be the history teacher for the town of Wareham.  He has to be over the genious level.  I remember when nurses really lived in the Homestead.  One of the most beautiful buildings in town.        Miss Lilly is right, I think, that to build a shelter would be overwhelming.  I agree with the idea of vacant buildings.  EXAMPLE ONLY!  This place would never work, but on Onset Ave., after the playground towards the center there is a vacant gas station on the left.  It could be gutted, opened up to one big room. Add a few individual toilets, sinks, and showers.  Make portable room dividers to accomadate diff. size families.  Cots, make port./folding cots to use w/sleeping bag or mattress.  A refridgerator with milk & juices, snacks. A coffee pot.  They can help clean the shelter before leaving in the morning.  A more permanent one could also work along those lines.  What about some of the churches who have finished basements or halls attached?   What about some empty private homes that could hold several families?  Could this benifit the owner with a tax right off?  Donations for utilities or by fundraisers.  Cindy Parola is involved with Habitat for Humanity.  She should have some ideas of the do's & don'ts.          OKAY, LET ME HAVE IT!  What do you think?

I think you are the greatest, Bornof!!

Not yet, Biff, but I just keep trying.  You know, after all the negativity due to the politics in Wareham I was feeling like my stomach was in knots.  Some nights I would get off this site and be so depressed or so angry.  Can we really pull this off?  Are we strong enough to reach out and tell the rest of the people in town what is really going on?  Well, as you must know by now, I talk a lot.  I have talked to so many people about what has been found to be true from the people on this site that I have it memorized and not intentionally.                    All we can do right now is attend Town Meeting and in force.  Not loud and boistrous.  Loud enough to be heard, simply by our numbers and loud enough to be heard when we speak at TM.  My anger has subsided, I have regained my faith in the system of free speach and you all have been my motivators.  I've read the good & the bad & how we agree that we can disagree.  I've watched some nasty comments come my way when I first came onboard.  I'm sure they are still out there, but they have been quiet.           I have a very good feeling about TM.  Is the war over? No, not by a long shot, but I feel Wareham is being taken back by people that love her.  People that will definately make a difference and will immediately speak up and hold people accountable.  The curtain of secrecy is going to be pulled down and burned.         Take Back Wareham.