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New Town Clerk Settles In

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New Town Clerk Settles In Free by request to residents of East Brookfield, West Brookfield, North Brookfield, Brookfield, Leicester and Spencer SEND YOUR NEWS AND PICS TO [email protected] Friday, September 18, 2020 Democratic candidates New Town team up for virtual event Clerk settles in BY KEVIN FLANDERS STAFF WRITER SPENCER – When former town clerk Laura Torti unex- pectedly announced her retire- ment last month, selectmen knew they would face a critical decision on her successor. With the State Primary and general election looming, selectmen were committed to choosing the most experienced candidate possible to handle the heavy workload. And they did just that with their recent appointment of Lisa Johnson. Lisa Johnson Previously serving as With over twice the popu- the town clerk in Boylston, lation of Boylston, Spencer Johnson has quickly acclimat- new challenges for ed to her new role. She was provides Johnson as she continues to hired for the Spencer job on Aug. 6, enabling her to work learn the town. Adding to the with Torti for a few weeks and obstacles, she took over just learn the town prior to the Sept. before two major elections – - 1 Primary. and in the middle of a pandem ic. The timing of the transition “There were four applicants, was no doubt inopportune, but Photo Courtesy and Lisa was the only one with Torti helped make it a smooth Danielle Lamoureux-Kane, who serves as Brookfield’s Democratic Town Committee chair, is working experience working as a town one. hard on campaign efforts this fall. Here, she is pictured with Tim Kane, a regional campaign captain. clerk. That made it pretty easy “Laura Torti was very orga- for us to decide who we wanted nized, which made the transi- to hire for the position,” said BY KEVIN FLANDERS Brookfields, Spencer, and Sturbridge show up tion very easy,” Johnson told STAFF WRITER Select Board Chairman Ralph for our kickoff Zoom meeting training event the New Leader. “As far as Hicks. “Given the fact that we focusing on the influence we can voting goes, Spencer has four have the presidential election REGION – Local Democrats recently took and will have in the swing states, precincts and my previous job coming up, we wanted to make part in a virtual event to coordinate cam- making sure people actually vote,” Kane only had one. I will admit I was sure we had the right person in paign efforts ahead of the general election. said. a little nervous, but the poll place. We were very fortunate On Sept. 9, residents of several area com- The virtual event included discussions on workers were wonderful and to be able to get Lisa.” munities joined a virtual campaign kickoff phone banking, text banking, postcard writ- know their jobs.” Having lost her reelection bid event in support of the Joe Biden-Kamala ing, and other activities. The ultimate goal Past experience also went a in Boylston by only 12 votes, Harris ticket. The program included Alex is to mobilize a group of local residents to long way for Johnson, especial- Johnson was eager for a fresh Bausch, the Massachusetts coordinator for inspire others to develop outreach networks ly when making preparations start. After running a success- the Biden-Harris campaign, who discussed of family members, friends, and associates. ful Sept. 1 Primary in Spencer, for the Primary. Of course, no several ways residents can promote political Thousands of volunteers throughout the she is looking forward to meet- amount of experience could engagement locally and nationally. state will not only be promoting engagement ing more residents and officials fully prepare anyone for the Also attending the event was Tim Kane, in Massachusetts, but also in swing states this fall. hurdles created by COVID-19. the captain of the Biden-Harris campaign like Ohio, Michigan, and Pennsylvania. “I truly love the job of town Like town clerks throughout team in west-central Massachusetts. He con- Volunteers will also advocate for residents clerk. I am here to serve the the area, Johnson is working tinues to rally local residents and organize to take advantage of mail-in voting and early - people of Spencer,” Johnson hard with local officials to cre new efforts to train activists in reaching voting. They hope a record number of votes ate a voting environment that said. “I am very grateful to fill voters. is safe and comfortable for res- this position until your next “We had more than 50 local people from the Please Read DEMOCRATS, page A12 town election in 2021.” Please Read JOHNSON, page A3 Bus transportation available for Leicester Special Town Meeting BY KEVIN FLANDERS ized the bus routes for lenges don’t prevent res- WRTA buses and one residents needing trans- would serve students STAFF WRITER Saturday, Sept. 26, when idents from voting. small van will combine portation. from pre-kindergarten a highly anticipated and “The WRTA is work- to operate routes that “Our WRTA represen- through eighth grade. LEICESTER – With a controversial Special ing with the town to include Walmart, Town tative, Doug Belanger, To move forward with large turnout expected Town Meeting article ensure that the elderly, Hall, the Senior Center, initiated the discussion the proposal, the Special at the upcoming Special will decide the fate of the disabled, and other mem- and the Leicester Housing with the WRTA. We are Town Meeting article Town Meeting, officials new school proposal. The bers of the community Authority, among others. delighted that they are must pass by a two thirds have coordinated with meeting will take place will have transporta- Additionally, residents offering us this service at majority vote. From the Worcester Regional at 10 a.m. at the former tion to the Special Town may flag down a bus as no charge to the town,” there, residents would Transit Authority Millbrook Distributors Meeting,” said WRTA it approaches its destina- said Leicester Town take a ballot vote on Nov. (WRTA) to arrange spe- site (88 Huntoon Administrator Dennis tion. Administrator David 3, with a simple majority cialized bus transporta- Memorial Highway), and Lipka. Officials thank every- Genereux. vote needed to pass. tion. officials want to ensure Beginning at 8:30 a.m. one who came together If approved, the new Officials recently final- that transportation chal- on Sept. 26, two regular to arrange the service for school on Paxton Street Please Read MEETING, page A3 Local entrepreneur helps to lift clients’ spirits BY KEVIN FLANDERS to take care of themselves physically, are truly my favorite people to spend STAFF WRITER emotionally, and spiritually. For one time with. They have so much to offer hour, you’re raising your heart rate, and share, but there is so much that they SPENCER – In a time of unprecedent- sweating, stretching, learning some- could use help with, too.” ed hardships, a local entrepreneur is thing new, having fun, and releasing Daughter for Hire will offer a free ini- using her two businesses to lift people’s endorphins.” tial consultation and estimate. Services spirits. For the month of September, Do It 4 can include helping with computer and East Brookfield’s Melanie Silva U Studio is offering unlimited classes technology challenges; meal planning launched her first business, Do It 4 U for $50. The studio will also introduce a and preparation; shopping; travel to Studio, back in January. Located at 369 program called Yoga with Carol in the health appointments; and senior advo- Main St. in Spencer (the former Gregson coming days. Moreover, Silva is looking cacy, among others. Building), the business offers an array of forward to launching prerecorded class- Silva is looking forward to assisting Zumba programs. Silva is currently run- es soon. seniors in a variety of ways and helping ning both live and livestream classes, To learn more about Zumba class to ease their stress during the pandemic. with convenient times in the morning schedules, events, and announce- Many local seniors have been house- and early evening. ments, follow Silva on Facebook at MS bound since March, while others will With many residents feeling low these Zumbateer. be staying mostly at home this fall and days for a variety of reasons, Zumba is a Although her Zumba business keeps winter due to COVID-19 fears. In addi- great way to exercise the body and mind. her plenty busy already, Silva was also tion to dealing with the extended isola- Silva enjoys working with her custom- inspired by her background in elderly tion and loneliness, it has been difficult ers to build toward the best version of assistance to create a second business. for seniors to find ways to obtain basic themselves. Soon to open, Daughter for Hire will pro- services. “Zumba allows me to interact with vide a range of services to senior clients, “I have the opportunity to help people, Photo Courtesy people, lift them up, and share positiv- with flexible hours to meet their needs. touch lives, and make a difference,” Melanie Silva is helping the community ity,” Silva said. “Zumba is also a great “I have worked with seniors since with her passion for entrepreneurship. platform to encourage women and men I was 14 years old,” Silva said. “They Please Read SILVA, page A10 2 SPENCER NEW LEADER • Friday, September 18, 2020 Robbins to retire as Cornerstone Bank CEO WORCESTER — After 34 years of ded- “He has always put the needs of cus- icated service at Cornerstone Bank, K. tomers first, and diligently worked to Michael Robbins will be retiring as the ensure that everything Cornerstone did Bank’s CEO on December 31, 2020; Mike was for the well-being of the community will continue to serve as the Bank’s and its residents.
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