REPLY REQUESTED: Why is Treasury allowing Apple, airlines to abandon currency?

---------- Forwarded message ----------
Date: Sun, 30 May 2010 13:04:21 -0400 (EDT)
From: Bill Densmore <densmore@densmoreassociates.com>
To: Richard DelMasto <richard.delmasto@mail.house.gov>
Cc: Hunter Ridgway <hunter.ridgeway@mail.house.gov>,
Katie McShane <katie.mcshane@mail.house.gov>, olver@hr.house.gov
Subject: REPLY REQUESTED: Why is Treasury allowing Apple, airlines to abandon currency?

Dear Congressman Olver:

Would you please ask someone to explain to me why the U.S. Treasury is allowing airlines, Apple and other businesses to refuse to accept U.S. currency for payment? This seems plainly at odds with the Coinage Act of 1965, specifically
Section 31 U.S.C. 5103.

See:
http://www.ustreas.gov/education/faq/currency/legal-tender.shtml

I would like to become a test case for this? The next time I am flying on Southwest Airlines, I am going to document their refusal to accept cash for food items, via a refused transaction. I would then like to locate counsel who will sue Southwest under the law and see what Treasury does.

I think this is a dangerous precedent which is setting in motion the complete loss of control by the government over our money supply, as well as the end of anonymous purchasing for anything.

Is this really what Congress intended in 1965?
http://legallad.quickanddirtytips.com/legal-tender.aspx
http://www.crunchgear.com/2010/05/18/apple-doesnt-accept-cash-at-the-apple-store-not-even-for-an-ipad/

The Treasury seems to be construing the law in the most bizaare way. In effect, it says cash and coins are a legal offer to pay debts, but a creditor doesn't have to accept them. Does that make any sense at all? I guess the distinction is that once you have incurred a debt, the creditor must accept an offer of cash as valid payment. But, they don't have to agree to **sell** to you if they anticipate you are going to pay with cash.

So are some point transactions will go this way:

"How are you paying?"

"Cash."

"We don't accept cash."

If that's legal, that makes the 1965 law a canard.

What a wild thought. Please exlain.

-- bill

--------------------------------------
Bill Densmore
Williamstown MA 01267 USA
off: 413-458-8001
densmore@densmoreassociates.com
@densmore53

Williamstown Education Association filed charge over Meier's dismissal

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Williamstown Education Association filed charge over Meier's dismissal

The Williamstown Education Association filed an unfair labor practice charge against the Williamstown School District for terminating the employment of former teacher Rebecca J. Meier in 2008.

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Students fight for the right to protest; At some schools, free speech stops when the bell rings

http://dailyme.com/story/2010052800002194/students-fight-protest-schools-free-speech.html

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Solid Sound Festival / MassMoCA / North Adams @ Fri Aug 13 - Sun Aug 15, 2010

Title: Solid Sound Festival / MassMoCA / North Adams
http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=410407689640
http://solidsoundfestival.com/

The event takes place August 13 thru 15 at MASS MoCA. A ticket gains you admittance to the festival as well as access to MASS MoCA for the entire weekend. The schedule is still being developed and we will publish it closer to the event.

Ticket price is $78 which includes entry to the festival for the entire weekend, access to all MASS MoCA galleries and exhibits and parking.

General Inquiries and Info
questions@solidsoundfestival.com

Press and PR Inquiries

Deb Bernardini @ DBMPR
413-529-0300
deb@dbmpr.com

The SOLID SOUND FESTIVAL comedy stage is now also fully booked and ready to go. We've tapped comedian Todd Barry (The Wrestler, Flight of the Conchords) to headline and program a full line up of laughs. Barry's fellow Flight of the Conchords castmate and Daily Show correspondent Kristen Schaal will be performing as will Hannibal Buress ("funniest man in Chicago" according to Time Out Chicago), and VH1's Best Week Ever star John Mulaney.

MGRSD School Committee Nomination Papers Due July 20

In November the voters of Lanesborough and Williamstown will elect five members of the Mount Greylock Regional School Committee. The seats now held by
Carrie Greene, Robert Ericson, Ronald Tinkham, David Archibald and David Langston are up for election.

Any resident wishing to become a candidate must submit nomination papers to local Registrars of Voters for certification no later than 5:00 p.m. on
Tuesday, July 20, 2010. Nomination papers may be obtained from the District Office at Mount Greylock Regional High School or the local Registrars of
Voters in the Lanesborough and Williamstown Town Halls.

Contact Person:
William D. Travis
458-9582 ext. 149

Mt. Greylock Vegetable Garden Orientation Meeting - Saturday

WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. -- Mt. Greylock Regional High School senior Patrick Madden says the school's vegetable garden (a recent initiative started by Madden and Katherine Keys out behind the greenhouse) is planted and ready for volunteers! Anyone interested in helping out with gardening and harvesting over the summer, please email greengreylock@gmail.com or talk to Patrick Madden to join the listserve and get involved. There will be a garden orientation meeting for all interested volunteers on Saturday, May 29th at 10:30 AM outside the greenhouse on the southwest corner of the property.

Additionally, says Madden, the garden now has a website: http://www.greylockgarden.blogspot.com. On this site, volunteers can find informatio n about the history of the garden, what is currently planted, weekly task updates, photos, and more. There is also a link to a public volunteer calendar, which will document who is signed up for weekly shifts when.

"We are still in need of gardening tools, specifically: sturdy garden rakes and smaller weeding tools," says Madden. "If anyone is willing to donate, bring them to the meeting or email greengreylock@gmail.com!

North Adams Open Studios - Call for Artists

NORTH ADAMS OPEN STUDIOS - CALL FOR ARTISTS

For Immediate Release

Contact: Phil Sellers

NORTH ADAMS, Mass.  North Adams Open Studios is looking for artists  with
and without studios  to participate in its sixth annual autumn showcase of
local artisans to be held on Saturday and Sunday, October 15 and 16, from 10 to
6.

Last year, nearly 100 artists were exposed to over 2,000 visitors who visited
the city during the two-day event.

North Adams Open Studios offers visitors a glimpse inside the creative spaces
of working artists in the city, along with the opportunity to learn more about
the artistic process. Venues include artist-owned studios, galleries,
storefronts and group spaces  where artists from the city and neighboring
towns display their works outside of their studios.

The annual event showcases a diversity of artwork, including paintings,
printmaking, photography, graphic art, fabric art, paper-making, weaving,
pottery, sculpture and a variety of other visual and performing arts.

Registration information for the non-juried event, along with guidelines and
information for artists needing to rent space, is available at the North Adams
Open Studio website, www.northadamsopenstudios.com.

Artists, galleries, and businesses are encouraged to register before June 30 to
receive a discounted registration rate of $35. After June 30, the registration
fee, which includes a year-long spot on the events website and advertising in
regional and national publications, is $45. Fees for space in the NoAMA Mill
are $25 for an 8-foot by 10-foot spot; $35 for a 8-foot by 20-foot space and
$45 for an 8-foot by 30-foot spot. Space in the NoAMA Mill is limited and will
be reserved as participants requesting the space successfully complete the
registration process. Registration closes on August 31.

North Adams Open Studios informally began in 2004, when six artists, who had
moved into the then newly renovated Eclipse Mill Artists Lofts, opened their
doors to the community for the first time  hoping to introduce themselves and
their artwork to their new community.

Although the first event only drew 100 visitors, many of whom were former mill
workers curious to take a look around the lofts, the idea of hosting an annual
weekend-long event began to take shape.

The annual creative showcase became a city-wide event in 2006, including
artists from the Eclipse, Beaver and Windsor mills, creating a corridor of art
venues along Route 2. Artists without easily accessible home studios or
non-traditional studios were invited to join for the first time as well,
sharing space in vacant downtown storefronts.

In 2009, the all-volunteer run North Adams Open Studios was honored by the
Massachusetts Cultural Council  one of seven venues to be recognized with its
Gold Star Award that year. Open Studios, which was nominated by the Cultural
Council of Northern Berkshire, was selected from a field of some 5,000 eligible
venues supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, across the state.

To participate in North Adams Open Studios, register at
www.northadamsopenstudios.com.

Celebrating the Taste of Rhubarb at Sheep Hill in Williamstown on Saturday, June 5th 3 - 5:00 PM

Leslie Reed-Evans writes:

Strawbarb Rhuberry Fest at Sheep Hill in Williamstown Saturday June 5th, 3 - 5 PM

The Williamstown Rural Lands Foundation invites chefs and home bakers to submit rhubarb-inspired creations to its annual Strawbarb and Rhuberry celebration on Saturday June 5th from 3-5 PM at the WRLF's Sheep Hill headquarters in Williamstown. Rhubarb Ginger muffins, Strawberry Rhubarb pie, Rhubarb Crumble are a few of the offerings that might be available. Enter your favorite rhubarb dish for a chance to win a Sheep Hill People's Choice award. Visitors will be invited to 'taste' the splendiferous array of rhubarb creations and submit votes for first and second places. Prizes will be given to these two most popular dishes.

Prior to the "Tasting" there will be a demonstration in planting and growing Rhubarb in our region along with some history of this interesting plant by amateur gardener extraordinaire and local rhubarb enthusiast Margie March.

Rain or shine there will be nature-inspired crafts inside the farm house. Fair weather family activities include an outdoor scavenger hunt, self-guided nature hikes around the property, and checking out the nature cabin and the frog pond.

Rhubarb creations can be dropped off at Sheep Hill Friday afternoon June 4 between 3 and 5 PM, or between 1 and 2:30 PM on Saturday. In lieu of contributing a dish, guests may make a "Tasting" donation (Suggested: $5 per person non-member /$3 member.)

The Williamstown Rural Lands Foundation is a non-profit member-supported land conservation trust. Its Sheep Hill conservation property and headquarters are located at 671 Cold Spring Road (Routes 7 & 2), approximately one mile south of the rotary in Williamstown. For more information, call WRLF at 458-2494, or visit www.wrlf.org.

Leslie Reed-Evans
Executive Director
Williamstown Rural Lands Foundation
Sheep Hill
671 Cold Spring Road
Williamstown, MA 01267
lre@wrlf.org www.wrlf.org
413-458-2494

INVITATION: Please join us June 23-25 in Columbia, Mo., to build the market for digital information

=========================================================================
You're receiving this email because of your interest in the work of the
Information Valet Project at the Donald W. Reynolds Journalism Institute.
If you do not want to receive periodic updates, just reply to this email
and write "nomail" or something similar.

-- bill densmore
=========================================================================

Here's an important item for your date book for June 23-25. Please forward
or repost, and make plans to join us in Columbia. Decisions will be made.

WHAT
======

"From Blueprint to Building: Making the Market for Digital Information" -- An
action congress for trust, identity and Internet information commerce serving
newspapers and beyond. An unveiling of a 148-page business plan for an industry
collaborative.

WHEN/WHERE
============

June 23-25, 2010 / Donald W. Reynolds Journalism Institute, University of
Missouri, Columbia, Mo. Full registration, including meals: $95.00.

DETAILS:
===========

http://www.infotrust.org

WHY
==========

Eighteen months ago, about 60 people gathered on the American prairie and set
out to describe a blueprint for a new information economy that would be based
upon trust, identity and commerce. On June 24, at that same prairie meeting
spot, some of them will start building it. Do you want to be among the 80
founders, architects and builders? You're invited.

BACKGROUND
=============

This is not a conference, or a summit. It's a public ***congress*** -- of news
and information service providers -- organized by U.S. state press associations
and the Reynolds Institute, an ideas-experiments-research center affiliated
with the Missouri School of Journalism, the nation's oldest.

In this ultra-fast-moving information ecosystem, we have two intentions:

-- Consider establishing a non-profit collaborative that will specify
standards, platforms and protocols for a digital information marketplace;
supporting investment and partnering with operating companies and,

-- Define and start raising money for an operating company or association that
answers to, and primarily serves and benefits, ***all*** America's newspapers --
and is focused on profitably sharing, protecting and managing their digital
content.

WE'RE OPEN
===============

Questions? Do you have a paper or presentation you want to add to our
pre-congress reading list? Materials about a service or product you'd like to
have made available? Contact us.

-------------------------------------
Bill Densmore, Consultant
Reynolds Journalism Institute
201 RJI Hall
University of Missouri
Columbia MO 65211
573-882-9812 / VOICE MAIL/CELL: 617-448-6600
densmorew@rjionline.org FOLLOW: @infovalet
DISCLOSURE: http://newshare.com/disclosure

Bill Monroe, consulting director
Multistate Digital Task Force
c/o Iowa Press Association
515-422-9060
bmonroe@inanews.com
http://www.infotrust.org

Mount Greylock School Committee Approves Cost-Share Agreement - iBerkshires.com

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Mount Greylock School Committee Approves Cost-Share Agreement - iBerkshires.com

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Mount Greylock School Committee Approves Cost-Share Agreement iBerkshires.com WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — The Mount Greylock Regional School Committee approved an agreement Monday night that would reduce costs by sharing ... and more »

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Two arrested in connection with copper theft

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Two arrested in connection with copper theft

Tuesday May 18, 2010 North Adams Transcript



NORTH ADAMS -- Police have arrested two men in connection with the theft of $197 worth of copper from the old Blackinton Mill on Massachusetts Avenue late last week.



In Northern Berkshire District Court on Friday, Sam Malinowski, 22, of Hall Street in North Adams pleaded not guilty to charges of breaking and entering during the day for a felony

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Two arrested in connection with copper theft

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Two arrested in connection with copper theft

Police have arrested two men in connection with the theft of $197 worth of copper from the old Blackinton Mill on Massachusetts Avenue late last week.

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Beatnik Program at the Milne Library

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Beatnik Program at the Milne Library

Join us at the Milne Library in Williamstown for a hip time by cooling out and getting down with a New York City, Greenwich Village "type" Coffee House experience.

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Final Mount Greylock Senior Projects Cover Snow to Icing - iBerkshires.com

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Final Mount Greylock Senior Projects Cover Snow to Icing - iBerkshires.com

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Final Mount Greylock Senior Projects Cover Snow to Icing iBerkshires.com WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — Senior year in high school brings special occasions such as a class trip, a prom and after-prom party and ...

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Images Cinema's Annual Meeting

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Images Cinema's Annual Meeting

The Images Cinema Board of Directors will hold its Annual Meeting, open to the public, on Thursday, June 10 at 6 p.m. at the cinema, 50 Spring Street, Williamstown, MA.

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Mount Greylock School Committee Approves Cost-Share Agreement

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Mount Greylock School Committee Approves Cost-Share Agreement

The Mount Greylock Regional School Committee approved an agreement Monday night that would reduce costs by sharing administrative positions between the district and School Union 71.

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Good folk: Iconic NY coffeehouse marks 50th year

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Good folk: Iconic NY coffeehouse marks 50th year

On a Friday night 50 years ago this week, folk singer Jackie Washington stepped up to the tiny stage of Bill and Lena Spencer's new coffeehouse.

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Caught in the act: Juveniles sentenced to Shakespeare

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Caught in the act: Juveniles sentenced to Shakespeare

LENOX — Tonight, 13 actors will take the stage at Shakespeare & Company in "Henry V.'' Nothing so unusual in that — except that these are teenagers, none older than 17, and they have been sentenced to perform this play.

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Williamstown Town Meeting On Tuesday; Voters To Decide On Budgets, Meals And ... - iBerkshires.com

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Williamstown Town Meeting On Tuesday; Voters To Decide On Budgets, Meals And ... - iBerkshires.com

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Williamstown Town Meeting On Tuesday; Voters To Decide On Budgets, Meals And ... iBerkshires.com WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — The annual town meeting will take place Tuesday night in the gymnasium of the Williamstown Elementary School, and voters will decide ... and more »

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$6.3M budget on table a Greena plans to be decided

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$6.3M budget on table a Greena plans to be decided

Warrant articles voters will face at the annual town meeting on Tuesday include town and school budgets, local meals and lodging taxes and steps to become a "Green Community." The meeting will begin at 7 p.m. in the gymnasium of Williamstown Elementary School, 115 Church St.

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Cariddi launches website for her state representative bid

North Adams City Councillor Gail Cariddi is scheduled to formally announce
her by-now-very-public bid for state representative. Others in the raise
include Edward McDonald and Dave Bissaillon, both of Adams.

Cariddi's website: http://www.electgailcariddi.com.

New artistic director named

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New artistic director named

A one-time associate producer at the Williamstown Theatre Festival will be its new artistic director next season.

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Williamstown Candidates Differ on Debt Exclusions - iBerkshires.com

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Williamstown Candidates Differ on Debt Exclusions - iBerkshires.com

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Williamstown Candidates Differ on Debt Exclusions iBerkshires.com WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — With the casting of ballots on Tuesday, May 11, voters will elect two of the three candidates vying for two available seats on the ... and more »

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Williamstown voters to decide override question

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Williamstown voters to decide override question

In addition to four contests in Tuesday's annual town election, voters will decide whether or not to support two debt-exclusion overrides, which, if passed, would prevent more cuts to Mount Greylock Regional School District's fiscal 2011 budget.

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Williamstown Candidates Differ on Debt Exclusions - iBerkshires.com (blog)

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Williamstown Candidates Differ on Debt Exclusions - iBerkshires.com (blog)

iBerkshires.com (blog)

Williamstown Candidates Differ on Debt Exclusions iBerkshires.com (blog) WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — With the casting of ballots on Tuesday, May 11, voters will elect two of the three candidates vying for two available seats on the ...

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New artistic director named

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New artistic director named

Thursday May 6, 2010

WILLIAMSTOWN -- A one-time associate producer at the Williamstown Theatre Festival will be its new artistic director next season.

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Williams College Promotes Seven To Full Professor - iBerkshires.com

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Williams College Promotes Seven To Full Professor - iBerkshires.com

Williams College Promotes Seven To Full Professor iBerkshires.com WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. – Williams College has announced the promotion of seven faculty to full professorships: Monique Deveaux, political science; ...

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Williams women's crew head coach to be keynote speaker - iBerkshires.com

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Williams women's crew head coach to be keynote speaker - iBerkshires.com

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Williams women's crew head coach to be keynote speaker iBerkshires.com WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. - Williams women's crew head coach Justin Moore has been selected as one of the keynote speakers at the statewide conferences on student ...

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Information on Williamstown Election - iBerkshires.com (blog)

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Information on Williamstown Election - iBerkshires.com (blog)

Information on Williamstown Election iBerkshires.com (blog) FLORIDA, Mass. — Florida is first — first for snow, as one candidate noted, and first when it came to scrutinizing the potential replacement for its ...

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State teachers' union threatens court action to block release of documents by Williamstown schools

The following are texts of email exchanges among Adam Filson, chairman of the Williamstown School Committee, and Bill Densmore, a resident of Williamstown and other town officials.  These exchanges were posted by Bill Densmore (densmore@densmoreassociates.com)

for context, view particularly the last two pages of this PDF:
http://www.newshare.com/openrecords.pdf
From: "Bill Densmore"
To: "Peter Fohlin-458-3500"
Cc: "Adam Filson" ; "Bill Densmore" ; "Fred Dupere" ; "Ira Fader" ; "Joel Bard" ; "Kathy Poirot" ; "Lynn Sadlowski" ; "Patrick Ronan" ; "Rose Ellis"
Sent: Friday, May 07, 2010 5:00 PM
Subject: Re: Public Records Update -- not a personnel action / MTA TRO threat (fwd)

> Dear Mr. Fohlin (Peter):

> Please see:
> http://newshare.typepad.com/greylocknews/2010/05/union-threat.html
> Please let me know if the town decides to agree to the MTA's request and seek advice from the Supervisor of Public Records, to the extend that  would toll out the 10-day response requirement.

-- SNIP --

> -- bill

Date: Fri, 7 May 2010 19:18:31 -0400 (EDT)

From: Bill Densmore
To: Rose Ellis , Lynn Sadlowski ,
Peter Fohlin-458-3500
Cc: Adam Filson , Bill Densmore , Fred Dupere ,
Ira Fader , Joel Bard , Kathy Poirot , Patrick Ronan
Subject: Re: Public Records Update -- request to "inspect and copy" only

Dr. Ellis (and Lynn):
cc: Peter Fohlin

In reading carefully your May 6 letter to me, and in the interest of convenience and efficiency, it is not necessarily required that you "send me" any documents. I would be happy to examine them at your offices (or at Town Hall if that is where they reside). Copying may not be necessary, either. If there is a particular document that I'd like a copy of, I'll request it, as the law specifies. I don't want to incurr the expense (or wasted trees) of massive amounts of copying that I have not requested. I simply asked to exercise my legal right to "inspect and copy," I did not direct you to copy, at least not at this time.

Thanks.

Bill Densmore
75 Water Street
Williamstown MA 01267

Date: Fri, 7 May 2010 16:01:36 -0400
From: Lynne Sadlowski
To: Bill Densmore
Cc: Adam Filson
Subject: Re: Public Records Update

I appreciate your phone call and understanding that detailed conversations regarding this matter should begin with the Peter Fohlin at Town Hall, or our Adam Filson, our school committee Chair.

Lynne

On Fri, May 7, 2010 at 3:20 PM, Bill Densmore wrote:

Lynne:

Is it the school's intention to accede to the MTA's request? I continue to request immediate compliance with my Open Records Act request. The law requires this. There is no reason to wait for 10 days if immediately compliance is possible.

-- bill

> ---------- Forwarded message ----------

> Date: Fri, 7 May 2010 15:36:49 -0400 (EDT)

> From: Bill Densmore
> To: Lynne Sadlowski
> Cc: densmore@densmoreassociates.com
> Subject: Re: Public Records Update -- not a personnel action
>
>> Lynn:
>>
>> Thanks for your helpful phone call just now. Attorney Bard refused to talk to
>> me.
>
>> One other point. The requests I requested are not relevant to any personnel
>> action, so far as I know. So I would take issue with the MTA's
>> characterization of my request as being related to a personnel action.
>>

>> -- bill
>>
>> On Fri, 7 May 2010, Lynne Sadlowski wrote:
>>

>>> The reason is outlined in the MTA's letter.

(posted at http://www.newshare.com/openrecords.pdf)
>>> .
>>> Lynne
>>>
>>> On Fri, May 7, 2010 at 2:57 PM, Bill Densmore wrote:
>>>
>>>> Why?
>>>>
>>>> On Fri, 7 May 2010, Lynne Sadlowski wrote:
>>>>
>>>> Bill,
>>>>>
>>>>> The Massachusetts Teachers Association has contacted the Town of
>>>>> Williamstown and requested that we refrain from releasing any information
>>>>> until a determination has been made by the Supervisor of Public Records in
>>>>> the Secretary of State's Office. Please see the attached letter.
>>>>>
>
> Lynne Sadlowski
> Assistant to the Superintendent
> Williamstown-Lanesborough School Union 71
> 115 Church Street
> Williamstown, MA 01267
> 413 458-5840 x 103
>
> Date: Thu, 6 May 2010 22:15:59 -0400 (EDT)
> From: Bill Densmore
> To: Adam Filson
> Cc: Patrick Ronan , Peter Fohlin-458-3500
> , Rose Ellis
> ,
> "Fred Dupere, Esq. (freddupere@aol.com)" , Lynne
> Sadlowski lsadlowski@williamstownelementary.org,
 Bill Densmore , "Bertsche, Robert A."
>
> Subject: RE: Curious (fwd) (Regarding Densmore Open Records Act request)
>
 Adam:

> Thanks for your prompt reply to:
> http://www.newshare.com/openrecords.pdf
> http://www.greylocknews.com
> There is nothing in my request that constitutes personnel information. I
> have asked only for records related to a decision to make a payment to a
> person who, at the time of the payment, on information and belief, was not
> an employee of the school, thus no personnel records would be involved.
>
> Also, the jist of the request is for records of a payment of taxpayer
> funds pursuant to an agreement. Other than the "black budget" of the
> Pentagon (and I wonder about that, too), I think it would be unprecedented
> and gravely contrary to public policy to suggest that there is any basis
> to shield **any** use of state or municipal taxpayer funds from public
> view and scrutiny.
>
> To infer that the payment of public money to a person somehow raises
> privacy issues, and to suggest that might override the public's interest
> in knowing how its money is spent, could open the door to all kinds of
> misuse of funds. Indeed, openness and transparency is what is most likely
> to guard against misuse of funds, and that is what is called for here.
>
> In order to avoid an appeal to the district attorney or the state
> Supervisor of Public Documents, please advise what records you propose to
> redact, if any.
>
> For FYI ONLY purposes, I have copied Rob Bertsche, the counsel to the
> Massachusetts Newspaper & Press Association. I serve on its board.
>
> -- bill densmore
>

From: Adam Filson < afilson@grinnellsmith.com

Date: May 6, 2010 9:02:37 AM EDT
To: Bill Densmore <densmore@densmoreassociates.com>, Patrick Ronan <pronan13@gmail.com
Cc: Peter Fohlin-458-3500 <pfohlin@williamstown.net>, Rose Ellis <rellis@mail.williamstown.net>, "Fred Dupere, Esq. (freddupere@aol.com)" <freddupere@aol.com>, Lynne Sadlowski <lsadlowski@williamstownelementary.org>
Subject: RE: Curious (fwd) (Regarding Densmore Open Records Act request)

Bill,

Thank you for your email.  Please note that the Williamstown Elementary School  (WES) is in receipt of your public records request of May 3rd.  WES will be complying with your request within the statutory reply period.  Dr. Ellis will be sending you an email confirming the same.  This process will consist of a WES staffer pulling the requested documents from the files, making copies and then segregating via redaction (as WES is required by law to do - specifically MGL Ch. 4, Sec. 7) information that is personnel information and/or specifically names an individual which may constitute an unwarranted invasion of privacy.  The process also includes a contractual 5-day prior notice of disclosure to be given to agreement parties.  As mentioned, notwithstanding the process, WES will comply with the request within the statutory deadline.

In the interim, I'm happy to meet with you and Patrick Ronan so that you may clarify your statements regarding the Open Meeting Law.

Best regards,

Adam
Chair, WES Committee

P Please consider the environment before printing

-----Original Message-----
From: Bill Densmore [mailto:densmore@densmoreassociates.com]
Sent: Wednesday, May 05, 2010 6:55 PM
To: Patrick Ronan
Cc: Jane Allen; Peter Fohlin-458-3500; Jane Allen; Kathy Poirot-458-3500; Steve Johnson; Tom Costley; jay johnson; Rose Ellis; Adam Filson; Fred Leber; Elizabeth Valerio
Subject: Re: Curious (fwd) (Regarding Densmore Open Records Act request)

Patrick:

Re below. I left you a voice mail.

Fred Leber is a neighbor and when I learned that he seemed to be having trouble obtaining public records from the school, I decided to file an Open Records Act request for them out of curiousity. I don't know anything firsthand, and make no judgements, about any claim or settlement; I'll wait to see what the documents show.

As you know, the Massachusetts Open Meetings Act requires that all official actions taken by public boards must be confirmed by votes in open session. So if there was some settlement of a matter by the school board in 2008 or 2009 it would of course be a matter of public record in the minutes of the school board. If the school board settled a claim and authorized payment of some amount and did so by a vote in executive session, the action taken would be void, as far as I am concerned. So I asked for such minutes.

see: http://www.newshare.com/openrecords.pdf

Similarly, records of a puported $50,000 payment to an individual by the town or school would have to show in records of warrants or checks written by the town or school during a period when such an alleged payment was made. And so I asked for those records. The town and school have 10 days under the Massachusetts Open Records Act to respond to my request, handed to them on Monday. But the law expects expeditious response so I would be very surprised if they didn't respond more quickly than that, especially given that there is an election on Tuesday.I have copied the town and the school on this reply, in a spirit of
cooperation and transparency.

-- bill densmore / 413-458-8001 cell: 617-448-6600

On Wed, 5 May 2010, Patrick Ronan wrote:

Hi Mr. Densmore,

My name is Patrick Ronan. I just started as a news reporter for iBerkshires.com, and I have been assigned to the Williamstown beat. I received word from Fred Leber that you were requesting public documents from the town of Williamstown.

-- SNIP --

I'm curious if your request is directly related to the matter Mr. (Fred) Leber informed me about? I'm looking for as much information as possible because if, in fact, the use of public funds was being kept secret, there is a story here. But I'd like to get as much background as possible before I pursue any further.

Feel free to give me a call if you have any info. You can reach me in the office at (413) 663-3384. Or you can reach me on my cell phone at (339) 788-8767.

Take care and thank you for your time,

Fwd: Rhinoceros! -- May 14-15 at MGRHS

Patrick Madden writes:

As many of you know, my friend Petra and I have been hard at work these past six weeks directing Rhinoceros, by Eugene Ionesco. The show goes up at Mt. Greylock next Friday and Saturday (May 14th and 15th). 

This is my last theatrical project at the high school, and it's one I'm very proud of. Petra and I have worked tirelessly to create a compelling and cohesive story with one of Ionesco's most famous (and most challenging) texts, and the cast has really risen to the occasion. 

The general trend these last few years has been delightfully large attendance at the winter musical and disappointingly sparse attendance at the spring drama. We'd REALLY like to change that this year. This is quite literally a show unlike any Greylock has ever seen. A healthy dose of French absurdism mixed with a cast of diligent actors, a compelling set and lighting design, and costumes from Williams College should make for a unique performance. 

So, I come to my main point: if you are available either or both of those nights, please try to make it!! We'd love to see you there. It's to support a great cause ($5 for students; $7 for adults), and you get to see an engaging bit of theater in the bargain. Also, spread the word! Tell your family and friends, bring your family and friends, and if you like what you see, come both nights! We'll be plastering the area with posters, but word of mouth is the most effective way to get people there. 

Thank you so much!!

-- 

Patrick

P.s. If for no other reason, the more tickets we sell, the higher the chances are that there will be a spring drama next year. 

P.p.s. We are hoping to have an open dress rehearsal on Thursday the 13th at 3:00 PM. If you can't make it on Friday or Saturday, email me and I'll get you details on that front.

The Humane Race fundraiser is Saturday in Williamstown

Presented by theBrowns of Williamstown, the 8th Annual Humane Race and Dog
Jog will take place at 10 AM on Saturday, May 8th in Williamstown, MA.
Benefiting the Berkshire Humane Society, the race features a 5K Fun Run
and a 1-mile walk for dogs and folks of all ages. The course makes a loop
through town and winds up near the bottom of Spring Street where all
participants can enjoy great food and music while prizes are handed out in
a variety of categories, including best owner look-alike, fastest tail
wagger, most energetic and best doggie smile.

Pre-registration for the race is $15 for adults and $10 for kids 12 and
under; race day registration is $20 for adults and $15 for kids. Dogs are
welcome, but not required. The first 100 people to register receive a
t-shirt; all dogs receive a commemorative bandana. To register, download
pledge forms or learn more, visit our website www.HumaneRace.org or
contact Race Directors Alix and Brian Cabral at (413) 441-3677.

Williamstown School board candidates discuss enrollment, Youth Center

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Williamstown School board candidates discuss enrollment, Youth Center

Friday April 30, 2010 North Adams Transcript



WILLIAMSTOWN -- Declining enrollment and the Williamstown Youth Center were among the topics candidates for the Williamstown School Committee discussed at a forum Wednesday night at Town Hall.



There are three candidates vying for two three-year terms on the committee, including incumbent Margaret A.

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Sound and vision in the Great Depression

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Sound and vision in the Great Depression

Friday April 30, 2010 North Adams Transcript



NORTH ADAMS -- Emmy-winning image researcher and photographer Rich Remsberg, who works out of his Eclipse Mill residence, has combined two of his passions -- photography and music -- for a new book that explores the world of homegrown music during the Great Depression.

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Williamstown School board candidates discuss enrollment, Youth Center

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Williamstown School board candidates discuss enrollment, Youth Center

Declining enrollment and the Williamstown Youth Center were among the topics candidates for the Williamstown School Committee discussed at a forum Wednesday night at Town Hall.

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Williamstown School Candidates Say They'll Listen - iBerkshires.com (blog)

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Williamstown School Candidates Say They'll Listen - iBerkshires.com (blog)

iBerkshires.com (blog)

Williamstown School Candidates Say They'll Listen iBerkshires.com (blog) WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — Candidates hoping to represent voters on two school boards pledged to do their best to maintain their school's excellence and listen ...

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MCLA Students Study History of African Americans in North Adams - iBerkshires.com

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MCLA Students Study History of African Americans in North Adams - iBerkshires.com

MCLA Students Study History of African Americans in North Adams iBerkshires.com They include baseball player Frank Grant of Williamstown; Robert Hawkins of Adams, who was the first African American to promote golf to other African ...

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Milne Library to Showcase Generations of the 20th Century - iBerkshires.com

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Milne Library to Showcase Generations of the 20th Century - iBerkshires.com

Milne Library to Showcase Generations of the 20th Century iBerkshires.com WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — Beginning Monday, the David and Joyce Milne Public Library will present programs on three distinct generations of the 20th century. ...

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Williamstown Candidate Statements - iBerkshires.com

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Williamstown Candidate Statements - iBerkshires.com

iBerkshires.com

Williamstown Candidate Statements iBerkshires.com WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — All 17 candidates on the May 11 town election ballot were offered free television time to introduce themselves to voters and say why ... Williamstown School Candidates Say They'll ListeniBerkshires.com all 2 news articles »

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Paint collection Saturday

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Paint collection Saturday

Paint collection day at the Transfer Station off Simonds Road Saturday, May 1, from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Fee is $2 per liquid gallon. More information on upcoming special collections here.

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