Left In Lowell

‘Twas the night of Halloween,
And in all the streets
the branches and debris
were frustrating the treats.

All little ghosties and ghoulies
were kept from their rounds
of their neighborhoods darkened
from trees that came down.

Their costumes they hung
back in closet halls.
In hopes that their city
would reschedule their hauls.

“It must be some trick,”
they thought to themselves.
“It sure can’t be time
for us to see elves.”

But soon they forgot
that they missed out on Twix.
They pulled on their snow boots,
and went out in the mix.

They built up their snowman,
and snowball fights led.
They slid down the hills
on the sled from the shed.

Their parents breathed sighs.
Did they escape the worst fate?
Would the holiday pass
without sugar highs great?

Alas, not to be.
The city decided
in its infinite wisdom
that candy bars be provided.

Still there was a postponement
of the rush to eat chocolate.
A week extra off
to prepare for the racket.

That is, if there’s any
little “fun size” treats left.
If the parents don’t eat it
in dark, desperate theft.

Merry Halloween everyone! Hope all of our readers still without power get it back soon, and that you don’t, in the desperation of all this darkness and cold, eat it all up before next Sunday.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DATE: October 31, 2011
CONTACT: Bernie Lynch, City Manager
(978) 674-1000

CITY IN POST-STORM OPERATIONS

Following this weekend’s freak mid-fall snowstorm, City officials have put in place sheltering and debris removal plans.

Public Works crews along with contractors have been removing tree limbs that have fallen in the public way that are not near downed power lines.

“We urge residents to use caution until all wires have been repaired and debris removed,” said City Manager Bernie Lynch. “Our first priority is to make our roads and sidewalks safe and to provide shelter for our residents who have lost power. As we move forward we are also making arrangements to help residents dispose of fallen tree limbs.”

(more…)

We all know that word of mouth is a great way to help a small, insignificant thing become a big deal, the lastest fad. However, when you need that fad to catch on in a hurry, like at the close of an election season, you enlist the traditional media.

When the tradmeds “talk,” they intend for you to hear or read specific points. Those points are designed to combine with other considerations that you will hear bandied about in familiar campaign circles.

Let’s take a look at the promotional activities, by WCAP and The Sun, around John MacDonald’s “bus tour.” Let’s begin with Lowell’s loudest chatter:

… today’s citywide bus tour by John MacDonald and his supporters to try to increase voter turnout is new and different.

(more…)

In case you didn’t know, trick or treating has been postponed in just about every community including Lowell’s (originally scheduled for tonight). I guess having kids slipping up and down icy sidewalks in costume didn’t appeal! Not to mention all the outages still going on. (Pawtucketville, I’m looking at YOU!)

Via Facebook and Jen Meyers, here’s some info on the rescheduling:
Lowell - postponed until Sunday, Nov. 6.
Dracut - postponed until Saturday, Nov. 5.
Tyngsboro - postponed until Sunday, Nov. 6.
Chelmsford - cancelled (what, no candy for Chelmsfordian kids? Mean! Mean!)
Tewksbury - at parent’s discretion.

Presumably times have not changed (Lowell was supposed to go from 6 to 8 if I am remembering correctly). Ah yes, here’s the CM’s blog post on the subject. 6 - 8 next Sunday it is.

I am certain the entirety of the children of New England are in apoplectic fits not being able to get their sugar rush today. Hopefully your parents are good enough to bring you around next weekend!