If the state works in geologic time, as pundits sometimes say, in what time does the federal government work?
That question may be put to the test, as Amherst democrat and U.S. Rep. John W. Olver leads a charge to bring economic development to the Northern Tier. The Northern Tier, for those who missed it, is the 40 or so Western Massachusetts communities along Route 2 for whom time seems to have stood still, or perhaps passed right by. More than a few are in Berkshire County. The rest are within a short drive — Gardner, Athol, Erving, Millers Falls, Greenfield, Charlemont, etc. Check out the map.
Led by the stalwart Rep. Olver, with the help of a highly paid and competent consultant working with a federal grant, the Northern Tier now has a preliminary plan and a task force of sorts — not yet officially named a task force — that will attempt to put things right for these forsaken cities and towns. …In time.
Part of what takes time in all state and government planning efforts is that the locals get to have their say. And so they have, over the past year, in steering committees, in discussion groups and in a large conference in Greenfield last month. As always with large committees and groups, disagreements at that conference abounded. So did familiar rhetoric like “synergy†and “green power†and “resource management.†Discussions ensued over which institutions and communities would be the “lead†institutions and communities. Despite some disagreement, the Northern Tier idea coagulated a bit. The overall result was what one usually expects from large, vaguely unorganized groups: Planners will amass again in October for another go ’round.
Keeping in mind that future federal funding (and with it state funding) for any number of projects could suddenly appear for the Northern Tier if cohesive plans are developed (particularly when planners dream of a Massachusetts Democrat as president in November), the strategies thus far, in a nutshell, are these:
• Draw together eco-tourism, cultural attractions and educational institutions into “creative clusters†that will help make the region a destination — for tourists, artists and adventurers.
• Pursue alternative energy as an economic development tool, with Greenfield as a manufacturing hub and Wachusetts Community College and the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art as showplaces.
• Expand and improve small manufacturing businesses and health-care facilities throughout the region, providing more training for jobs in each.
Rep. Olver, who coined the Northern Tier term some 20 or so years ago in the Massachusetts Statehouse and has managed to wrest more than a few state and federal dollars for the region over time, should be commended for his commitment and his perseverance. He, the steering committees and the consultants have come up with a reasonable plan of action — although the omission of high-tech telecommunications from the effort is inexcusable.
Now, the devil, as the pundits say, is in the details. Let us hope that the eventual task force that will form does not go the way of previous task forces that tried to do anything in the Northern Tier, the Northern Berkshires or virtually anywhere in Western Massachusetts. Studies and preliminary plans by the score lie in forgotten piles of scrapped projects that time forgot. The region, if it is to become an identifiable and economically viable region, must unite, promote competitiveness — particularly with the Eastern Seaboard — engage South County, Albany and New York City in a clustering of arts, education and alternative energy, and move forward with purpose — swiftly.
That won’t be done in large committees. Ask the 22-member Greylock Glen Advisory Committee, late of Adams. That is why it is good to see the huge group that met in Greenfield dividing into smaller focus groups and trying to come up with more definitive plans. I wish them luck. I also fervently hope the idea to pursue solar power at Mass MoCA comes to fruition — it is a far more likely place for the Massachusetts Renewable Energy Trust to spend its millions than Brockton (where millions have been spent on a solar project in a city almost everyone tries to avoid) — or on more behemoth wind projects that will unite environmentalists and many business and local interests in opposition, to preserve our scenic beauty. Smaller, community wind projects are different, and other cities and towns should take the lead of Lenox in trying to create something economically feasible and environmentally palatable at the same time.
Rep. Olver and his band, which already totals more than 100, may well find gold in the Northern Tier. But the clock is already ticking. And time, as always, marches on.
Glenn Drohan has survived nearly one year as The Advocate’s editor.
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State Fire Marshal Offers Cold Snap Heating Safety Tips
STOW, Mass. —With temperatures expected to dip into the teens overnight this week, Massachusetts State Fire Marshal Jon M. Davine is reminding residents to stay warm safely and protect their loved ones from some of the most common home heating fires.
"We're expecting very cold weather in the nights ahead, and home heating appliances will be working overtime," said State Fire Marshal Jon M. Davine. "Heating equipment is the leading cause of carbon monoxide at home and the second leading cause of residential fires. Whether you're using gas, oil, solid fuel, or space heaters to keep warm, be sure you keep safe, too."
State Fire Marshal Davine said there were nearly 6,000 heating fires in Massachusetts from 2019 to 2023. These fires claimed eight lives, caused 139 injuries to firefighters and residents, and contributed to over $42 million in damage. And in 2023 alone, Massachusetts fire departments reported finding carbon monoxide at nearly 5,000 non-fire incidents.
Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms
Every household needs working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms on every level of their home. Check the manufacturing date on the back of your alarms so you know when to replace them: smoke alarms should be replaced after 10 years, and carbon monoxide alarms should be replaced after 5 to 10 years depending on the model. If your alarms take alkaline batteries, put in fresh batteries twice a year when you change your clocks. If it's time to replace your alarms, choose new ones from a well-known, national brand. Select smoke alarms with a sealed, long-life battery and a hush feature.
Natural Gas and Oil Heat
If you have a furnace, water heater, or oil burner, have it professionally checked and serviced each year. This will help it run more efficiently, which will save you money and could save your life. Always keep a three-foot "circle of safety" around the appliance clear of anything that could catch fire. Never store painting supplies, aerosol cans, or other flammable items near these appliances. If you smell gas, don't use any electrical switches or devices: get out, stay out, and call 9-1-1 right away.
Residents struggling to pay for heating bills or maintenance may be eligible for assistance through the Massachusetts home energy assistance program (HEAP). No matter what type of heating equipment you use, HEAP may be able to help you pay your winter heating bills or maintain your heating system. All Massachusetts residents are encouraged to explore eligibility for this free program and apply for assistance.
Solid Fuel Heating
If you use a fireplace or a stove that burns wood, pellets, or coal, always keep the area around it clear for three feet in all directions. This circle of safety should be free of furniture, drapery, rugs, books and papers, fuel, and any other flammable items. To prevent sparks and embers from escaping, use a fireplace screen or keep the stove door closed while burning. Use only dry, seasoned hardwood and don't use flammable liquids to start the fire. To dispose of ashes, wait until they are cool and shovel them into a metal bucket with a lid and place it outside at least 10 feet away from the building.
Have your chimney and flue professionally inspected and cleaned each year. Most chimney fires are caused by burning creosote, a tarry substance that builds up as the fireplace, wood stove, or pellet stove is used. If burning creosote, sparks, embers, or hot gases escape through cracks in the flue or chimney, they can cause a fire that spreads to the rest of the structure. Annual cleaning and inspection can minimize this risk. Contact the Massachusetts Chimney Sweep Guild or Chimney Safety Institute of America to identify reputable local companies.
Space Heaters
Keep space heaters at least three feet from curtains, bedding, and anything else that can burn. Plug them directly into a wall socket, not an extension cord or a power strip, and remember that they're for temporary use. Always turn a space heater off when you leave the room or go to sleep.
When purchasing a space heater, select one that's been tested and labeled by a nationally recognized testing company, such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL) or Intertek (ETL). Newer space heaters should have an automatic shut-off switch that turns the device off if it tips over. Unvented kerosene space heaters and portable propane space heaters are not permitted for residential use in Massachusetts, State Fire Marshal Davine said: the risk of fire and carbon monoxide poisoning that they pose is too great.
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