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Moderator Rebecca M. Townsend @townmoderator.bsky.social · 3d

General Law - Part I, Title II, Chapter 6, Section 15PP share.google/dchQ7gAwKRYo...

General Law - Part I, Title II, Chapter 6, Section 15PP

Moderator Rebecca M. Townsend @townmoderator.bsky.social · 3d

Also appreciated is the citation to the Massachusetts Moderators Association, noting the Spark of a Revolution initiative to celebrate Town Meetings' roles in the American Revolution.

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts

Massachusetts Moderators Association
ON BEHALF OF THE RESIDENTS OF THE COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS,
I AM PLEASED TO CONFER UPON YOU THIS GOVERNOR'S CITATION IN RECOGNITION OF YOUR ORGANIZATION'S LONG HISTORY OF PROMOTING PEACEFUL AND DELIBERATIVE CIVIC ENGAGEMENT. AS YOU PROGRESS THE "SPARK OF A REVOLUTION" INITIATIVE IN COMMEMORATION OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION AND THE FIRST TOWN MEETING IN DORCHESTER ON OCTOBER 8, 1633, WE COMMEND THE IMPORTANT CONTRIBUTIONS YOUR
ORGANIZATION HAS MADE IN LEADING THE EXCHANGE OF IDEAS AND INFORMATION THROUGHOUT THE TOWNS OF MASSACHUSETTS, AND THE PATIENT AND TACTFUL WAY IN WHICH YOUR MEMBERS NAVIGATE THESE VITAL COMMUNITY CONVERSATIONS. WE WISH YOU CONTINUED SUCCESS IN HOSTING VIBRANT DISCUSSIONS AND ENSURING EVERYONE'S VOICES ARE HEARD.
THIS EIGHTH DAY OF OCTOBER IN THE YEAR 2025
MAURA T. HEALEY
Governor

KIMBERLEY DRISCOLL
Lieutenant Governor

Moderator Rebecca M. Townsend @townmoderator.bsky.social · 3d

Happy Town Meeting Day!

With appreciation to @massgovernor.bsky.social
For the proclamation!

A Proclamation

Whereas French diplomat, historian, and philosopher Alexis de Tocqueville stated, “Town meetings are to liberty what primary schools are to science; they bring it within the people’s reach” emphasizing the significant role of town meetings within society; and

Whereas, Town meetings have served residents both for routine matters and in times of crisis by coming to public judgement on matters of self-governance; and

Whereas, The notion of participatory democracy was a foundational rationale for the American Revolution; and

Whereas Revolutionaries learned to engage in deliberation with each other to further their communities’ causes and pledged their lives and liberties to the principles of self-governance in their efforts for freedom; and

Whereas, The Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution were crafted by town meeting members who sought to bring the precepts of participatory self-determination and democracy to the scripture of our founding documents; and

Whereas, The town meeting legislature and the principles it embodies are as vital and relevant today as they were amidst the founding of our nation,

Now, Therefore, I, Maura T. Healey, Governor of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, do hereby proclaim October 8th, 2025, to be,

TOWN MEETING DAY

And urge all the residents of the Commonwealth to take cognizance of this event and participate fittingly in its observance.

Given at the Executive Chamber in Boston, this first day of October, in the year two thousand and twenty-five, and of the Independence of the United States of America, the two hundred and forty-ninth.
By Her Excellency
Maura T. Healey
Governor of the Commonwealth
Kimberley Driscoll
Lt. Governor of the Commonwealth
William Francis Galvin
Secretary of the Commonwealth

God Save the Commonwealth of Massachusetts

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Moderator Rebecca M. Townsend @townmoderator.bsky.social · Sep 4

September 9 Special Town Meeting news from @reminderpublishing.bsky.social
thereminder.com/local-news/p...

thereminder.com

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Moderator Rebecca M. Townsend @townmoderator.bsky.social · Aug 25

Town Meeting is community-spirited local democracy.

Moderator Rebecca M. Townsend @townmoderator.bsky.social · Aug 24

Local democracy at work in Longmeadow, Massachusetts: a Special #TownMeeting on September 9, 2025 will decide whether thr Middle School Builidng Project proceeds to the next stage.

Screenshot
Special Town Meeting
Tuesday, September 9, 2025
7:00P
Longmeadow High School Gymnasium
Visit www.longmeadowma.govTownMeeting
to view theWarrant

Moderator Rebecca M. Townsend @townmoderator.bsky.social · Aug 25

I invited Longmeadow groups (like LHS music booster club, wrestling booster club, scouts, & more) to have food sales throughout the space.
And I'm asking our talented student musicians to perform.

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Moderator Rebecca M. Townsend @townmoderator.bsky.social · Aug 25

We are working to streamline the check in process. Even with that, lines may be long. And if folks come aa early as 5, it is still a wait.
So, how can the wait be as enjoyable as possible?

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Moderator Rebecca M. Townsend @townmoderator.bsky.social · Aug 24

Have Little Ones? Consider registering them to participate in the Little Voter's Lounge on Sept. 9. #Longmeadow #TownMeeting

longmeadowma.myrec.com/info/activit...

Little Voter's Lounge
Fun for Kids While the Grown-Ups Vote!
Tuesday, September 9, 2025
VHO: Grades K-5 - children of registered Longmeadow
voters
WHAT: Crafts . Homework Help . Games . Peanut-Free
Snacks . Social Time . Special "Kids Vote"!
WHEN: Opens 1 hour before the Special Town Meeting
closes 30 minutes after it ends
WHERE: Longmeadow High School- Small Gymnasium
COST: FREE - Pre-registration required HERE
LIMIT: First 50 participants - Waitlist available
While you attend the Special Town Meeting, your kids will
enjoy a safe,
engaging evening filled with activities and fun!
Hosted by Longmeadow Parks & Recreation and
High School Key Club
the

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Moderator Rebecca M. Townsend @townmoderator.bsky.social · Aug 24

See the agenda (warrant)

#TownMeeting
Longmeadow, MA share.google/mb5Cu6WnXJ5U...

Town Meeting | Longmeadow, MA

Read Town Meeting minutes and warrants.

share.google

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Moderator Rebecca M. Townsend @townmoderator.bsky.social · Aug 24

Local democracy at work in Longmeadow, Massachusetts: a Special #TownMeeting on September 9, 2025 will decide whether thr Middle School Builidng Project proceeds to the next stage.

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Moderator Rebecca M. Townsend @townmoderator.bsky.social · Jul 9

"“At first, it was what many people are fighting for today — in effect, due process,” added DiSalvo, who has encouraged moderators across the state this year to note the role of Town Meeting in the rebellion."

Moderator Rebecca M. Townsend @townmoderator.bsky.social · Jul 9

"Town Meeting helped provide the spark for Revolution, DiSalvo said, as the defense of a free, local government became part of the provincial response, which also became absorbed in the broader Colonial debate."

#MA250 #Revolution250

www.bostonglobe.com/2025/07/04/m...

George Washington spoke in Massachusetts in 1775 about unity and an American purpose. His words resonate today. - The Boston Globe

When George Washington, from Virginia, arrived in Cambridge 250 years ago, one of the first things he did was talk to his Massachusetts soldiers about the need for a unified American effort.

www.bostonglobe.com

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Moderator Rebecca M. Townsend @townmoderator.bsky.social · Jul 4

... "For taking away our Charters, abolishing our most valuable Laws, and altering fundamentally the Forms of our Governments:

For suspending our own Legislatures, and declaring themselves invested with power to legislate for us in all cases whatsoever."...

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Moderator Rebecca M. Townsend @townmoderator.bsky.social · Jul 4

In Congress, July 4, 1776

The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America, When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, ...

#IndependenceDay
share.google/fCCQE9KMpCz6...

Declaration of Independence: A Transcription

Note: The following text is a transcription of the Stone Engraving of the parchment Declaration of Independence (the document on display in the Rotunda at the National Archives Museum.) The spelling a...

share.google

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Moderator Rebecca M. Townsend @townmoderator.bsky.social · Jun 6

Today

Moderator Rebecca M. Townsend @townmoderator.bsky.social · Jun 5

FRIDAY 6/6 @ Noon!
Town Meeting ensures
citizen's voices are heard in Longmeadow, MA.
Jesse Cummings joins me in a Stories Change PowerPoint webinar to discuss how he advocated for change.
#CivicEngagement #CitizenPower #TownMeeting #CivicMuscle
#Advocacy #Massachusetts #MakeADifference

Poster with photos of 2 people, Jesse Cummings, Owner Titan Fence
Rebecca M. Townsend, Ph.D., Moderator Town of Longmeadow, MA

CITIZEN POWER: Advocacy in Action in Longmeadow, MA
June's Monthly Webinar
06.06.2025
12 PM ET/9AM PT

Stories Change Power

Moderator Rebecca M. Townsend @townmoderator.bsky.social · Jun 5

Regiater here: us06web.zoom.us/webinar/regi...

Welcome! You are invited to join a webinar: Citizen Power: Advocacy in Action in Longmeadow, MA. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email about joining the webinar.

Some policies have a negative impact on a large group of people in a community. Jesse Cummings, a concerned citizen, saw the negative impacts of a policy in his community; it affected him and many oth...

us06web.zoom.us

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Moderator Rebecca M. Townsend @townmoderator.bsky.social · Jun 5

FRIDAY 6/6 @ Noon!
Town Meeting ensures
citizen's voices are heard in Longmeadow, MA.
Jesse Cummings joins me in a Stories Change PowerPoint webinar to discuss how he advocated for change.
#CivicEngagement #CitizenPower #TownMeeting #CivicMuscle
#Advocacy #Massachusetts #MakeADifference

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Moderator Rebecca M. Townsend @townmoderator.bsky.social · May 14

These have been lasting contributions. While “It is his nature, not his standing, that makes the good man,” Publilius Syrus said, Saul’s nature has been one that increases the good in the world and uplifts the standing of all.

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Moderator Rebecca M. Townsend @townmoderator.bsky.social · May 14

at the Springfield JCC to the mentorship he provides people interested in civic affairs, or to the enjoyment people get out of Jazz, to refereeing youth basketball and serving as a teacher, Saul’s contributions to the community are numerous, varied, and consistent over the decades.

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Moderator Rebecca M. Townsend @townmoderator.bsky.social · May 14

There are few residents who have not had an encounter with Saul Finestone. From his regular post at the corner of Western Drive and Longmeadow Street, as part of the Black Lives Matter movement, to his leadership of monthly discussion groups

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Moderator Rebecca M. Townsend @townmoderator.bsky.social · May 14

He has mentored numerous people, shared his understanding of people, and kept people talking and moving.

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Moderator Rebecca M. Townsend @townmoderator.bsky.social · May 14

Saul Finestone is a remarkable man. Retired Middle School Social Studies teacher and World War Two United States Navy veteran, Mr. Finestone has been a community leader in the most extraordinary--and ordinary--ways.

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Moderator Rebecca M. Townsend @townmoderator.bsky.social · May 14

Longmeadow #TownMeeting honored 98-year old Saul Finestone as Citizen of the Year!

Man in a Veterans hat at a microphone behind a lectern speaks while 4 men and 1 woman look on smiling. The woman is taking a photo.

One man in a blue jacket shakes the hand of a man in a hat and pats him on the back. Audience claps.

Man in Veterans hat and woman in green dress with a Gavel smile together

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Moderator Rebecca M. Townsend @townmoderator.bsky.social · Apr 10

Among the wonderful events at Longmeadow's Storrs Library next week is #TownMeeting 101!
4/15
6:00pm
longmeadowlibrary.libcal.com/event/14112460

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Moderator Rebecca M. Townsend @townmoderator.bsky.social · Apr 7

TONIGHT: Speaking at Longmeadow's Select Board meeting tonight about Annual #TownMeeting on May 13, 2025 at 7:00 PM in the High School.

Sharing info on TM prep, on participating, our new rulebook, & how we will commemorate TM & Longmeadow's role in the American Revolution.
#Revolution250 #MA250

TOWN MEETING HOW LJBEAEAISSA TE I N LEGISLATURE Longmeadow's Town Meeting voters determine the budget and bylaws for our community through delilberation and voting on motions shaped during the meeting. Citizens have the power to decide what kind of Town they want by participating: Longmeadow is a wonderful community due to the decisions Town Meeting makes. 1. REGISTER TO VOTE Citizens must be registered to vote in Longmeadow at least 10 days before Town Meeting to participate If you are already registered to vote you are all set!
2. SHOW UP Arrive at Longmeadow High School Gymnasium by 7:00 PM. The Annual Town Meeting is always the 2"d Tuesday in May A Special Town Meeting is usually in October or November.
3. SIGN IN Give your name and address to the Clerk's Office staff member or volunteer who greets you as you enter. They will give you anything you need to participate
TAKE A SEAT Choose a seat on a bleacher or chair on the main floor. Adult non-voter visitors may sit in the Visitor's Section. Children may sit with parents or guardians. The Moderator will run the meeting. Rules are printed on the back of the agenda (called the "warrant").
5. ONCE THE MEETING BEGINS Each topic Article" " willl need to be 'moved" and seconded" before talking about it. Motions may be slightly different than what is printed in the warrant. Motions may also be amended.
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6. EVERY VOTER HAS THE RIGHT.. to speak (or not), suggest changes to the motion (or not) and vote or not).
7. TO SPEAK: Go to a mic in the center of the Gym. They are marked green (in favor), yellow (ask questions/make motions), or red (opposed). Wait for the Moderator to recognize you, State your name and address. Stay on topic and within time.
8. TO VOTE: The Moderator will tell everyone when it is time to vote. Voting is done by use of an electronic clicker. The Moderator wil declare the outcome of each vote.

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