“Of those to whom much is given, much is required.” ~ January 9, 1961 ~ JFK’s Farewell to the Massachusetts Legislature

Yesterday in his Inaugural Address, newly-sworn-in Governor Charlie Baker reminded us that on that rostrum in that Chamber, John F. Kennedy addressed the  Legislature and the people of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts as he took his leave to become the 35th President of the United States. He noted ~ “Decades…

Read More »

Social Network Analysis of Lowell

Social network analysis looks at how people and organizations are connected and interact.  People who are active in their community, political or otherwise, engage in a type of informal social network analysis without thinking about it much. I’ve long been interested in how Lowell “works” and from time to time…

Read More »

Lowell City Council Meeting: January 6, 2015

Mayor Elliott opens the meeting by introducing UMass Lowell students from a Community Psychology class and has their instructor tell the council about the class. Motion Responses by City Manager Councilor Leahy questions the detour that uses Pevey Street to bypass the bridge repairs on Broadway; suggests Middlesex St be…

Read More »

“Whistler’s Father” by Julie Mofford

Here’s another fascinating story from Lowell’s history by Julie Mofford, a former staffer at the Lowell Historic Preservation Commission, who currently lives in midcoast Maine where she writes and works as a museum and historical society consultant. When I stayed with my grandparents in Zanesville, Ohio, my bed faced the…

Read More »

Looking Ahead: What will 2015 bring?

Day-to-day political events took a break during the holidays so here’s a look at what 2015 might bring in Lowell politics.  With a full work week and a council meeting on Tuesday night, the Week in Review will return next Sunday.  For now, here are some possibilities for the coming…

Read More »