Moderator Rebecca M. Townsend

"“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."

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.

"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...

... "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."...

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...

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...

Today

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...

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

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

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

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

Posters on a wall

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

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. 7 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.

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

7/7
#Revolution250 #MA250

alphahistory.com/americanrevo...

6/7
www.ccpl.org/charleston-t...
#Revolution250 #MA250

"In effect, these measures amounted to a declaration of war, but it would be many weeks before the colonists on the other side of the Atlantic would learn of these developments.”
5/7
#Revolution250 #MA250

"The king agreed and asked his government to augment its military presence in Massachusetts and beyond by sending additional troops, arms, and warships.

4/7
#Revolution250 #MA250

"On February 9th, Parliament sent an address to King George III, declaring the colonies to be in a state of rebellion and offering to use the military might of the British Empire to restore order.

3/7
#Revolution250 #MA250

"By doing so, the British government declared that the peaceful protests and acts of civil disobedience, supported, cheered, and repeated in twelve other colonies, were tantamount to treason.
2/7
#Revolution250 #MA250

Rebellion declared in Massachusetts (1775)

“On February 2nd, after two weeks of intense debate, Parliament voted to officially declare Massachusetts to be in a state of rebellion.

1/7
#Revolution250 #MA250

This was a lot of fun.

The 250th anniversary of the American Revolution is a good opportunity to reflect on the power of #democracy and the deliberative and decision-making power of citizens in #TownMeeting.

#MA250 #Massachusetts250

Longmeadow Annual #TownMeeting has been set for Tuesday, May 13, 2025, at 7 p.m. in the Longmeadow High School Gymnasium.

Thank you!

And yes, they are indeed!

They reflected on what happens when people
-say things that are not clear, -don't listen, &
-when questions are not answered.
They learned the power Massachusetts townspeople have and why this democracy was worth a Revolution
#MA250 #Massachusetts250
#TownMeeting
Exciting to see!
7/7

The reporter observed the advocates planning. "Is she allowed to be here?" they asked me.
Me: It depends: is it a public or private meeting?
Them: Private.
Me: Ok. Journalist, take note of that.
Then: Oh no, she can come!
6/

Finally, they got to role play a Troop Town Meeting w/ a Moderator, Town Clerk, & voters, who are the 3 kinds of people Mass General Law requires for a #TownMeeting. Some played advocates, some opponents, curious citizens.

One was a reporter, who I said was essential to #democracy.
5/

#DailyDemocracy Day 52: what is your local legislative branch? Is it a city or town council? Town Meeting? If it's Town Meeting, is it representative (with elected members) or open (meaning any voter in town can go)? #democracy #TheMoreYouKnow #politics #mapoli #civics #DemocracyInAction #localgov

#DailyDemocracy Day 54: local legislative operations. Who manages the legislative body in your municipality? Is it a city or town council president? A town moderator? How is that person elected to their role? #democracy #TheMoreYouKnow #politics #mapoli #civics #DemocracyInAction #localgov