May the Bird of Happiness Fly up your nose!

Since somebody said recently I never had anything good to say about anything, I'm going to make (almost) no  comments about the last School Committee meeting.

Which is good, because, unfortunately, it seemed pretty obvious that two SC members seem to think the most important function of a School Committee Chairperson is to hang around the Schools all day to offer their wisdom & guidance to the trained, professional staff that actually does the real work.  One of the two also apparently saw setting up a spreadsheet to "track meeting minutes" as a major accomplishment.  Its too bad she didn't apply her spreadsheet "skills" to something worthwhile -- like the Community School deficit, or any one of a host of other budget issues facing the District..

The other half of the Dynamic Duo chose to read the Chairman's job description  from the Committee's Policy Manual  (maybe just to prove she could read ?).  Then she repeated a rambling dissertation ripe with innuendo and unsupported allegations a few times before nominating TWO people for chairperson -- a bizarre and embarrassing move since she obviously could not have voted for both people.  But "bizarre" and "embarrassing" have always been common phrases associated with her past performances (followed closely by "grossly inaccurate", "lack of understanding", and "similar to an unmedicated five year old"!)

Enough of that.

Congratulations to the new members, and best of luck to the Committee this year!

Now for the Good News:

Forestdale School teacher  Karen Slagle did a fantastic job once again this year directing the Falcon Theater Company's production of "Seussical the Musical".   Mrs. Slagle had her troops looking and sounding like experienced actors -- not kids doing an elementary school play!   Barnstable High School has one of the best drama programs in the area, if not the state, and this year's Forestdale production was every bit as enjoyable as the Barnstable High show.

A very large part of the show's production cost was underwritten by local businesses and parents who purchased ads, and shirts, as well as those that purchased tickets and concession items.  Wouldn't it be nice if all of the School Districts funds were applied for the benefit of its students?

 And more Good News:

The Sandwich Police Department graduated yet another Junior Police Academy class this week.  Over the past 10 weeks, Sgt Josh Bound, Sgt Mike Nurse, Lt. Dave Guilmette, Detective Bruce Lawrence, and other Sandwich officers, along with Sandwich teachers Michelle Dunham and Jeff Carter, have worked with   students from all three schools showing them the basics of law enforcement and the legal system and providing them with positive role models.  The enthusiasm of every kid was evident at this week's graduation ceremony at Town Hall as they marched in, shook hands with Chief Wack, and accepted their diplomas.  Special thanks to Chief  Wack and his staff for operating the program again this year, and to the Sandwich Kiwanis for their generous financial contribution.

And one more (at the risk of giving the appearance that The Bird of Happiness flew up my nose):

Oscars Restaurant has opened at Heritage Plaza.  Finally, somebody has entered that giant void between the formal and/or over-priced establishments and the damn pizza joints which seem to have sprung up on every corner of Town!  Good food, good prices, and good service.  You will not find an over-sized plate with an under-sized portion of "Fillet of Yak served with a side order of goat gonads in a lovely asparagus-infused, pear reduction" -- but you will find a damn fine hot dog, cheeseburger, chicken, or a real salad (not one of those ridiculously overpriced chunks of lettuce with lawn clippings!.  And, you can not beat the fast and friendly service.  Lets hope they get the local support they deserve!