Community Resource Book completed
Published on July 28th, 1999
STONEHAM, MA - Volume one of the Stoneham Community Resource Book compiled by Town Clerk John Hanright "to enlighten citizens of Stoneham as to how our municipal government works" is available around town for free.
People can pick up the book at Town Hall, the Stoneham Independent, the Public Library, the Chamber of Commerce and several local banks. Five thousand copies were printed.
Taxpayers may like to know the book did not cost the town a cent. According to Hanright and Town Administrator Jeff Nutting, none of the $5,000 appropriated at the May 1998 Town Meeting was spent.
"Advertising paid for the whole thing," Hanright said.
Nutting says the town plans to publish an updated resource book annually.
Hawk Publishing of Danvers published the 1999 - 2000 edition for the town. Of the 38 advertisers whose fees paid the cost of publishing, all but three were Stoneham business. The other three were from the neighboring communities of Woburn and Wakefield.
Selectmen Chairman Al Conti praised Hanright for his efforts.
"He put a lot of information people can use in one publication, " Conti said.
The book contains names, numbers, office hours and locations for all town boards, departments and officials. Even information about private community groups like the Kiwanis Club and Chamber of Commerce is included. Also, information about public transportation in Stoneham and elected officials serving Stoneham all the way to the federal level is in the book.
"This book is Stoneham," Hanright said.
He worked for six and a half months to create the resource book, at work and at home.
"I have to give my wife credit for helping with the editing," Hanright said.
Hanright undertook the task of preparing the book because he wanted people "to know what we are doing in that building (Town Hall)."
The headings of sections dealing with town departments are frequently asked questions, such as "Why did my taxes go up more than two and a half percent?" (page 51) or "How do I get a library card?" (page 33).
Hanright said the section dealing with the federal census is crucial. If people are not recorded, the town receives less federal aid — $1,118 per person.
"I like the section on volunteerism," Conti said.
This section talks about why and how to volunteer in the Stoneham community.
Hanright's decision as an elected town employee to volunteer extra effort to this project for and about Stoneham is an example of the volunteer spirit discussed in Conti's favorite section (page 59).
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