The Spencer Journal

07/30/2025

SPENCER/EAST BROOKFIELD - Mary LaFreniere, the new principal of David Prouty High School, said she is most impressed by the pride all stakeholders demonstrate and the “rich diversity of experiences,” available to students. “I love the idea of being part of something that can really impact the lives of students in a positive way,” she said. “David Prouty HS has a very important place in the community and that kind of generational pride is something I am very much attracted to and would love to be a contributor toward seeing continue.”...

SPENCER/EAST BROOKFIELD – Mary LaFreniere, the new principal of David Prouty High School, said she is most impressed by the pride all stakeholders demonstrate and the “rich diversity of expe…

07/28/2025

SPENCER- A significant portion of the July 24 Board of Selectmen’s meeting was devoted to discussing what should be included in a Request for Proposals (RFP) for ambulance services. The nonprofit Spencer Rescue Squad has had the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) contract for 66 years. However, after about seven years funded at $225,000, its Board of Directors asked for a three-year pact with a $100,000 increase in year one and an additional $25,000 in both years two and three....

SPENCER- A significant portion of the July 24 Board of Selectmen’s meeting was devoted to discussing what should be included in a Request for Proposals (RFP) for ambulance services. The nonprofit …

07/24/2025

SPENCER - Vivian Poplawski became Spencer’s new town planner on May 28, shortly after graduating from the University of New Hampshire with a Bachelor of Science degree in community and environmental planning. While a student at Webster’s Bartlett High School, Poplawski had an internship with the community’s Department of Planning, Conservation and Economic Development that sparked her interest in the field and town government....

SPENCER – Vivian Poplawski became Spencer’s new town planner on May 28, shortly after graduating from the University of New Hampshire with a Bachelor of Science degree in community and envir…

07/22/2025

SPENCER/EAST BROOKFIELD - At its most recent meeting, the David Prouty High School Building Committee addressed the transportation and disposal of chemicals and a potential shift in solar credit programs, among other topics. Nick Pimentel from Colliers (OPM) presented a “Not to Exceed,” figure of $22,000 and noted that during demolition/abatement at the site, the contractor found chemicals that need disposal but cannot be sent out with or as typical construction waste....

SPENCER/EAST BROOKFIELD – At its most recent meeting, the David Prouty High School Building Committee addressed the transportation and disposal of chemicals and a potential shift in solar c…

07/21/2025

SPENCER/EAST BROOKFIELD - Following up on discussions from last month’s meeting, the David Prouty High School Building Committee heard an update about the project’s demolition contractor setting aside bricks to be transformed into an alumni wall or bench featuring names and dates of graduation. However, when the structure came down (“B” wing), “it crumbled and crashed and was not salvageable as we hoped,” Nick Pimentel of Colliers (OPM) said....

SPENCER/EAST BROOKFIELD – Following up on discussions from last month’s meeting, the David Prouty High School Building Committee heard an update about the project’s demolition contractor set…

07/20/2025

SPENCER - During the most recent Board of Selectmen’s meeting, three residents suggested the possibility of Spencer developing a community garden. Linda Grames spoke about the benefits of such a project, saying it builds relationships “lasting beyond the growing season.” Grames noted that there is a student at David Prouty High School who is interested in a community garden as a senior project....

SPENCER – During the most recent Board of Selectmen’s meeting, three residents suggested the possibility of Spencer developing a community garden. Linda Grames spoke about the benefits of su…

07/17/2025

NOW AIRING ON SCA —" Lightning Strikes," a moving documentary tribute to the Spencer First Congregational Church fire of 2023.

07/17/2025

LIGHTNING STRIKES: A COMMUNITY COMES TOGETHER
A new documentary produced by Spencer Cable Access and directed by Jackie Mushinsky airs tonight at 6pm, 7pm, & 8pm on Channel 192, the Community Media Channel, with immediate availability on YouTube & Facebook to follow. It will also be airing on replay for the rest of July and August at the 6am, 7am, noon, 3pm, 6pm, & 7pm time slots.

This moving film reflects on the fire that sadly took the First Congregational Church of Spencer, and how the town came together in the days that followed with care, with strength, and with unity.

Please watch, reflect, and share this story of our community and its resilience; stay tuned for the live release at 6pm tonight.

WATCH NOW ON OUR WEBSITE
https://www.scatv.org

07/08/2025

SPENCER-EAST BROOKFIELD - At its last meeting, the David Prouty High School Building Committee had the center court logo as well as a bell, time capsule and commemorative bricks as topics of discussion. But first, members approved invoices totaling $3.1 million, with most of that to Fontaine Brothers ($2.8 million) and Jones Whitsett Architects ($88,444). Rather than pay approximately $6,000 to buy a 20-foot storage trailer for use by facilities and custodial staff, member Mark Carpentier said his neighbor had one bought and delivered for half that price....

SPENCER-EAST BROOKFIELD – At its last meeting, the David Prouty High School Building Committee had the center court logo as well as a bell, time capsule and commemorative bricks as topics of…

07/01/2025

SPENCER - At its most recent meeting, the Board of Selectmen approved $28,300 for testing and reports associated with battery waste someone disposed of on town property. Gary Magnuson of CMG Environmental Engineering noted that fencing was up around 10 Meadow Road where the dumping took place and was brought to his attention approximately one and a half years ago....

SPENCER – At its most recent meeting, the Board of Selectmen approved $28,300 for testing and reports associated with battery waste someone disposed of on town property. Gary Magnuson of CMG…

06/26/2025

SPENCER - Selectman on June 24 agreed to join the Central Mass. Regional Emergency Communication Center (formerly Rutland RECC). The decision was made following results from a feasibility study, which explored the possibility of Spencer and neighboring towns establishing a new center. Ultimately, joining an existing center was one of three options and became the chiefs’ recommendation....

SPENCER – Selectman on June 24 agreed to join the Central Mass. Regional Emergency Communication Center (formerly Rutland RECC). The decision was made following results from a feasibility st…

06/19/2025

SPENCER - Selectmen on June 16 outlined what emergency medical services they wanted in Spencer during a workshop in advance of sending out request for proposals (RFTPs) in a few months. The board recently approved a one-year contract for Spencer Rescue Squad totaling $325,000, or $100,000 more than the previous contract. The nonprofit has run the services for 66 years. One of the requests on the recent failed Proposition 2 ½ override would have funded the Spencer Rescue Squad at $100,000 above its existing price for year one and then an additional $25,000 in each of years two and three....

SPENCER – Selectmen on June 16 outlined what emergency medical services they wanted in Spencer during a workshop in advance of sending out request for proposals (RFTPs) in a few months. The …