Thanks mom, thanks Stan

My mom, Lois Sylvia Speckter Traub (1931-2000) was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, married my dad and moved to Massachusetts at age nineteen. She said reading the Boston Globe opened her eyes to the world and especially the wrongness of the Vietnam War. She was a politician, a liberal and a feminist when I was growing up in the 1970’s before those became dirty words. She taught me our government depends on our willingness to serve and if we want change we've got to stand up and make change.

My mom and I went to peace rallies and we licked a thousand envelopes at campaign headquarters for Eugene McCarthy in 1968 and George McGovern in '72.

In 1976 Lois was campaign manager for Congressman Robert F. Drinan's reelection.
 Father Drinan, a Jesuit priest, was one of the most liberal members of the House of Representatives. According to his obituary in the Boston Globe January 28, 2007, his strong anti-administration stands earned him a place on the Nixon enemies list and conservative columnist William F. Buckley Jr., called Drinan "the greatest threat to orderly thought since Eleanor Roosevelt left this vale of tears."


My mom taught me the government is us. I still associate democracy with the smell of old papers and the curved marble staircase with mahogany banister of my first trip to Framingham Town Hall when I was  five.  One day a few years later when the power of reading was still new to me, our errands included getting some papers notarized. When I saw the sign I had a moment of realization that made me repeat the words over and over. It was "Notary Public," not "Noter Republic". In that moment I decided I wanted to grow up to be one.  (side note: I did serve as a Notary in the 1980’s thanks to a date with a lawyer my mom fixed me up with who, on our very nice but no spark date, told me the process for applying.)


 I was elected Home Room Representative in 6th grade in 1974 by one vote because Scott Zucker was too humble to vote for himself. I offered to share the position with him.


When my mom ran for State Representative for the 57th Middlesex District in 1975, my sisters and I turned ten, fifteen and twenty.
My older sister Laurie, then a sophomore at the University of Massachusetts was mom's campaign manager and Lynda and I were assistants along with our dad who was the photographer and printed flyers.  We ran a good campaign but we lost.

I learned about resilience and recovery from my mom. Our political action group played Monday night softball in the summers during my teen years.  While she still had hope I could learn to love the game as much as she did, when I would swing futilely at a wild pitch, or let a perfect one go by, I was buoyed by her voice from behind home plate or in the outfield, reassuringly coaching "shake it off batter, good eye, good eye".  She said those words off the field many times over the course of my growing up as well.  My mom did not let setbacks keep her down.  She went on to do good work for the New England Board of Higher Education and The Union of Concerned Scientists. In her mid fifties she switched careers to become a financial advisor.




Town meeting 2011 Stan and Noah Labich talk history

Stan Rosenberg was elected to the House of Representatives in 1986, the State Senate in 1991 and served as President of the Massachusetts Senate from 2015 until May of 2018. Stan reminds me of my mom because of his integrity, dedication and resilience. I have followed Stan's votes, met him at events and written him fan letters, delighted by his warm replies. This photo of Stan and Noah Labich discussing the pre-revolutionary days of Shutesbury at town meeting in 2011 is to me the essence of patriotism. Stan's attendance at the Shutesbury 250th Anniversary events in 2011 including the January bonfire on a freezing cold New England Saturday evening and town meeting on a sunny Saturday morning in May made the events extra special and show his commitment above and beyond the business as usual that people complain about when they use the word politician with derision. 

John Bell portrayed Uncle Sam in the Shutesbury 200th anniversary parade in 1961 and again in 2011

Winston Churchill is credited with saying "Democracy is the worst form of government except for all the others".  Public officials are often held to a standard of propriety set by those with mixed motives including people who want to see them out of office. Father Bob Drinan who was pro-choice, was told by no less than Pope John Paul II that he had to choose between the clergy or Congress and in 1980 with "regret and pain" he announced he would not be running for reelection. Stan Rosenberg has represented his constituents honestly with dedication. His Facebook post announcing his resignation has at this writing nearly 700 comments of appreciation and support.  

Thank you Mom! Thank you Stan! 

        
           💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💛💛💚💚💙💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜

From: Karen Traub [mailto:karentraub@hotmail.com]

Sent: Wednesday, February 18, 2009 9:39 AM

To: stan roseberg

Subject: Letter of Support

Dear Senator Rosenberg,

  ....Over the years I agreed with your opinions and approved of your work as I read about it in the newspaper. When I attended the Legislative breakfast in Sunderland I was impressed with your humor and heartfelt message.  Then there was the Lake Wyola dam which I know was a fight that you worked hard on for us, not once but twice and we thank you.  But I have to admit that what I appreciate most was how you were the only person willing to dance with me at the Amherst Senior Center 40th anniversary(see attached).

   Being a Library Trustee I am learning a bit about town politics and how the less people know, the more they complain.  I am shocked how often people resort to ridiculous and inappropriate personal attacks.

   The good side of politics is getting things accomplished and working things out with those we disagree with.  I hope that whatever misunderstanding may have brought this on can be worked out and I look forward to talking to you soon about the new library we are planning for the town of Shutesbury.

with respect, appreciation and admiration,

Karen Traub

****

Many thanks for this very kind and generous email. Yes, it was a very tough week, but it comes with the territory! 

Stan

**************************************************

Re: Greetings from Shutesbury

RC

Rosenberg, Stan C (SEN)

Reply|

Thu 1/26/2012, 8:09 AM

You

Thanks for your email and kind words. I have been following the roller coaster ride that Shutesbury has been on with the library debate and votes. Hang in there . Other communities have gone through this kind of turmoil, eventually winning the support they need to move forward with major capital projects.
Stan
 

From: Karen Traub [mailto:karentraub@hotmail.com]
Sent: Thursday, January 26, 2012 07:58 AM
To: Rosenberg, Stan C (SEN)
Subject: Greetings from Shutesbury 

Hi Stan,

I just want to say I have a deepened respect for your perseverance and all the good work you do.  It is disheartening to know that years of volunteer effort can be voted down by uninformed, nonparticipants in the process.  For a minute I feel like giving up but then I think about you and the many others who keep the faith in spite of the frustration and realize we have to keep going.

Thank you!

Karen Traub

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Rosenberg, Stan C (SEN) <Stan.Rosenberg@masenate.gov>
Date: Tue, Jun 6, 2017 at 2:38 PM
Subject: Re: Thank you from Shutesbury
To: Karen Lynne Traub <happydancermom@gmail.com>

*Hand claps*

Stan 

_____________________________
From: Karen Lynne Traub <happydancermom@gmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, June 6, 2017 9:16 AM
Subject: Thank you from Shutesbury
To: Rosenberg, Stan C (SEN) <stan.rosenberg@masenate.gov>, <info@stevekulik.org>

Dear Stan and Steve,

Just wanted to share these photos of you presenting the town of Shutesbury this treasured gift in 2011 and the place of honor where it was finally hung in town hall above the Shutesbury 250th anniversary cabinet.

Thank you again for good work for our communities and beyond.

Best,
Karen

I wish my mom were alive to disapprove of my tattoo

Maybe she would understand my need to fly
she taught me to use my wings
Pushed me from the nest
the moment I was ready
time and time again
from the beginning of my life to the end of hers
the more I needed her, the more she was there





I came into the world reluctant
three weeks late
tripping on drugs they gave women back then
"Such an ugly baby needs extra love" thought dad
at my forceps-smooshed face.
Love feeds a child courage 
confidence to try and try again



She passed through me on her way out
just as surely as I passed  through her on my way into this world
While cancer claimed final victory,
we boldly deprived it sadistic corporeal indignities by hastening the end

Make my day, tell me I remind you of Lois
Whether you ever met her or not


I cried every day for five years after she died
One day I heard her voice as clear as a bell tell me it was time to stop crying
"C'mon Kar, let's build a library"
I could only say "ok"

She was with me on the way up and even more on the way down, saying "Chin up, take a break then get back in there"
When I know better, I do better

If I knew it would fail in a tie vote, I would have spent less time in meetings and more time reading to my son


Don't tell a friend they'll get another dog
Don't tell me a new library will be built someday


I need to make my mark
leave the world a little more beautiful
not waste any more time
Midlife crisis? 
Hell yes!





My mom hated tattoos but she never judged never told me what to do.
"It's your life" was the worst she would say
and she did
So I waited
She was right

Quick Change Belly Dance Movie

 Sheherazade is the thread that connects stories collected from Africa, China, the Middle East and India in the 19th century by explorer, translator and Orientalist Sir Richard Burton and known in the West as the tales of 1001 Arabian Nights.

Sheherazade saved the world by civilizing a cruel tyrant with the power of stories which included fantastical tales of heroism, murder, trickery and magic carpets.

I combine a little storytelling and a little Las Vegas style costumes and props including optional live snake when I dance in libraries, talk about the cultures and history of the middle east and get people of all ages up for a dance lesson- no experience required.

Sometimes I'm the Lady, Sometimes I'm her Dragon

Seshat was the Ancient Egyptian Goddess of Libraries. Who knew there was an Ancient Egyptian Goddess of Libraries??!

Yep. It hurt like hell but Jeremy McIntosh of Pygmalian Tattoo in Greenfield was as gentle as he could be in each of the 3 hours sittings December '16 and May '17.

Julian's son David asked me not to share this photo on the Friends of the Bower website.  My mom always said I was a trouble-maker so it's here on my blog. Julian approved it.  Join us this Sunday from 10am-6pm at Julian's Bower.

Hike, Writer's Retreat and Art Reception

Inspired by Nature Writing Mini-retreat and Art Reception

Sunday May 6, 2018 10-6pm

Julian's Bower in Shutesbury, MA

10-2pm stroll, write and share 

10am Leslie Bracebridge will lead a 1-2 hour hike

12pm bring a picnic lunch to the rock on the dam

12-2  quiet enjoyment of the bower

2 pm  Gather and share on Julian’s deck share, music, poetry,writing, art. Show video

3pm – 6pm cookies and lemonade, continuous Tours of Julian’s art

Ask me about my book 

 Whisky the Library and Me; The Library Misadventures of Belly dancing Bibliophile

WWLP Channel 22 Masslive tv appearance

Here's the link if you want to watch Belly dance: Learn this Middle Eastern expression that will get your whole body 'undulating' that was aired at noon on March 29, 2018

Hike, Writer's Retreat and Art Reception

Hike, Writer's Retreat and Art Reception Inspired by Nature Writing Mini-retreat and Art Reception10am for a 1-2 hour hike through the Bower led by naturalist, historian and former Shutesbury town clerk Leslie Bracebridge.   Sunday May 6, 2018  Julian's Bower in Shutesbury, MA  10-2pm stroll, write and share 3-6pm Art Reception Space is limited so please RSVP Donations to Friends of Julian's Bower or Kestrel Land Trust welcome

Hike Write Art Day at Julian's Bower

Will the third time be the Charm for the New Shutesbury Library?

Seshat Goddess of Libraries

Mirick Spear and I share a love of books and support of the library.

Mirick Spear- benefactor 

The need for more library space was identified by the Trustees and Library Director Lynda Pryblo in the 1995 library plan.

The MN Spear Memorial Library Building built for a population of three hundred in 1902 at a cost of $1547.61 now serves an active community more than four times the size. The library has no running water but offers access to high speed internet in a town where fewer than half the families had access in 2011. The library is charming but inadequate.

in 2001 the library building committee, in response to a small but vocal opposition withdrew their plan before town meeting could vote on it.

In 2004 land was purchased for municipal use and it was approved as a site for an eventual new library. 

In 2010 the plan for a new library received 89% support at town meeting. The town's agreement to pay their share of the grant got the required 2/3 at town meeting but the ballot vote required a majority and tie vote meant forfeiting the grant .

The current Library trustees believe it is prudent to wait until 2020, hoping for a third planning grant to begin the process all over again. I am not confident the current political climate looks good for the future of money to build new libraries.

In the May 2018 Our Town Newsletter, the Trustees share a vision of an eventual new library. They explain how they will go about it differently next time.

I am still sensitive and try to avoid the library discussion but feel like the trustees are apologizing for what volunteers did well. The new library plan had a majority of support until the last vote on funding. It was complicated and the final vote lost by one.  Reaching across the lines of disagreement with compassion is one of the lessons I learned in six hours of mediation with library opponent Sharon Raymond. Saying next time we will reach out more negates the good work of the volunteers. Reaching out to the pockets of community to improved communication was the first thing we did after talking to the previous building committee who said no matter what you do, there is a small group that is opposed to a new library.

 I hope the trustees can convince me that waiting at least another ten years to begin building a library is a good idea. I hope they can convince me they will not be limited in their vision by people like Bill Wells who suggested the library could be built underground so you wouldn't have to to see it. I hope they will actually read the library building program and learn from the experiences of the previous two planning committees.


 Headlines tell the story.

• Shutesbury Library expansion criticized Gazette April7-8, 2001
• Shutesbury puts library on hold Monday May 5, 2001Daily Hamp Gazette
• Library plans sweet reward- chocolate to lure public’s input Feb 9, 2007 Gfld Recorder
• Shutesbury Aims to jumpstart Friends group Gfld Recorder date?
• Shutesbury seeks volunteers for library facility panel The Recorder (Date?)
• 032 Deemed a fine site for Shutesbury Library Gazette 1/10/10
• Library in Wings? Forum 4/10 Gazette
• Shutesbury TM: Move ahead on a new library Gazette 5/3/10
• Shutesbury seeks state funding for a new library 2/5/11 Gazette
• Shutesbury officials submit aid request for new library project 2/8/11
• Big Step forward for Shutesbury Gazette 7/15/11
• Area libraries receive provisional state grants 7/15/12
• Area towns net 9.5 M for libraries 7/15/11 gazette
• Shutesbury takes first step in approving new library 10/26/11 Gazette
• Library override on ballot 11/11 Gazette
• Late Drive defeats Shutesbury Library ; Library rejected in Shutesbury 11/11/11 Gazette
• Shutesbury to hold second vote on library. Hearing draws 200-plus to speak for/against revote date?
• When  a library becomes a lighting rod: tensions are high in Shutesbury as a showdown looms 12/10/11
• Visit our library - Margo Culley letter to ed The Recorder 12/13/11
• Shutesbury library proponents, opponents busy campaigning before revote Gazette 1/6/12
• Consultant finds no contamination at planned Shutesbury library site 1/7/12 Gazette
• Library by Numbers Gazette1/9/12
• Tie vote on Shutesbury LibraryRecorder:1/11/12 Library Limbo Gazette 1/13/12
• Yes vote breaks tie on library: SHutesbury weighs possible recount Gazette 1/18/12
• Shutesbury library vote tied again: Shutesbury recount spells defeat for library Gazette 1/26/12
• Seizing opportunity in Shutesbury Gazette 12/23/11
• The longest election 1/28/12 Gazette editorial
• Embattled Shutesbury library project forges on Gazette 1/31/12
• Shutesbury Library supporters sue town over Jan 25 recount Gazette 2/4-5/12
• State extends Shutesbury grant deadline Gazette 2/3/12
• Shutesbury library doesn’t have votes The Recorder 5/4/12
• Shutesbury Fails to break the tie: Montague Reporter 5/17/12
• Shutesbury library video gets international attention: Celebrities tweeting about it, donations come in from around the world Gazette 3/10/12
• Sides argue Shutesbury voter status 4/24/12
• Shutesbury Library supporters appeal Recorder 5/12/12Shutesbury Library: One more round Recorder 6/14/12
• Library Shelved Gazette June 30-July 1 2012