Disqus - Latest Comments for marty5

Re: Route 28 plan threatens Pinkerton Tavern

marty5 — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 07:40:05 -0000

This town has no sense of preserving history or supporting local businesses. Couldn't quite get over ripping down the old town hall and the fiasco over saving the upper village hall. It's small businesses that keep the economy going. No loyalties, no sense of community.....but they'll fight for Walmart! Disgusting. WAKE UP DERRY!

Re: Committee to try and boost business in downtown Derry

marty5 — Sat, 02 Jan 2010 10:46:00 -0000

Maybe in the meantime some marketing on shop local/the importance of localism; the 3/50 project etc. will help retain what little we have in the downtown. If not....expect to see a few more go. So far from what I've heard it's more a 5 year plan that's being worked on....we need to be more proactive in keeping and supporting the ones we have.

Re: Shopping local for last-minute gifts

marty5 — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 08:36:55 -0000

Glad to see shops trying to support and promote "Made in the USA" products. A while back I read "Cheap: The High Cost of Discount Culture", the authors well-researched and compelling study into society's relentless pursuit of "bargains" concludes that buying cheap & shoddy goods or services is really no bargain at all. In fact, the negative impact of being "cheap" is reflected in lower wages, a lower standard of living and an environmental nightmare. How's that for a great value, shoppers? Recently my wife and I took a trip to Portsmouth in search of mugs that weren't produced in China. To our surprise all we could find were mugs made in China! Low and behold on the recommendation of a buddy we found handmade in the USA mugs right here in Derry at Poles Apart. Great shop - I hope the community supports their efforts.

Re: Downtown holiday boost

marty5 — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 18:40:45 -0000

Where's the tree lighting going to be? I noticed this past weekend the "tree" in front of the Adams Memorial Building was gone! Where'd it go? Gee, I'd think this would be news worthy. Can anyone help me out here?

Re: Downtown holiday boost

marty5 — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 09:00:14 -0000

Those poor businesses in the downtown - the bakery MOVES and you hear nothing about it - the salon MOVED and you hear nothing about it. Too bad about the bakery; I'd think that's a staple in a downtown. And for the businesses remaining it's all the less people going down there. The Hippo Press did an interesting piece on the 3/50 Project that outlines the importance of shopping local. I would think the Chamber would have picked up on that. The downtown has a reputation of blight with nothing there and until you change that perception businesses will keep coming and going. It's a shame too - it's a great walking area and one of the few communities in NH that has a mainstreet. I've talked with a couple of the business owners down there - they don't have anything good to say about Derry which inadvertently will only deter other businesses from moving in. Unless there's an all out effort to promote and utilize the businesses left down there I suspect you'll see more going out - but kudos for trying to do something proactive.

Re: Derry Holiday Parade may be canceled due to lack of funding, volunteers

marty5 — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 13:55:06 -0000

What's the Chamber doing to attempt to save the parade? What exactly does the Chamber in town do? I went on their website and from what I could figure most all the venues they plan are for Chamber members only. Is this right? Are they engaging the community at all? Do they do any fundraising that's mutually beneficial to businesses, the community and their organization or do they solely rely on handouts from businesses? Do they promote and support the businesses that do sponsor their venues? Do they promote and support local business? You can't expect floundering businesses due to a poor economy and lack of community support to hand over money to every organization that asks. Aside of a few ribbon cutting ceremonies I never hear anything coming out of the Chamber. If I were a business owner let alone sponsor the parade I wouldn't join as a member.

Re: Letters to the Editor

marty5 — Sat, 01 Aug 2009 20:10:22 -0000

Mr. Wetherbee,

If the ADT is distributing material that states "The ADT cannot directly support political candidates, so the group “Friends of Derry Taxpayers” has been created" and their web presence also states this how much more transparent can they be? And how is that any different from "Community for A Better Derry" who states on their website "We come from all walks of life and have many different perspectives and backgrounds, but we join together in the interest of preserving and strengthening our community spirit" and then endorses candidates on that same website? I'm not part of any "political faction" in town but it would be nice if as a sitting counselor you could perhaps write letters addressing some of the issues facing the community and what proactive steps/suggestions you're making to help alleviate these issues. Have you noticed that Derry has the highest foreclosure rate in the state? Have
you noticed that Derry has the highest taxes in the state? Have you noticed that businesses in the downtown are all flocking out and relocating to different areas? Have you noticed that the food banks are empty? Have you noticed that Derry has the potential of losing millions in funding from the state? Please, if all you have to offer is a tit for tat every time someone from the opposing "faction" ticks you off, keep it to yourself. Derry and its
citizens have bigger problems and deserves better.

Regards,
Mr. Marty

Re: My View

marty5 — Sat, 25 Jul 2009 16:06:29 -0000

Every time I read someones opinions it's always someone affiliated whether it be a school board member, fire fighter, current councilor, previous councilor etc. all looking out for themselves. Taxes in town are spiraling out of control. Every group is looking out for themselves and no one is looking out for the taxpayer or Derry, the community as a whole. Something has to change; the whole climate; fiscally, politically and socially has never been worse. Comparing Derry to Lawrence is definitely a reach. How about Derry to Dover?

Re: Poor Boy's opens second location

marty5 — Sat, 25 Jul 2009 12:18:44 -0000

I've been to Poor Boys a few times since they opened and think it's great. The Lobster roll for $20 is a lb of lobster meat, not a bunch of fillers, which makes the price reasonable. Glad to see them open a place in Derry - Clam Haven's food is way too greasy for me - greasiest onion rings I ever ate.