The Sentinel Reader Forum

ahenderson — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 20:17:26 +0000

What do you think of QR codes?

ahenderson — Tue, 12 Apr 2011 14:53:12 +0000

The marriage of print and technology

Some might argue that the marriage of print media and new technology occurred when newspapers began pushing their content online years and years ago, but lately it seems the relationship has truly blossomed with the hype for Quick Response, or QR, codes. As smartphones become a norm among the public and instant gratification grows – consumers want answers now and they want it in the palm of their hands. The QR code does just that. A QR code is a small box made up of a matrix barcode readable only by dedicated barcode readers and smartphones. Typically the code is made up of black markings with a white background. The information can include text, websites or other data. With a simple scan of the code the consumer can be brought straight to a website where more product information is available. The need for print is a must with this technology.
Although the rave for the QR codes is just catching on in the United States it was first made popular in Japan, where it was created by Denso-Wave, a subsidiary of Toyota, in 1994. It was first used for tracking parts in vehicle manufacturing, but is now used in much broader ways – including commercial tracking and convenience for consumers.
These codes are popping up in magazines, signs, buses, business cards and most recently in newspaper advertisements. The Sentinel is even sporting these QR codes (take a peak in this week’s Sentinel). Using the codes are free and easy – if you have a smartphone. Simply download the free scanner application and begin scanning. It’s as simple as that.
This marriage of new technology and print are a sure sign that old dogs can learn new tricks. Visit us at www.belchertownsentinelonline.com and click on our reader forum button to participate in a survey about QR codes.

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ahenderson — Tue, 15 Feb 2011 19:13:07 +0000

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Chief Francis Fox’s contract

Citizen Kane — Tue, 08 Feb 2011 15:13:28 +0000

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What are you seat belt habits?

ahenderson — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 20:13:35 +0000

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Meals tax survey

ahenderson — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 14:24:37 +0000

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BELCHERTOWN BOARD OF SELECTMEN – MONDAY, FEB. 22, 2010 – 7:30 PM

papercitybuzz — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 23:29:35 +0000

Click Here“>Click Here">Click Here

Future of forests in hands of DCR and public’s input

ahenderson — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 18:39:25 +0000

By Scott Feldman
Turley Correspondent

AMHERST – Without popular support, any government plan is doomed to failure; that is why the Massachusetts Department of Recreation and Conversation (DCR) took its plans for the state’s forests future directly to the people.
For the past 10 months the DCR has been formulating a plan to increase the amount of federally owned forestlands in preservation. Now, with the first draft in place, they presented their findings to the public.
On Feb. 9 residents of Western Massachusetts joined in the discussion during the Forest Futures Visioning Process hosted at Amherst Regional Middle School. The Technical Steering committee, a body employed by the DCR consisting of various experts in forestry, gave a presentation on their findings.
“The recommendations intend to make clear that long-term stewardship of the forest resource is the fundamental purpose of DCR’s land management,” the DCR wrote in their initial draft.
The current plan calls for at least 160,000 of the 308,000 acres of forestland owed by the DCR to be excluded from commercial harvests, a shift in focus from forest harvesting to stewardship, allowing only licensed foresters to harvest on public lands, limited human intervention on restricted forests, allocation for resources to implement the plans, and other recommendations.
After the DCR explained their plan and held small group meetings, the floor was opened to members of the public to voice their opinions. Anyone who signed up to speak was given two minutes to let their feelings be known to the audience and the DCR. A wide range of discussion took place with some people supporting the plan, others pointing out issues with the plan, and others asking questions.
Among the issues that came up during the process was an increase in unregulated forestry outside the U.S. if local restrictions were hiked, loss of tax base if jobs are compromised, loss of freedom of private owners to work on their land as necessary.
“Logging is already an environmentally sound process and restricting forestry here only leads to an increase in imported wood,” said forester Thomas Anderson.
Conversely, supporters of the plan noted widespread support among the general population toward increasing conversation, the need for people to have untouched natural parks, and the importance of setting examples for other nations around the world.
“We cannot ask the developing world to conserve forests if we don’t protect our own. Conservation begets conservation,” landowner Leanne Warner said.
Other people urged for a middle ground approach to the heated debate
“Ninety-five percent of the wood products used in Massachusetts are imported from places that don’t regulate logging, we should not be exporting our environmentally impact, but seek to live sustainably on our own resources,” said environmentalist Helen Johnson.
It remains to be seen what actions are taken based on the public forum, but one thing everyone agreed on was the importance of the dialogue. The common belief was that state owned forests are public property, and the public should have the final say on all policies.

Calendar of Events

ahenderson — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 18:35:34 +0000

THIS WEEK

Thursday, Feb. 18
GENEALOGY COMPUTER CLASS: The Western Massachusetts Genealogy Society will have a computer class on Thursday, Feb. 18 from 6 to 8 p.m. The class will be held at the Agawam Senior Center, 954 Main St., Agawam. Come and learn how to search your ancestors on the web. There is a $10 fee to take the Computer Class or $20 for full membership with the Western Massachusetts Genealogy Society.

Saturday, Feb. 20
LITTLE LEAGUE: Little League baseball is open to all boys and girls living in Belchertown who are between the ages of 8 and 12. Registration dates are Saturdays, Feb. 6 or Feb. 20 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Police Station Training Room. Call Craig for more information at 323-4749.

Sunday, Feb. 21
FIREARMS SAFETY COURSE: State Certified Instructor, Officer Edward Oey will be offering a firearms safety course on Sunday, Feb. 21. Class will be held at the Zumba Fitness Studio, 442 State St., Belchertown starting at 9 a.m. As required by State Law, it is an eight-hour classroom. Pre-registration is required to guarantee your seat. For your convenience applications are available at Oey’s Avon Store at 55 Main St., R&R Sports Shop on Federal St. or email robocop50@aol.com for an application.

Tuesday, Feb. 23
GO RED FOR WOMEN: The American Heart Association announces that it will host its first ever western Massachusetts Go Red For Women Educational Forum and Luncheon presented by The Yankee Candle Company on Tuesday, Feb. 23 with registration at 7:30 a.m. For more information on sponsorship, to donate to the silent auction or to purchase tickets, call Linda Martins, regional director at 414-735-2109.

What’s happening around town?

ahenderson — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 21:05:57 +0000

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