Just over a week ago, a small group of hardy volunteers braved the cold, wet weather to be a part of our very first day testing the water quality of the Spicket River. We met in the parking lot outside Groundwork’s office shortly after 6 am. With temperatures barely reaching into the 40s, and light rain beginning to pick up, it wasn’t exactly an ideal morning to be outside. In spite of the weather, we soldiered on, armed with our swing-sample poles, sample bottles, high tech YSI Multi-Meter, and coolers.

by: John Raser

I’m a family doctor in Lawrence. Like my colleagues around this country, I spend much of my effort caring for people with obesity-related chronic illnesses: Type 2 diabetes, hypertension, coronary heart disease. Partnering with patients to control these disorders is important and rewarding work, and I feel fortunate to be able to help. Yet I can’t shake the frustration of knowing all the pain, the disability, and the costs to individuals and to our economy related to these illnesses are almost entirely preventable.

Technically, it has been spring here in Lawrence for a few weeks, but it is FINALLY beginning to feel like it. Birds are beginning to sing, and some early migrants are returning from a winter spent further south. Along with the warmer weather comes a new season of outdoor events and service opportunities with Groundwork Lawrence!

On Saturday April 13th Groundwork Lawrence will be hosting a community "charrette", a group meeting to discuss ideas for the design of a new pocket park. The Facella Lot is a 7,400 square foot vacant lot located along the Spicket River at the corner of Brook Street and Newbury Street. The newly reconstructed East Haverhill Street Bridge, and the gently flowing Spicket River provide a beautiful backdrop to this pocket sized future park. We want to hear what kind of park you think will best serve the People of Lawrence.

Strategic Lessons in Sustainable Community Building - the Groundwork USA Network

Through the project and program work of Groundwork USA, this report examines the expanding roles and policy influence that community-based organizations play in developing the emergent model of sustainable community building.

Volunteers are still needed to help monitor the health of the Spicket River. This is a fantastic opportunity to get out on the river each month and help us get a better understanding of the river.

Did You Know?
~ The Spicket River runs for nearly 15 miles from Southern New Hampshire to the Merrimack River in Lawrence.
~The Spicket was once home to thousands of fish that migrated to and from the Atlantic Ocean every year!
~The Spicket River has played an important role in shaping Lawrence's cultural and natural heritage.
~YOU can help us learn even more about the Spicket!

In spite of the cold, wet, and snowy weather typical of New England in winter, community members from in and around Lawrence have come together twice in the last few weeks to clean and maintain several of Lawrence's parks and greenspaces. I want to personally extend a BIG thank you to everyone who came and helped out the last two weekends.

Please read on for a guest blog post by our partners at MSGA, the Massachesusetts Smart Growth Alliance:

Massachusetts is falling behind. While roads and bridges across the Commonwealth are falling apart and public transportation continues to deteriorate, other states are investing in a stronger economic future and better quality of life.Yesterday, Governor Patrick outlined the choices state legislators must grapple with to keep Massachusetts competitive.

Groundwork Lawrence currently has a job opening for an Education Program Coordinator! The job description has been updated, so to view all current information regarding the position, please click here!

The official application deadline is January 25th, 2013.