February 2023: A Variety of News, Sports, and Special Features Without Much Snow

TOWN BOARD, COMMITTEE, AND DEPARTMENT NEWS

Gerry Hartmann was honored with a special plaque from Give2Those at the American Legion in February. Courtesy photo

Architectural historian Ryan Hayward presented his 143-page report to Bedford Historic District Commission in February regarding the history of 139 The Great Road and the people associated with it over the past 100-plus years. He says the home is not very historic. Read the reaction here.
The Bedford Select Board unanimously voted to recommend that Town Meeting approve the proposed zoning bylaw amendments that would expand opportunities to build two-family dwellings.
The Bedford Zoning Board of Appeals unanimously approved a comprehensive permit that clears the way for building and repurposing a 20-apartment residential development at 330 South Rd.
A three-hour “consultation session” on the proposed construction of a complex of 27 hangars on the north side of Hanscom Field elicited voices in protest, as well as some new information.
Residents and the School Committee had a chance to ask questions of the four Superintendent candidates. We had stories on each of those interviews with Dr. Portia Bonner, Cliff Chuang, Dr. Matthew Janger and Dr. June Saba-Maguire.
The Select Board appointed six at large members to the Bedford Fire Station Building Committee. Read more here.
An array of almost three dozen area climate activists, academics, and current and former elected officials were imploring that the new hangar complex planned for the Bedford perimeter of Hanscom Field exclude aircraft that use fossil fuels. Get the details here.
The Finance Committee approved the proposed fiscal 2024 budget for municipal departments in a 5-4 vote, and fiscal 2024 school budget, 8-0-1.

SCHOOL NEWS

The 19th annual Bedford High School History Fair was well organized, well attended, and filled with excitement as students shared their work. This event featured an exhibition of students’ projects in various formats
A packed audience gathered in Bedford High School’s auditorium to watch the 2023 Choral Vertical Concert. It was the annual opportunity for family, friends, and residents to support all choral ensembles in Bedford Public Schools from fifth grade through 12^th grade.
Many people felt enriched at the Black History Celebration at Bedford High School. More than 200 people representing four generations joined the celebration.

FEATURES

This Bedford register from 1771 lists Black men who joined the Army. Courtesy photo from the Town of Bedford archives

The focus in Dot’s Reading Room this month was Half American: The Epic Story of African Americans fighting World War II at Home and Abroad by Dartmouth history professor Matthew Delmont.
Jane Taylor and her monthly recipes have been a very popular feature. Here is Baker’s Best entry to celebrate Valentine’s Day, featuring a favorite sugar cookie recipe.
“My company creates a sound and balanced horse through prioritizing trust and respect between the horse and rider,” Kerry Bosman, the new owner of Eleazar Davis Farm said. She anticipated lesson and wellness programs and boarding, as well as therapeutic and rehabilitative services at the farm on Davis Road.
For no other reason than we thought it might be fun, here are some headlines from other Bedford communities featured in February.
The Bedford Legion Riders, an affiliate of Post 221, honored Gerry Hartmann, 86, with a surprise recognition: a customized plaque of honor from the nonprofit organization Give2Those.
Bedford Town Archivist Ashley Large provides a second installment of interesting items from the town archives. In February, she looked at early Black history in Bedford.

SPORTS

What a day for the Bedford High School indoor track and field teams in the MIAA Division 4 state championships. Read the good news here.
The Bedford High School varsity cheerleading team headed into a weekend competition in style. After nearly a year of effort, the squad’s vision for a revival of the traditional varsity letter jacket kicked off Thursday night at a ceremony.
The John Glenn Middle School girls’ basketball team earned a thrilling 37-35 victory over a tough opponent, Blanchard Middle School of Westford, capping off a perfect 10-0 record season.

Grace Niu, Addi, Poulter, Elena Protasowicki and Anna Massaro took sixth place in the state 4×800-meter relay. Courtesy photo

IN OTHER NEWS

William Deen, acting president of the Friends of Bedford Depot Park, in February unveiled Minuteman Railroad, a 212-page oversize volume rich with historical detail, 191 photographs, and 27 maps. He was the centerpiece of the Friends of Depot Park open house at the Freight House, 120 South Rd., and the passenger car alongside.
Bedford Cub Scout Pack 194 held its annual Pinewood Derby race in
February. More than 70 cars entered the derby after a month of activities leading up to the event.
Natalie Lewis, BHS Class of 2017, won the 35^th annual Eleanor McCollum Competition for Young Singers at the Houston Grand Opera (HGO) Concert of Arias.