Political Agenda News Magazine MA

Dogs on Ducks With Boston Duck Tours

 

DOGS ON DUCKS!
Feel good story: Service dogs in
training
to ride Boston Duck Tour

 

Boston, MA, 5-22-2013 – NEADS/Dogs for Deaf and Disabled Americans, a
Princeton, Massachusetts-based nonprofit organization, will be visiting their
Boston partner, The Boston Duck Tours for a duck boat tour and bringing service
dogs in training.

The Boston Duck Tours is a lead donor to the NEADS Pawsitively Strong fund, a
fund that will provide service dogs to victims of the Boston marathon bombings
at no cost. In addition, Boston Duck Tours is partnering with NEADS’ Canines for
Combat Veterans Program in the sale of their camouflage rubber ducks.

NEADS CEO Gerry DeRoche explains, "Our new partnership with the Boston Duck
Tours is valuable in so many ways, not least of which is that it helps us
acclimate the dogs to an unusual environment, which is vital for the
socialization of our extraordinarily well-trained dogs."

The service dogs in training will ride from the Museum of Science departure
location at noon on May 22. We invite the press to meet the dogs prior to the
duckboat’s departure at 11am.

NEADS/Dogs for Deaf and Disabled Americans is a
Massachusetts-based non-profit organization celebrating more than 35 years of
helping adults and children who are deaf or physically disabled. Our highly
trained canines enable people to live more independently and with a greater
degree of mobility.

 

CONTACT: Cathy Zemaitis NEADS/Dogs for Deaf and Disabled
Americans 978-422-9064 ext 36 czemaitis@neads.org www.neads.org

 

 

Mayor Menino and Secretary of Homeland Security Napolitano Celebrate Five-Year Anniversary of Medical Intelligence Center

 

Staff honored today for
their support of Marathon survivors and families

 

This morning, the Stephen M. Lawlor Medical Intelligence
Center recognized its five-year anniversary, a cause for celebration after what
had been one of the busiest and most meaningful months of work in its brief
history. Immediately following the tragic events of the Boston Marathon, the
Medical Intelligence Center, operated by the Boston Public Health Commission’s
Office of Public Health Preparedness, mobilized to assist hundreds of survivors
and their families by connecting them to supportive services and resources, such
as mental health counseling and free physical therapy being offered by a
community partner. The center’s staff was honored for their tireless efforts
today by Dr. Barbara Ferrer, executive director of BPHC, and Secretary of
Homeland Security Janet Napolitano.

 

“The spirit of community and togetherness has defined
Boston’s response this past month under extremely trying circumstances, and one
the Medical Intelligence Center has always represented,” Mayor Menino said. 
“I’m thankful for what the staff there does day in and day out to make sure that
our city is prepared to respond to all kinds of emergencies.  I’m also proud of
the strong partnerships we have at the federal level to make sure emergency
preparedness efforts are well funded in Boston.”

 

“In the face of tragedy, the Boston community came together
in a very special way, showing not just America – but the world – how a great
city responds quickly, effectively, and comprehensively to an act of terrorism,”
said Secretary Napolitano. “I want to recognize the outstanding work of the
Boston Medical Intelligence Center, a state-of-the-art communications and
information sharing facility supported by DHS grant programs that brings
together partners from across the public health community to support the
response to large-scale incidents. As always, DHS remains firmly committed to
working with our partners here in Boston and across the Commonwealth to further
enhance emergency response capabilities.”

 

The Medical Intelligence Center, or MIC, which often operates
under the radar to those outside of the medical and public health community, is
a state-of-the art communications and information sharing facility.  When
activated, it allows first responder agencies, hospitals, public health
departments, community health centers, long-term care facilities, other
government agencies, and private partners to work collaboratively in response to
large-scale incidents and emergencies.  The MIC is a key component of Boston’s
overall preparedness efforts, as it collects and disseminates information during
everything from weather emergencies to planned public events like the Marathon,
First Night and July 4th festivities.  The center can be staffed either
physically or virtually depending upon the severity of the incident at
hand.

 

The Office of Public Health Preparedness built the policies
and procedures for the MIC based on input from the Boston Healthcare
Preparedness Coalition, which brings together public health, EMS. hospitals,
community health centers, long-term care, home health, dialysis centers, and
mental health partners in the greater Boston area.  These partners come together
to continually enhance public health and medical preparedness for response and
recovery through emergency planning, trainings, drills and exercises,
evaluations, and improvement planning. 

 

The family of Stephen M. Lawlor, the late Boston EMS deputy
superintendent after whom the MIC is named, joined city officials and partners
to celebrate the occasion.  A 27-year veteran of Boston EMS, Lawlor died of
cancer in 2005, but during his career, he was instrumental in planning for
several of Boston’s high-profile events.  Dr. Ferrer and Boston EMS Chief James
Hooley presented a plaque to the family in Stephen’s honor.

 

“When the MIC first opened, some might have wondered how much
of an impact it could have on the health of our city, but five years later its
success is clear,” said Dr. Ferrer.  “Whether staff there are responding to a
snow emergency, a flu outbreak, or helping assist survivors after an unthinkable
terrorist attack, they always step up to serve the people of Boston and
beyond.”

 

This morning’s event also marked the ten-year anniversary of
the DelValle Institute for Emergency Preparedness, another program of the Boston
Public Health Commission.  The Institute was founded in 2003 and named in honor
of Manuel DelValle, Jr.  A firefighter with the FDNY, Manuel was killed while
responding to the September 11th terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center. 
He was the stepson of Dr. Peter Moyer, former Medical Director for Boston’s
public safety agencies.  Dr. Moyer and the DelValle family also received a
plaque from Dr. Ferrer and Chief Hooley commemorating the
occasion.

 

Informed by the risks posed from threats, vulnerabilities,
and public health and safety concerns associated with disasters, DelValle
provides high-quality all-hazards training and exercises to enhance skill-based
preparedness.  The Office of Public Health Preparedness works closely with
Boston EMS to ensure that DelValle’s offerings are relevant to healthcare
institutions, public safety agencies, and community and private sector
partners.  In total, over 28,000 people throughout the greater Boston region
have received training or education through DelValle.

Mayor Menino Announces New Tradition and Full Slate of Events for Memorial Day Weekend

Introducing "Remembrance 2013: A Musical Tribute to Our Fallen Heroes"

Mayor Thomas M. Menino and Veterans Services Commissioner Francisco Ureña today announced a new Memorial Day tradition for the city of Boston in the form of an outdoor concert titled Remembrance: A Musical Tribute to Our Fallen Heroes.

"Memorial Day is about honoring those who served and gave their lives for our freedom, and I am proud to introduce this moving musical tribute," Mayor Menino said. "I encourage everyone to come out on Monday evening and take part in this wonderful event."

This one-hour tribute will be held at Christopher Columbus Park along Atlantic Avenue from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., on Monday, May 27.

Remembrance 2013

will replace the venerable 66-year tradition of holding a City service at McGillivray Park in the Fens. This year in collaboration with the Marriott Long Wharf, Boston Parks and Recreation and the non-profit organization Military Friends, the concert and memorial service will take place at sunset on the waterfront, with musical performances by the Metropolitan Wind Symphony and the Boston City Singers.

The event will begin with a procession by WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Desert Storm, and Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom veterans. It will also feature appearances by: several Boston-area color guards; Massachusetts Militia Revolutionary War Reenactors; Company A of the 54th Massachusetts Regiment Civil War Reenactors; Special guest, USS West Virginia, Pear Harbor survivor Bill Keefe; and Secretary of Veterans Affairs, Colman Nee.

"This ceremony and musical tribute is an opportunity for the citizens of Boston to honor its military heritage and its veterans, young and old," said Commissioner Ureña, who is a Marine veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom and recipient of the Purple Heart. "The City and its partner agencies came together late last year, agreeing that something new was needed to honor our veterans on Memorial Day, and this is the result of much hard work and teamwork."

Remembrance 2013

is free and open to the public. Attendees are allowed and urged to bring their lawn chairs. Public transportation is highly recommended via MBTA Blue Line, Aquarium stop. Parking is available at the Boston Harbor Garage.

Remembrance 2013

is the last event in a slate of Memorial Day Observances going on around the City this weekend, including:

· Thursday, May 23 – Massachusetts Military Heroes Fund service for the fallen, 10:30 a.m., Soldiers and Sailors Monument on Boston Common

· Sunday, May 26 – Memorial Day Ceremony, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Mount Hope Cemetery, 355 Walk Will St., Mattapan (Hosted by City of Boston's Veteran’s Services, in conjunction with the American Legion, AMVETS, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and other veterans’ organizations)

· Monday, May 27 -- Hyde Park Events -- 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. beginning with a service at Fogg-Roberts American Legion Post 78, 56 Harvard avenue, followed by a march to a Mass at Most Precious Blood Parish at 43 Maple Street, followed by a tour of Hyde Park Hero Squares, ending with a procession to the Civil War Memorial at Fairview Cemetery for closing ceremonies.

· Monday, May 27 -- Gardens at Gethsemane 45^{th Annual Memorial day Service, 9:30 a.m., 670 Baker St., West Roxbury}

· Monday, May 27 – Memorial Day Service , 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Evergreen Cemetery, 2060 Commonwealth Ave., Brighton.

For more information on all events please visit

^{http://www.facebook.com/BostonVets or http://www.cityofboston.gov/veterans/ or call 617-635-3026.}

Mayor Menino Announces New Public Safety Strategies for Summer

 

 

WHEN:         
TODAY – Thursday, May
23

                    12:30
p.m.

 

WHERE:      
Eagle Room, 5^th floor, City Hall

 

WHO: 

• Mayor Thomas
  M. Menino
• Boston Police
  Commissioner Edward F. Davis
• Boston Public
  Health Commissioner Dr. Barbara Ferrer
• Chief of Human
  Services and Executive Director of Boston Centers for Youth & Family Daphne
  Griffin

 

 

WHAT:          Mayor Menino will join
his summer safety team to announce a comprehensive, proactive violence
prevention strategy as summer approaches. A cross-City collaboration, the

strategy will emphasize “more”: more outreach, more engagement, more
officers, more collaboration and more
technology.

CITY OF BOSTON MEMORIAL DAY OBSERVANCES

The Boston Parks and Recreation Department has announced several Memorial Day observances taking place in City-owned parks and cemeteries.

On Thursday, May 23, the Massachusetts Military Heroes Fund, a non-profit dedicated to the families of military service personnel from Massachusetts fallen in service to the United States, will host a service at 10:30 a.m. at the Soldiers and Sailors Monument on Boston Common. 

The event will include the reading of the names of Bay State soldiers killed as a result of current military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan among a flag garden with thousands of miniature American flags honoring the sacrifices of all fallen Massachusetts service men and women.

The City of Boston's Veteran’s Services, in conjunction with the American Legion, AMVETS, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and other veterans’ organizations, hosts a commemorative Memorial Day Service on Saturday, May 25, at 11 a.m. at the Sgt. Charles A. MacGillvary Veterans Memorial Park located in the Back Bay Fens opposite the rear of the Museum of Fine Arts and adjacent to Roberto Clemente Stadium.

  The event is free and open to the public.  

On Sunday, May 26, a Memorial Day ceremony will be held at Mount Hope Cemetery, 355 Walk Hill St., Mattapan, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.  The event will include a short parade from inside the cemetery gate up to the WWI and WWII Monument where the ceremony will be held.  For more information, please contact Arthur Smith of the American Legion at (617) 298-7509.

On Memorial Day, Monday, May 27, Mayor Thomas M. Menino and City of Boston Veteran’s Services present "Remembrance 2013: A Musical Tribute to Our Heroes," a free concert featuring the Metropolitan Wind Symphony and the Boston City Singers at Christopher Columbus Park at 6:30 p.m.  The park is located in the North End at 110 Atlantic Avenue on Boston’s waterfront.

Also on Memorial Day, services will be held at Fairview Cemetery, 45 Fairview Avenue, Hyde Park, at 11 a.m.  The day’s activities begin with an 8 a.m. service at the Fogg-Roberts American Legion Post 78 located at 56 Harvard Avenue in Hyde Park. 

From there participants will march to a Mass at Most Precious Blood Parish at 43 Maple Street and then return to the Post for the start of a tour of local veteran’s squares.  The procession will end up at the Civil War Memorial at Fairview Cemetery for the closing ceremony at 11 a.m.  For more information, please contact Andy Murphy of the Fogg Post at (617) 364-1636.

In addition, a Memorial Day observance will be held on May 27 at Evergreen Cemetery, 2060 Commonwealth Avenue, Brighton, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.  For further information, please call the City of Boston’s Cemetery Division at (617) 635-7361.

Tewksbury Memorial High School “Mock Crash”

Tewksbury Memorial High School "Mock Crash"

 

The Tewksbury Police Department will be presenting a "Mock Crash" at Tewksbury Memorial High School

 

 on Tuesday, May 21^{st @ 9:00am, targeting the junior and senior student population.  This presentation is part of the Tewksbury Police Department’s ongoing commitment to educating our young drivers about the perils of impaired driving.}

The reenactment will take place in the Tewksbury Memorial High School parking lot and will serve as a realistic reminder about the ominous consequences that can result from drinking and driving. With help from several Tewksbury Police Officers, firefighters, and local paramedics, the students will watch as their classmates – made up in fake blood – are pulled from the wreckage of a totaled vehicle with the assistance of the Jaws of Life. After it is determined that one classmate cannot be saved, they will witness an impaired classmate perform unsatisfactorily on sobriety testing before being arrested for Operating Under the Influence of Alcohol and Motor Vehicle Homicide.

With prom and graduation on the horizon, the Police Department is hoping to impress upon students the importance of making safe decisions, especially when on the road.

The leading cause of death for those ages 15-20 is a car accident. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 33% of 15 to 20 year-olds who were killed in motor vehicle crashes nationwide in 2009 had a blood alcohol content of .01 or higher.  Additionally, young drivers tend to engage in other risky driving behaviors while drinking, such as speeding, distracted driving, running red lights, making illegal turns, and not wearing seat belts.  In 2009, 70% of the young drivers involved in fatal crashes who had been drinking were also unrestrained. Any loss or injury on our roadways is one too many.  The Tewksbury Police Department recognizes that traffic crashes are preventable, and is committed to using enforcement, programs, and initiatives such as this to reduce the number of motor vehicle-related fatalities and injuries among people under 21.

The Tewksbury Police Department will enforce a zero-tolerance policy on minors who seek to circumvent the law and those people and businesses that allow them to do so. Whether you are under age, plan to sell to a minor, or buy alcohol for a minor, we will be on the lookout. Offenders will be criminally prosecuted and businesses will be referred to the licensing authority for administrative action. The Department’s mission is to partner with the Community to combat this very serious problem. 

The Tewksbury Police Department graciously acknowledges the support of the Tewksbury School Dept., S.A.D.D., Tewksbury Fire Dept., Tewksbury Funeral Home, and Penney’s Auto who have donated their time and resources to make this presentation possible.

Town of Tewksbury

ABSENTEE BALLOTS AVAILABLE

Tewksbury Town Clerk, Denise Graffeo, would like to notify voters that Absentee Ballots are now available at the Town Clerk’s Office for the June 25^{th Special State Election.  The Town Clerk’s Office is open Monday through Friday, 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM. You may vote absentee if you are a registered voter and unable to vote at the polls because:}

1. You will be out of town during the hours the polls are open,

2. you have a physical disability preventing you from going to the polling place, or

3. religious belief.

A request for an Absentee Ballot must be done in writing, by either you or a family member, and received by the Town Clerk’s Office no later than Noon on Monday, June 24, 2013.  Applications may be mailed or hand delivered to the Clerk’s office.  You may request an official "Absentee Ballot Application" from our office, or use any other form of written communication with an original signature. Downloadable Absentee Ballot applications are also available online at the

^{State Elections Division Website:}

 

 

 

^{http://www.sec.state.ma.us/ele/eleifv/howabs.htm} 

Please include your name, voting address, and the address you would like the ballot mailed to if different from the voting address.  Absentee ballots must be delivered to the Town Clerk’s Office, not to the precinct on Election Day.  If you need further assistance, please call the Town Clerk’s Office at 978-640-4355.

Requesting to vote by mail

 

:  A ballot will be sent to the address listed on your request.  Be sure to apply early, as the ballot must be sent by mail.  When returning your voted ballot, you can either mail or hand-carry it back to the Clerk’s Office.

Requesting to vote in person

 

:  The final day to fill out the Absentee Ballot Application and vote at the same time at the Town Clerk’s Office is no later than Noon on Monday, June 24, 2013.

City Council Extended Agenda for May 21, 2013

 

 

CITY OF WOBURN

MAY 21, 2013 - 7:00 P.M.

REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL

 

Roll Call

 

Anderson Gately

DiTucci Haggerty

Drapeau Mercer-Bruen

Gaffney Raymond

       Denaro

_________________________

VOTED to dispense with the reading of the previous meeting’s Journal and to APPROVE.

_________________________

MAYOR’S COMMUNICATIONS: 

ORDERED That the sum of $9,500.00 be and is hereby transferred as so stated from Payroll Fees Acct #0113852-525800 $9,500.00 to Treasurer/Bill Printing Acct #0113852-539003 $9,500.00.

I hereby approve the above: s/Timothy Donovan, Treasurer/Collector

I have reviewed the above: s/Gerald W. Surette, City Auditor

I hereby recommend the above: s/Scott D. Galvin, Mayor

s/Alderman _________________

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

ORDERED That the sum of $3,540.01 be and is hereby transferred as so stated from COA/Senior Van Acct #0154158-585190 $3,540.01 to COA/Misc. Expenses Acct #0154157-578908 $3,540.01 – Purpose: Senior Center Security System Upgrade.

I hereby approve the above: s/Joanne Collins, COA Director

I have reviewed the above: s/Gerald W. Surette, City Auditor

I hereby recommend the above: s/Scott D. Galvin, Mayor

s/Alderman _________________

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

ORDERED That the sum of $950,000.00 be and is hereby appropriated as so stated from Sale of Cemetery Lots Acct #391-359000 $950,000.00 to Cemetery Paving Acct #391058-589700 $950,000.00 – Purpose: Pavement for Woodbrook Cemetery

I hereby approve the above: s/Scott D. Galvin, Mayor

I have reviewed the above: s/Gerald W. Surette, City Auditor

s/Alderman Anderson

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

ORDERED That the Woburn City Council hereby authorizes the Office of the Mayor to utilize a Departmental Revolving Fund under M.G.L. Chap. 44, Sec. 53E½. The Office of the Mayor may spend funds received for cable television and telecommunications franchise fees as required under the CATV operator license agreement with the City of Woburn without further appropriation during Fiscal Year 2014 for the purpose of paying the expenses of the M.I.S. Director, excluding salaries. The "Cable Television and Telecommunications Revolving Fund", is to be credited with all fees and charges up to $80,000.00 received during Fiscal Year 2014. Any remaining balance at June 30, 2014 is to revert to the General Fund, unless the fund is re-established. The "Cable Television and Telecommunications Revolving Fund", under M.G.L. Chap. 44, Sec. 53E½ must be re-established on a year-to year basis. The City Council, upon recommendation of the Mayor, must have an annual vote prior to the start of the Fiscal Year. This authorization makes the approved Revolving Fund effective for the ensuing Fiscal Year only.

I hereby recommend the above. s/Scott D. Galvin, Mayor

s/Alderman _________________

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

ORDERED That the Woburn City Council hereby authorizes the Office of the Mayor to utilize a Departmental Revolving Fund under M.G.L. Chap. 44, Sec. 53E½. The Office of the Mayor may spend funds received without further appropriation during Fiscal Year 2014 with the purpose of unanticipated special education costs for out of district tuition and transportation. The Special Education Departmental Revolving Fund is to be credited with Medicaid revenue not to exceed $300,000.00 received during Fiscal Year 2014. Any remaining balance at June 30, 2014 is to revert to the General Fund, unless the fund is re-established. The "Special Education Department Revolving Fund", under M.G.L. Chap. 44, Sec. 53E½ must be re-established on a year-to year basis. The City Council, upon recommendation of the Mayor, must have an annual vote prior to the start of the Fiscal Year. This authorization makes the approved Departmental Revolving Fund effective for the ensuing Fiscal Year only.

I hereby recommend the above. s/Scott D. Galvin, Mayor

s/Alderman _________________

_________________________

PUBLIC HEARINGS: 

 

On the petition by Alderman Anderson concerning the structure or structures located in the City of Woburn, County of Middlesex, Commonwealth of Massachusetts known and numbered as 18-20 Campbell Street, Woburn, Massachusetts, for the purposes of determining whether said structure or structures are a public nuisance, a nuisance to the neighborhood, a dilapidated or dangerous building or other structure, as said terms are used in Massachusetts General Laws Ch. 139, Sec. 1, and if so, enter an order adjudging it to be a nuisance to the neighborhood, or dangerous, and prescribing its disposition, alteration or regulation. PUBLIC HEARING OPENED.

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

On the petition by  Stephanie Almeida, 24 Grace Road, Woburn, Massachusetts 01801 for a special permit pursuant to Section 5.5 of the 1985 Woburn Zoning Ordinances, as amended to allow filling of yard at 24 Grace Road. PUBLIC HEARING OPENED. A report was received from the Committee on Special Permits as follows: "ought to pass, as amended with the amendment as follows: 1. That the plan of record shall be the plan entitled "Topographic Site Plan of Land, 24 Grace Road, Woburn, Mass. (Middlesex County)" prepared by Medford Engineering & Survey dated May 6, 2013.

_________________________

CITIZEN’S PARTICIPATION: 

None.

_________________________

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

FINANCE:

On the Order to transfer the sum of $132,500.00 from BLS Receipts Account to Ambulance Salaries Account, Ambulance Maintenance Salaries Account, Apparatus Maintenance Account and Medical Attention Account, committee report was received "ought to pass".

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

On the Order to transfer the sum of $10,000.00 from Police Roof Account to Police Stairs Account, committee report was received "ought to pass".

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

On the Order to transfer the sum of $56,826.36 from Police Roof Account to Stabilization Fund Account, committee report was received "ought to pass".

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

ORDINANCES:

On the Order to authorize the Mayor pursuant to M.G.L. c.40, §4A to enter into an Intermunicipal Agreement with the Towns of Winchester and Lexington for the appointment of a Municipal Hearing Officer in accordance with M.G.L. c.148A, §2, committee report was received "ought to pass, as amended with the amendment that a communication be forwarded to the City Auditor for information to establish a revolving fund with respect to this matter."

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

INFRASTRUCTURE AND PUBLIC LANDS:

On the request by the Veterans Agent for authorization to the Friends of Woburn Veterans to make inprovments to the Horn Pond flag pole by Foley Beach, the restoration of the housing of the USS Maine cowl on Woburn Common and the restoration on the Dallin monument at Woodbrook Cemetery, committee report was received "to allow the Friends of Woburn Veterans to enter upon city land for action on the requested projects".

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

PUBLIC SAFETY AND LICENSES:

On the petition by American Classic Limousine, Inc. for renewal of Livery Licenses for thirteen (13) livery vehicles, committee report was received "ought to pass".

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

On the petition by Woburn Cab Company Inc. for renewal of Taxi Cab Licenses for twelve taxi cab vehicles, committee report was received "that the license be approved for three (3) registered taxi cab vehicles and that the applicant may reapply for additional licenses with registered taxi cab vehicles."

_________________________

NEW PETITIONS:

Petition by Check Cab of Woburn Inc., 289R Salem Street for a new Taxi Cab License for three (3) taxi cab vehicles.

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

Petition by Dave & Busters of Massachusetts, Inc., 2481 Manana Drive, Dallas, Texas 75220 for a special permits pursuant to the 1985 Woburn Zoning Ordinances, as amended, as follows: 1. Sections 5.1.72 and 8.3.2 to allow for its parking requirements to be met on a separate lot from the use to be served by allowing 104 parking spaces at Lot B, 275 Mishawum Road, 2. Section 5.1 Note 16 to allow for hours of operation consistent with the hours of operation approved by the Woburn License Commission 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. seven days per week, and 3. Section 5.1 Note 22 to allow for two hundred (200) con operated, recreational, or entertainment machines, all at Lot A, 275 Mishawum Road.

_________________________

COMMUNICATIONS AND REPORTS:

A communication dated May 13, 2013 was received from Joanne Collins, Director, Woburn Council on Aging along with a copy of the Director’s Report and the minutes of the Council on Aging for the month of April 2013.

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

A report was received from the City Auditor in response to the City Council resolution adopted May 7, 2013 requesting information related to snow plowing related costs for the last three fiscal years.

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

A communication dated May 9, 2013 was received from Veterans Agent Larry Guiseppe and Commander of United V0eterans Council George Poole inviting the Alderman and residents of the city to participate in the annual Memorial Day parade and ceremonies to be held on Monday, May 27, 2013.

_________________________

UNFINISHED BUSINESS OF PRECEDING MEETING: 

A notice of intent to move for reconsideration was filed by Alderman Drapeau on May 8, 2013 at 12:17 p.m. on the vote made on May 7, 2013 in support of the motion to deny the proposed amendment of the Woburn Zoning Ordinances by Woburn Armory LLC to amend the 1985 Woburn Zoning Ordinances, as amended, as follows: 1. By revising Section 11.11 entitled "Affordable Housing Requirement" by adding a new Paragraph 8 to Section 11.11 as follows: "8.  The City Council by majority vote, may waive the requirements of this Section 11.11 if the development includes dwelling units in a building deemed "Significant" by the Woburn Historical Commission.", and 2. By revising Section 18.8.2 "Waivers" by adding the following language to the end of Paragraph 18.8.2 as follows:  The "period" after "site" shall be deleted and the following language added:  "or the renovation, rehabilitation or redevelopment of a building deemed "Significant" by the Woburn Historical Commission."

_________________________

APPOINTMENTS AND ELECTIONS: 

None.

________________________

MOTIONS, ORDERS AND RESOLUTIONS:

RESOLVED That His Honor the Mayor or his designee provide a presentation to the City Council Committee on Liaison relative to the status, progress and operation of the CityStat program.

s/President Denaro

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

RESOLVED That during the month of August 2013 a representative of MassHighway appear before the City Council or an appropriate committee thereof for the purposes of providing an update concerning the I-93/I-95/128 interchange project.

s/Alderman Mercer-Bruen

_________________________

Motion made and 2^{nd to ADJOURN.}

 

 

 

ROSE GARDEN PARTY FUNDRAISER COMING JUNE 13

ROSE GARDEN PARTY FUNDRAISER COMING JUNE 13

 

 

Tickets are now on sale for Boston’s Annual Rose Garden Party fundraiser being held on Thursday, June 13, from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Kelleher Rose Garden in the Back Bay Fens.

Hosted by Boston’s First Lady Angela Menino and Boston Parks Commissioner Antonia M. Pollak, the event benefits ParkARTS, Mayor Thomas M. Menino’s initiative to present free arts, cultural, and enrichment programs in Boston’s park system. 

Now in its 17^{th year, the Rose Garden Party is an elegant social event featuring delicious food and refreshments, musical entertainment, a silent auction, and a lively hat contest.  Located directly opposite the Museum of Fine Arts (MFA) in Frederick Law Olmsted’s renowned Emerald Necklace park system, the Kelleher Rose Garden is the largest of its kind in Boston and the ideal location for this summer garden party.} 

Sponsors to date include Paul and Sandra Edgerley, the MFA, Boston, Boston POPS, Blue Cross Blue Shield of MA, Emmanuel College, UMass Boston, Maggie and Kevin Ahearn / Ahearn Real Estate, and Fisher College.  DePrisco Diamond Jewelers, JetBlue, and the Lenox Hotel have each donated high ticket auction items.  Other in-kind donors include Boston Beer Company, The Catered Affair, Winebow, Design New England Magazine, Darryl's Corner Bar & Kitchen, Emerald Necklace Conservancy, Norman Rockwell Museum, Fairmont Battery Wharf Hotel, Friends of Post Office Square, the MIT Museum, the Boston Lyric Opera, the MFA, Rouvalis Flowers & Gardens, Hotel Commonwealth, The Preservation Society of Newport County, Ronald and Lisa Simons, and The Fairmont Copley Plaza.

Frank Costantino and Paul McMahan will paint en plein air – French for "in the open air" – in this bucolic garden paradise.  These "fresh paint" pieces will then be auctioned live to provide a one-of-a-kind souvenir to a deserving patron, resulting in much needed funds to support an array of ParkARTS activities across the city.

All are welcome to support ParkARTS and be part of this unique gathering of over 250 guests surrounded by 1,000 rose bushes of more than 150 varieties.  Tickets are tax deductible as allowed by law and available by calling (617) 635-4032 or online at

 

^{www.cityofboston.gov/parks/rosegarden/rosegardenparty.asp  .}

Proceeds from the Rose Garden Party directly support free ParkARTS programming including concerts, arts and crafts for children, puppet shows, painting and photography workshops, children’s festivals, movie nights, and much more in Boston’s city parks.  For more information, please call the Boston Parks and Recreation Department at (617) 635-4032 or visit the Parks Department online at

 

^{www.cityofboston.gov/parks/rosegarden/.}

 

 

 

CALENDAR LISTING

 

17th Annual Rose Garden Party

Thursday, June 13, 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Kelleher Rose Garden

Park Drive and Agassiz Road

Back Bay Fens (opposite the MFA)

Now in its 17th year, the Rose Garden Party offers an evening of delicious food and refreshments, musical entertainment, a silent auction, and a lively hat contest.  Located directly behind the Museum of Fine Arts in the Back Bay Fens, the Kelleher Rose Garden is the largest of its kind in Boston.  Proceeds support free arts programming in Boston’s city parks including concerts, arts and crafts for children, puppet shows, painting and photography workshops, children’s festivals, movie nights, and more.  Tickets are tax deductible as allowed by law and available by calling (617) 635-4032 or online at

 

 

^{www.cityofboston.gov/parks/rosegarden/rosegardenparty.asp.} 

 

 

 

 

PARKARTS WATERCOLOR WORKSHOPS RETURN IN JUNE

 

The Boston Parks and Recreation Department will be holding its popular summer series of ParkARTS Watercolor Painting Workshops during the month of June at four Boston locations. 

The series of eight workshops for budding artists ages nine and up is just one of the many offerings of the 17th annual ParkARTS program sponsored by Bank of America.  These hands-on watercolor painting workshops enable participants to create their own greenspace-inspired masterpieces. 

Local art instructors welcome artists of all skill levels to join them and capture Boston’s historic parks in bloom. The free workshops include instruction and materials provided by Blick Art Materials.

All classes are held from 12 noon to 2 p.m. weather permitting. Dates and locations are as follows:

Boston Public Garden Lagoon (meet near Swan Boats)

Saturdays, June 1 and 8

Kelleher Rose Garden, Back Bay Fens

Sundays, June 2 and 9

Geneva Cliffs Urban Wild, 275 Geneva Avenue, Dorchester

Saturdays, June 15 and 22

Christopher Columbus Park, Atlantic Avenue, North End

Sundays, June 16 and 23

 

For further information on the workshops and other ParkARTS programs, please call (617) 635-4505 or visit the Parks Department online at

 

^{www.cityofboston/parks or www.facebook.com/bostonparksdepartment.} 

 

 

 

BPS launches on-line survey to gather feedback on school climate

 

 

Surveys available in multiple languages at bostonpublicschools.org

BOSTON – Today the Boston Public Schools (BPS) launched an online survey to help the district gather feedback on an ongoing initiative: efforts to increase school quality.

Our online School Climate Survey is only open to current BPS parents and can be accessed on the district’s website. Different versions for students and teachers are being offered to these groups directly in school.

The survey is offered in multiple languages.



"With these surveys we hope to get valuable insights into the work we still must do to improve all our schools," said BPS Superintendent Carol R. Johnson. "Online options compliment the conversations we are having in our community meetings and in our schools. We want to make it is easier for all members of the community to be part of this conversation to ensure everyone has an opportunity to tell us what they think."



The School Climate Survey asks students, parents and teachers what they think about various aspects of their school. In last year’s survey, 94 percent of BPS parents who completed the voluntary survey either "agreed" or "strongly agreed" with the statement "this school is a good place for my child to learn."



This is the fifth year BPS has offered the School Climate Survey, and the second year BPS has offered the parent survey as an online option. Students are asked to fill it out during homeroom; teachers received the survey through their school, and parents will also receive it with postage-paid envelopes in the next few weeks. Parents are asked to choose either the online option or paper option to respond; if parents choose to respond to the survey online, they are asked to disregard the paper survey. Parents should fill out a survey for each child they have enrolled in the Boston Public Schools to provide feedback on each child’s experiences. The feedback is then summarized and posted on the BPS website.



Last year, 79% of students and 65% of teachers completed the climate surveys, but parent participation was just 24%. BPS is continuing to offer an online option this year in an attempt to boost participation rates.

The Boston Public Schools, the birthplace of public education in the United States,

serves more than 56,000 pre-kindergarten through grade 12 students in 125 schools.

 

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