04/23/2013

Boston News Group and It's Seventy Cities and Town's Endorse Stephen Lynch for US Senate

 

 

 

We hope and encourage all eligible voters here in Massachusetts to Vote this coming Tuesday April 30th for Stephen Lynch for US Senator.

As we watched the TV democratic senatorial debate Monday night on WBZ we watched hoping we would get life even a spark out of someone in this so boring a campaign, and in our opinion we thankfully did.   Stephen Lynch was clearly the winner as the Democratic Independent voice that we need in Washington DC., Lynch constantly put Ed Markey on the spot for his far left extremist votes against Homeland Security.   Ed Markey, who has spent his entire adult life in politics and about 30 years now in Congress, runs on the strict party line, still blaming Bush for everything.  No wonder he’s the poster child who was handpicked by the Democratic Party bosses and elitist down in Washington DC.  that has chosen Markey as the heir to Sen. Kerry’s vacant seat.  We hope the people and voters of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts as a whole vote this coming Tuesday for Stephen Lynch.  

You may not agree with us, but we think that our best chance to get things moving down in Washington  is to send a message that the elitist democratic bosses doesn’t hand pick and decide who can run  in Massachusetts, the voters will decide.  We think Stephen Lynch is the real deal, a family man who was brought up like most of us, poor and although we might not have known it,  we worked hard for what we have,  and so didn’t Stephen Lynch.   Stephen,  grew up in the projects of South Boston, was a union  worker for 18 years and you’ve seen the commercials he attended Law school nights and works hard every day to represent his district.   Just like our own Congressman and former Mayor Mike Capuano doesn’t forget where he comes from, neither does Cong. Stephen Lynch who still lives in South Boston and is home here in the district every week and knows how and what we feel.     We hope and encourage that you go out and Vote this coming Tuesday, it’s not going to be a crowd at the polls, maybe take you about 10 minutes out of your way, but this election is crucial to all of us in Massachusetts.  Vote Stephen Lynch for US Senator and we will have a strong voice and independent one when it pertains to issues of our state and city, first.    We proudly say and stand that we here in the commonwealth agree with his commercials   "I am Stephen Lynch" and "we are Stephen Lynch".        

 
 
Seventy Cities and Town Publications Across the Commonwealth Endorse
 Stephen Lynch US Senate!
 
 
Modern Cop Magazine
Political Agenda News Magazine
 
Endorse: Stephen Lynch for US Senate!
Apr 23, 2013 7:07:44 PM

04/07/2013

CONGRESSMAN STEPHEN F. LYNCH STATEMENT ON PRESIDENT’S PROPOSED CUTS TO SOCIAL SECURITY

 

Lynch-braintree-gd-051611-03photo

 

“I agree with President Obama’s goal of ensuring that Social Security will be
there for our current retirees, as well as future generations.  But chained CPI
would limit cost of living adjustments for retirees, and hurt seniors who must
pay for costly medical care. We simply cannot increase the cost burden for
seniors.

The President's budget is a starting point, and I'm eager to work with him
and my colleagues in Congress to pass a budget that addresses these problems the
right way.

As I discussed last month, I believe we must focus on the way Social Security
is funded. In 1983, 90% of wages in this country were subject to the Social
Security tax. As a result, this critical safety net was on more solid footing. 
But despite an explosion in wages for the wealthiest 1% of Americans over the
last 30 years, funding for Social Security has not kept pace. We have been
raising the cap in small increments, but it’s not enough.  The Chief Actuary of
Social Security estimates that, to get back to the 90% rates we had under
President Reagan, the cap should be raised to $214,500.  Until we get that cap
up, the burden for funding Social Security will continue to fall
disproportionally on the middle class and lower income earners.

Chained CPI won’t help working people.  Getting funding levels back to where
they were 30 years ago will help ensure that the promise of Social Security can
be kept for future generations.”

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STEPHEN LYNCH PROUD TO HAVE SUPPORT OF USW MEMBERS IN MASSACHUSETTS

QUINCY – Congressman Stephen Lynch said today that he was proud to have the support of United Steel Workers Local 12003 members in Massachusetts.

“Local 12003 has been tremendous in their support of me,” Lynch said.  “The men and women of USW are on the ground here in Massachusetts, and have been working on my behalf since this campaign began.  They know I will stand with them in the United States Senate.”

“As members of the United Steel Workers, we are
proud to stand with Steve Lynch,” said Joe Kirylo, president of USW 12003, the
largest gas local in New England.  “Our local endorsed Elizabeth Warren before
the USW, and this time we know Steve Lynch is the guy.  We are here on the
ground seeing the work he has done locally.  Steve Lynch knows where we come
from, and he is the guy who can best represent us in the Senate.” 

 

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GOVERNOR PATRICK OPPOSES SHORT TERM TRANSPORTATION FIX, VALUES GENERATIONAL RESPONSIBILITY

 

State House floor photo

BOSTON – Thursday, April 4, 2013 – Governor Deval Patrick today responded to the Joint House and Senate Leadership transportation proposal, making clear that the proposal does not meet the immediate or long-term needs of the Commonwealth. The Governor discussed how together, with the Legislature, the Administration has built a track record of reforms and policies that will leave a stronger Commonwealth for future generations, and that he cannot support this bill, as is, which puts off necessary investments in our transportation and education system.

To read the full text of the Governor’s remarks, click here.

For details on projects included in the Governor’s proposal visit, http://www.mass.gov/governor/agenda/choose-growth.html.

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POLICE UNIONS ENDORSE STEPHEN LYNCH for US SENATE

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Steve lynch Photo by Washington Post

Stephen Lynch

 

Photo by Washington Post

 

Congressman Stephen Lynch was endorsed by the Boston Police Patrolmen’s Association, Mass C.O.P. and the International Brotherhood of Police Officers on Friday Morning April 5th.

Congressman Stephen Lynch was presented the endorsement by Tom Nee, President, Boston Police Patrolmen’s Association, Hugh Cameron, President, Massachusetts Coalition of Police and Representative from the International Brotherhood of Police Officers

The presentation ceremonies was located outside District 14 Police Station that's located at 301 Washington St., Brighton.

 

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AMERICA LOSING THE ECONOMIC WAR   

 

 

Gas pump stock-footage-gas-pump-nozzle

 

 

by Paul  Maisano                                                          current prices @ $ 4.00 gal.

 

YESTERDAY  vs TODAY

 

Remember back to 2008 when a gallon of gasoline hit $ 4.00?
Well, it’s happening again. Today, a barrel of crude is trading for about $
106.00, that’s about equal to the annual average back just four years ago. This
translates into significantly higher costs for gasoline, diesel, and home
heating fuels for each of us.

 

Energy costs are on the rise once again!!

 

At the pumps the average price for mid-grade gasoline is $
3.79 a gallon. Running diesel in your vehicle? It could cost as much as $ 4.20.
If you’re heating the homestead with oil, a 100 gallon minimum fill at $370.00
is so pain full that when the oilman drops the slip in your mail slot it causes
a chill to run up your spine! A gallon of regular gas for your car runs about
even with a gallon of home heating fuel oil at $ 3.70 a gallon.

 

No matter what the case, it’s getting more expensive to get
to work, heat hot water, or keep your home warm. Even our electric bills, and
groceries, will suffer an increase due to the fuel surcharges in the near
future.

Everyone recognizes that affordable energy is the main driver
of the worlds’ industry. What a way to put the “kibosh” on a recovering
economy.

 

The $64,000.00 question is………….. WHY? 

 

The oil market supply appears to be somewhat stable. We won
the war in the Middle East and paid the price with American blood. You remember
the food for oil program policy with Saddam Hussein in Iraq. Well, the Bush
administration sold us the blood for oil policy. However, we literally got the
shaft, not the oil. 

 

So, why is this happening to the U.S.?  Were we duped?  YOU
DECIDE.

 

In any regard, it’s fruitless to assess the blame for higher
fuel costs on any single particular reason including political inadequacy. Let’s
fast forward to today before I become ill.

Who, or what may be the culprit for these spikes in Americas’
fuel prices, is irrelevant.  More importantly, we need to understand the
variables within the issue. How can individuals help reignite stability in the
market?

 

First, there are certain facts that need be recognized as
fundamental truths. To fully discuss each and every aspect of this complicated
issue in less than one thousand words is impossible. Without a doubt, most
tempers won't allow the long read on this matter! Let us try to simply and
‘cut to the chase’ capturing the main theme.

 

Many Americans vent their anger upon the major oil producing
countries, referred to as OPEC. This acronym stands for the
‘Organization for the Petroleum Exporting Countries’. The
organization is comprised of 12 countries, mainly located in the Middle East.
The organizations’ leaders meet twice a year in Vienna, Austria, to discuss
their strategy within world oil market.

OPEC’s main objective is to determine the volume of the
‘supply side’ crude oil market for the next year. By keeping the market
slightly ‘choked off’, it keeps the price of the ‘black gold’ highly
stable, and valuable.

 

It should be noted, that OPEC only speaks for approximately
50% of the worlds’ crude. Other nations, such as the United Kingdom, Canada,
Mexico, the U.S. and many others, make up the difference in production of the
world crude oil supplies.

Remember, OPEC does not set the daily market price. However,
if OPEC is placing limitations on production, does this cause the price to
climb?

 

The ’supply side’ economic theory impacts the full
market. Americans should ponder the question……. Is the United States winning the
incidental costly physical battles of the world, only destined to lose the
larger economic war?                                

 

In the next segment, we continue the discussion on the
expanding oil market in China, a weakened US Dollar, and role of the European
Union in this picture.

 

Cubby driver photo
Bill Dyer of Cubby Oil Company                  

 

 

 THE WORLD OF TOMORROW

 

In the first segment, of this outline, we laid a foundation
of how ’supply side’ economics impacts the full market. This next piece
shall attempt to outline the evolution of the new world energy market. 

 

Why does the United States continue to unilaterally
financially support the costly physical battles throughout the world and protect
the foreign oil market??

Should we possibly modify our foreign policies to blend
within this new introduction, of the EU, China, India, and the Middle East, and
discontinue playing the role of the ‘big brother’?

 

Let’s refocus on the main issue of change within the
marketplace. It may help us answer all of those questions. Fossil fuels are sold
on the open world market. Oil is traded in the term of ‘barrels’. The price is
mainly set by three of the largest stock exchanges in the world. They are the
New York, London, & the Singapore stock exchanges.Remember, it’s a commodity
traded daily, so the price constantly fluctuates.

 

Add into the stew a quick note about the role of something
called ‘oil futures’ in the game.  These are a sort of ‘wild card’. Oil
future contracts hedge an investors bet within the market place.  Like a Las
Vegas long shot, such a wager can handsomely pay out to the investor. Some
believe this type of oil guessing game should be illegal. It’s no secret, oil
futures can cause havoc in the market place by falsely inflating the commodity
with an aurora of an ‘artificial demand’.

 

The open market is also affected by world many conditions.
Occasionally, a catastrophe like the British Petroleum accident in the gulf,
severe weather events, conflict in the oil producing regions, or just plain Wall
Street greed, can upset the marketplace by choking supply lines.

 

Today, the benchmark currency for trading in the oil market
has always been the U.S. dollar. Due to the weakening value of the U.S. dollar
there have been numerous discussions to tie the international oil market into
another currency such as the Euro. However, this idea has yet to sell well!
Unfortunately, the European Community is also struggling within the
re-stabilization scene of the worlds’ economy. In addition, the EU has
complicated financial issues within Greece, Italy, & Spain.

 

Plus, don’t forget that for decades the Europeans have been
paying dearly for energy.They well understand the high cost of energy. For
instance, today a gallon of petrol in the U.K is roughly $ 6.25. Now compare
this to the price of $ 3.60 for an equal gallon in Boston, MA.

 

The U.S. dollar still appears to be crude oils’ safest bet on
world trading table. Once the U.S. deficit is under control the energy roller
coaster ride may even out.

 

Let’s keep going adding a little salt. Complicate this stew
with China in the marketplace. Only a few decades ago, the Chinese used bicycles
and rickshaws on dirt paths…….. using little energy. China has nearly completed
the largest highway system in the world. It has accomplished this great feat in
less than 20 years, less than half the time the U.S. took to build our
interstate highway system. What happens once the general billion plus population
starts buying automobiles to use those roads? This new major market demand
factor has yet to be fully entered into the equation. 

 

China, once the 5th largest consumer of energy, is
now it is just behind the United States in energy consumption. With all its
economic growth China will soon to surpass the U.S. position of causing world
energy costs to skyrocket out of control.

China is a major player in this mess.

 

We all studied economics 101. Some of us may have slept
during the main portion of the course. However, we all seem to remember the
basic principles of ‘supply & demand’ side commodity economics.

 

What happens once we calculate the high demand of a new
player, namely China? Is the energy market headed for the ultimate crash?

 

Maybe Americans should listen to the Bob Marley song, “Don’t
worry… be happy”, while paying $ 7.50 a gallon for gasoline.

Sorry, its’ not doing it for me!!! 

Houston we have a problem, but all is not lost. In the final
segment, we can start the discussion on a potential first step fix.

(continued )

 

 

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LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR MURRAY HIGHLIGHTS VETERANS’ SERVICES AT HOLYOKE SOLDIERS’ HOME

HOLYOKE – Thursday, April 4, 2013 – Lieutenant Governor Timothy Murray today toured the Holyoke Soldiers’ Home to highlight the Patrick-Murray Administration’s continued commitment to supporting Massachusetts veterans. Lieutenant Governor Murray was joined on today’s visit by Massachusetts Department of Veterans’ Services (DVS) Secretary Coleman Nee for a meeting with Superintendent Paul Barabani and Board Chair Steve Como, followed by a tour of the facility.

“Massachusetts is proud to support and honor all of our veterans,” said Lieutenant Governor Murray, Chair of the Governor’s Council on Veterans’ Services. “The Holyoke Soldiers’ Home provides critical services for veterans throughout western Massachusetts and we’re committed to working with them and all providers to ensure veterans receive the high quality care and benefits they deserve.”

Governor Deval Patrick’s Fiscal Year (FY) 2014 budget includes an increase in funding by nearly 7 percent for veterans’ services and 3.3 percent for the Holyoke Soldiers’ Home. Last month, Governor Patrick also filed a capital supplemental bill and a series of multi-year bond bills that will support the FY2013-2017 Capital Investment Plan. The plan continues the Patrick-Murray Administration's efforts to grow jobs and economic opportunity through strategic investments in the Commonwealth's infrastructure. If passed by the legislature, the Administration will have the authorization to consider funding future projects at the Holyoke Soldiers’ Home. All projects would be eligible for federal funding matches of 65 percent if approved by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. The Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS) and DVS are beginning a study to be completed in 2013 which will consider all options for potential renovations and expansion of services.

"I am proud to be part of an Administration that leads the nation in its support of those who serve our country," said EOHHS Secretary John Polanowicz. "The Patrick-Murray Administration has consistently made veterans and military families a priority, as exhibited in Governor Patrick’s budget, in which veteran’s services would see an increase in funding to ensure that every generation of Massachusetts’ veterans has access to the benefits they deserve.”

Over the last six years, the Patrick-Murray Administration has increased funding for the Department of Veterans’ Services and Soldiers’ Homes in Holyoke and Chelsea by 47 percent or $42.5 million. This increased funding supports care and services for the rising number of veterans and their families in Massachusetts.

"The Patrick-Murray Administration has continued to keep veterans issues at the forefront," said Secretary Nee. "I look forward to working closely with Superintendent Barabani to ensure the Holyoke Soldiers Home is providing the finest services to our veterans for years to come."

Among the range of services for veterans supported by the Patrick-Murray Administration, Secretary Polanowicz joined veterans and local officials for the grand opening of the Veterans’ Assistance Center at the Soldiers’ Home in Holyoke earlier this year. The new Veterans’ Assistance Center provides veterans and their family members with information and assistance on eligibility and application for state and federal benefits, disability services, community referrals and interaction with veteran service agents. Those served include residents of the Soldiers’ Home, those using out-patient or dental services, veterans from communities throughout western Massachusetts and veterans returning from conflict overseas. The center is staffed with certified service officers from the Disabled American Veterans Chapters of Holyoke, West Springfield and Agawam and the Bilingual Veterans Outreach Center of Springfield.

In addition to the new Veterans’ Assistance Center at the Soldiers’ Home in Holyoke, the Patrick-Murray Administration, with the support of the state legislature, also authorized $671,000 during FY 2012 to provide 12 additional beds to serve veterans at the Holyoke Soldiers’ Home. Recognizing dental care as a major unmet need for veterans, the Administration also worked with the Home in 2011 to reopen the Holyoke Dental Clinic that now serves veterans throughout western Massachusetts.  Additionally, following Governor Patrick’s call in 2012 for a comprehensive plan to address and treat Alzheimer’s disease for patients in Massachusetts, the Holyoke Soldiers’ Home has been at the forefront of providing early detection, education and care for veterans and their families affected by Alzheimer’s disease.

The Patrick-Murray Administration leads the nation in providing for our veterans. In addition to the Governor’s proposed FY 2014 budget and improvements at the Holyoke Soldiers Home, the Administration continues to implement initiatives to support employment assistance and workforce training programs for members of the armed forces, veterans and their spouses. Most recently, the Administration announced that all state agencies that oversee professional licensing within the Administration have established guidelines to assist members of the armed forces, veterans and their spouses as they prepare and apply for jobs in Massachusetts. In early March, Governor Patrick also signed an executive order to help small businesses owned by disabled veterans increase access to contracts for public projects in the areas of construction, design and goods and services procurement. This executive order also follows the Governor’s authorization of the VALOR Act to provide greater assistance to help veteran-owned small business participate in public projects. In 2011, the Administration launched an aggressive employment campaign aimed to increase the hiring of Massachusetts veterans. Among these initiatives, the Patrick-Murray Administration partnered with major trade associations to encourage them to hire veterans and circulate information on veterans’ benefits.

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Governor Patrick Lights First Section of New MassBroadband 123 Fiber-Optic Network

Over 1,200 Community Facilities to Receive Broadband Access

OTIS – Thursday, April 4, 2013 - Governor Deval Patrick today lit the first section of a new 1,200-mile fiber-optic network that will bring high-speed Internet access to underserved areas of western and central Massachusetts.  The event was held at the regional Farmington River Elementary School, one of the facilities to be connected to the MassBroadband 123 network.

“Broadband is essential for Massachusetts to remain competitive,” said Governor Patrick. “Today is a remarkable milestone because now every corner of the Commonwealth will be connected to the educational and economic opportunities everywhere else in the world.”

The MassBroadband 123 network will provide fiber-optic connectivity directly to 1,200 key facilities in more than 120 western and central Massachusetts communities. These Community Anchor Institutions include schools, libraries, municipal buildings and public safety and health care facilities. The section lit up on Thursday runs from Springfield to Sandisfield and includes 51 community institutions. The remaining segments of the MassBroadband 123 network will be powered up in the months ahead.

The Patrick-Murray Administration has been a longtime champion for broadband expansion in unserved and underserved communities to enable residents and businesses to better compete in the 21st century global economy. MassBroadband 123 is a critical component of Governor Patrick's strategy to invest in education, innovation and infrastructure in order to create growth and economic opportunity in every corner of the Commonwealth.

“By connecting businesses and residents in every part of the state to dependable Internet access, we are investing in the type of infrastructure that will help create economic opportunity for everyone,” said Secretary of Housing and Economic Development Greg Bialecki. “High-speed Internet is another asset to Central and Western Massachusetts, along with a well-educated workforce, great quality of life, and easy access to Boston and New York City, that makes these parts of the Commonwealth attractive to a wide range of industries.”

“Nothing is more important to our future than making sure our students have the education and skills they need to compete and succeed in a digital world,” said CEO of the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative Pamela Goldberg. “Today, we take the first step in the crucial process of connecting them to that digital world.”

The immediate benefits of providing fiber-optic connectivity to the 1,200 Community Anchor Institutions include:

  • Opportunities to enhance school curriculums.  These opportunities include virtual field trips, access to online content such as videos or podcasts, and the opportunities to learn and use digital technologies such as websites, wikis and blogs.
  • Greater bandwidth in libraries so that they can meet the increasingly digital needs of local residents.  For example, libraries will be able to aid in job searching and training by providing access to job websites and assisting with resume writing and computer skills training.  They can assist businesses by being a video conferencing hub and can teach digital literacy to the elderly and disabled.
  • Improved and enhanced communications by police and fire departments internally, across departments and with the public.  With this new network, police stations across the region will have reliable, fast access to the state Criminal Information database, and be prepared for the next generation 911, which will allow reports to come in via voice, text, email and even videos of an emergency situation.

As part of the network’s launch, a Microsoft Skype demonstration connected students at the Farmington River School with students at a Vive Digital center in Bogota, Colombia and the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center. The Colombian students participated through Vive Digital, Colombia’s comprehensive broadband initiative, with Governor Patrick and members of his Administration met with during his February 2013 trade mission to Colombia.

Governor Patrick and the Legislature created the Massachusetts Broadband Institute at the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative in the Broadband Act of 2008, providing $40 million in state bond funds to start the process of connecting the unconnected in Western Massachusetts. In 2010, $45.4 million in federal stimulus funding was awarded to the Massachusetts Broadband Institute at MassTech through the highly-competitive second round of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration's (NTIA) Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP).

The MassBroadband 123 network has been developed through industry collaborations, including network operator Axia NGNetworks USA, network builder G4S, owner’s project manager Tilson Technologies and internet service provider Crocker Communications who provided Internet connectivity for the event.

“This exciting milestone would not have happened without the support of the Patrick-Murray Administration, the region’s legislative and congressional delegations, the leadership and staff at MassTech and MBI, and terrific industry project partners and community representatives,” said MBI Director Judy Dumont.

"I have fought hard to bring broadband technology to western and central Massachusetts for many years. There is simply no reason why every resident, business and school in the region should not have reliable high speed internet access in 2013. More than one million people will benefit from this important broadband expansion project when it is completed. If we are going to remain competitive in a 21st Century information based economy, high speed internet access will be critical, said Congressman Richard E. Neal.

"Today is the beginning of the end of the digital divide," said State Senator Benjamin Downing. "Five years ago the MBI embraced its mission to bring high speed Internet to the unserved and underserved communities of western Massachusetts and today is delivering real results.  Judy and her team should be congratulated, and I look forward to continuing our partnership as we now turn our attention to building the Last Mile network -- and finally connecting every address in the Commonwealth to the Internet -- together."

As the MassBroadband 123 fiber-optic network begins to connect community anchor institutions, the Massachusetts Broadband Institute is looking forward to developing public-private solutions that bring broadband directly to more homes and businesses in Western Massachusetts. Governor Patrick recently filed bond legislation that contains $40 million in new funding for the Massachusetts Broadband Institute at MassTech.  The funding is designed to leverage additional investment toward developing last-mile solutions that bring broadband connectivity directly to homes and businesses in 45 underserved western and central Massachusetts communities.

About the Massachusetts Broadband Institute

The Massachusetts Broadband Institute at MassTech is working to extend affordable high-speed Internet access to all homes, businesses, schools, libraries, medical facilities, government offices, and other public places across the Commonwealth, allowing all regions to participate more fully in the innovation economy.  MBI also works to promote broadband usage and adoption by our residents and small businesses. Learn more at http://broadband.masstech.org.

About the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative

The Massachusetts Technology Collaborative is a public agency working to keep Massachusetts at the forefront of innovation, for the purpose of generating more high-paying jobs, higher productivity, greater economic growth, and improved social welfare. We enhance economic growth, accelerate technology use and adoption, and harness the value of research by engaging in meaningful collaborations across academia, industry, and government.  From improving our health care systems and expanding high-speed internet across the state to fostering new and emerging sectors, MassTech is driving innovation and supporting a vibrant economy across the Commonwealth.  Learn more at www.masstech.org.                

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MMA ANNOUNCES MOTORCYCLE SOUND WARRANT DEFEATED IN YARMOUTH
02 April 2013
Mma banner
The Massachusetts Motorcycle Association (MMA) announced to its members today that
the ill-advised Anti-Motorcycle Sound Warrant in the Town of Yarmouth was
defeated last night at the Yarmouth Town Meeting.  With strong representation
from the MMA and area Motorcyclists, the town voted overwhelmingly with the Town
Selectmen, Police Chief and Deputy Chief against the ill-advised warrant which
would have seen heavy fines for motorcyclists who don't have OEM exhaust on
their bikes, even if parked.
Although April
Fools' Day is celebrated in many countries with people playing hoaxes on each
other, the Warrant being heard in Yarmouth was no joke.  It seems that every
spring brings out the anti-motorcycle crowd in advance of the riding season.
While normally hailed by local merchants, Motorcyclists are held in disdain by
a vocal few because of the irresponsible actions of an even smaller minority.
In winter, most people have their heavily insulated walls and windows blocking
the sound from outside.  In spring, those windows open to let in the fresh air
and sounds of birds singing.  Those same open windows bring the sounds of lawn
equipment and vehicles interrupting the reserve of the winter's prison.  As the
weather warms, more vehicles, including Motorcycles, find the peace of coastal
communities a haven.  Motorcyclists, especially ride in groups to enjoy the
weather and patronize the local shops who welcome them with open
arms.
In Yarmouth,
there's little exception to the welcoming atmosphere, but as in some other
coastal towns, there are a select few who cringe at the thoughts of Motorcycles
invading their personal solitude.  As in some other towns in prior years,
Yarmouth became the latest test case for the anti-Motorcycle crowd who, buoyed
by the organized "noise" around the country by anti-motorcycle organizations
attempted to portray the EPA Stamp as a panacea for their ill-aimed venom.  In
this case, Town Warrant Article #36 would have imposed a $300 fine on a
Motorcycle if an EPA stamp was not clearly visible, even if parked.
Last Month the
MMA consulted with the Yarmouth Chief of Police and Deputy Chief prior to the
Selectmen's meeting.  At that meeting, the Chief discussed the existing
Massachusetts State Law and the realities of the EPA stamp.
The MMA
is strongly opposed to the use of the OEM EPA Stamp as an enforcement tool
simply because it is a consumer protection mechanism, not meant to be used
against the consumer.  It is also hard to locate on many models  of motorcycle,
hidden under seats on sport bikes, under saddle bags of cruisers, or simply
facing the wrong way for aesthetic reasons.  Most critically, per the very
regulation that entitles it, it expires in one year or 3,729 miles, whichever
comes first!!
Instead, the
MMA continues to hold a firm belief that the existing laws on the books are
sufficient if properly implemented and enforced, specifically that simple test
procedures do exist for muffled exhaust, whether replaced with after-market or
not, with a reasonable sound level.  Given that very few complaints have been
lodged with the Police Department, one questions whether there is a real problem
or not in Yarmouth.  Further, that Education, not Legislation, is key to
changing the behavior of a select few who either remove their mufflers or rev
throttles simply to "sound cool"…
The MMA's "When
in Town, Throttle Down©" (click on the banner on the MMA Website: http://www.MassMotorcycle.org) details the realities of the
current law, the "EPA Stamp" and programs that are designed to work with local
riders and/or Law Enforcement to create awareness of the issue and actual sound
levels.
Armed with the
facts, the Yarmouth Selectmen voted unanimously against the warrant article
which was then heard last night.  Many motorcyclists from Yarmouth and border
towns waited four and a half hours at the Town Meeting for Article 36, which was
the last to be called.   After hearing from two residents supporting the
proposed bylaw and three against, a Town Meeting Member enacted a procedural
motion to suspend additional testimony and “Move the Article” directly to a
vote.   The motion carried, the vote was taken, and the proposal was soundly
defeated with an almost unanimous vote.   It was clear to the committee
that Yarmouth residents did not support the increased burden to motorcycle
riders and the Yarmouth Police Department and that this issue was not worth
the expenditure of additional resources.
The MMA thanks
the many riders who attended last night's Yarmouth Town Meeting, the Selectmen,
Chief, and Deputy Chief for their diligence and support.
For more
information, please contact LegislativeDirector@MassMotorcycle.org or see http://www.MassMotorcycle.org

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The Goodtimers Softball Club of Lexington- The Tommy Cremens Foundation

 

 

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The Goodtimers Softball Club of
Lexington

Will celebrate its 40th
Season to benefit

The Tommy Cremens
Foundation

 

A Night of Dinner, Silent Auction, and
Great Entertainment

Expected Guests Include:

Master of Ceremonies Wayne Soares,
Lenny Clarke, The Tim McHale Band,

Red Sox Legends Bill “Spaceman” Lee,
Jim Rice, Rico Petrocelli,

Steve Burton from WBZ-TV and
others!

 

Friday, May 17, 2013 at 6:30pm

Montvale Plaza

54 Montvale Avenue, Stoneham,
Massachusetts

 

In addition…

 

An Exhibition Softball Game featuring the

Goodtimers and the “Bill Lee
All-Stars”will be played on

Saturday, May 18, 2013 at 1:00pm

The Center Softball Field

Worthen Road, Lexington,
Massachusetts

 

Tickets for dinner ($85) may be purchased on the
team’s website: 

www.goodtimerssoftball.net

Corporate Sponsorships are available as well.

Turn the page to see how you can help!

 

Goodtimers 40th Season Anniversary Fundraising Event
Sponsorship Opportunities

Platinum
($1,500)

  • Full
    Page Advertisement in Program/Silent Auction Book
  • Signage
    at Dinner on May 17 and Exhibition Softball Game on May 18
  • Prime
    Location Dinner and Silent Auction Reservations for a party of
    10
  • Corporate
    link on Goodtimers website

 

Gold
($500)

  • Full
    Page Advertisement in Program/Silent Auction Book
  • Corporate
    link on the Goodtimers website

 

Silver
($250)

  • Half
    Page Advertisement in Program/Silent Auction Book

 

Bronze
($150)

  • Quarter
    Page Advertisement in Program/Silent Auction Book

 

Business
Card Sponsor
($100)

  • Eighth
    Page Advertisement in Program/Silent Auction Book      

 

Personal
Message
($50)

  • Included
    in Program/Silent Auction Book     

 

Name:                   
_____________________________________________________________________

Company:   
_____________________________________________________________________

Phone:         ______________________
Email:
_____________________________________

Check One:  Platinum: □
Gold: □  Silver: □  Bronze: □
Business
Card:□   Personal
Message:□

 

Note:  The Goodtimers Softball Club is not a 501(c)3
organization.

Posted at 09:21 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

| Reblog (0)

Lieutenant Governor Murray Continues with Municipal Cabinet Tour in Western Massachusetts

Second stop in Municipal Cabinet Series engages municipalities; highlights Patrick-Murray Administration’s efforts to promote resources for cities and towns

AGAWAM – Thursday, April 4, 2013 – Lieutenant Governor Timothy Murray today led the second in a series of meetings with the Municipal Affairs Coordinating Cabinet to highlight new and innovative developments in state and local government and promote resources and investments in cities and towns.

Since 2007, Lieutenant Governor Murray has chaired over 30 meetings of the Municipal Affairs Coordinating Cabinet which has led to significant policy initiatives for communities including the Municipal Partnership Act I and II and regionalization incentive programs. This latest series will feature cabinet secretaries highlighting key investments in each region, providing a forum for local officials to discuss the Patrick-Murray Administration’s efforts to create growth and opportunity by building a 21st century education, innovation and transportation network that will support cities and towns today and in the future.

“During our Administration, these cabinet meetings have successfully engaged local officials as we deliver critical resources and services for municipalities,” said Lieutenant Governor Murray.  “Local government is closest to the people, and we will continue to partner with communities to ensure cities and towns have the resources to grow as we invest in the state’s long-term economic development plan.”

Mayor Richard A. Cohen hosted today’s meeting in Agawam, bringing together local officials from across Western Massachusetts. Building on a long record of collaboration with local leaders, Lieutenant Governor Murray launched the series of meetings with the Municipal Affairs Coordinating Cabinet on March 26th in Taunton. The tour will continue with three more meetings over the next two months in Peabody, Marshfield and Buckland.

"We are happy to host the Lieutenant Governor in Agawam for the Municipal Cabinet meeting,” said Mayor Cohen. “We are fortunate to be able to meet and discuss issues important to the western Massachusetts region."

In January, Governor Patrick unveiled a budget proposal that includes new investments in education and transportation, investments that have proven to create new jobs and economic opportunities. The Governor’s plan includes a $1 billion annual investment in the Commonwealth’s transportation system to maintain the transportation assets we have today and launch a number of high-impact transportation projects across Massachusetts that, if built, will create thousands of jobs and spur economic development across the Commonwealth. The plan also includes a $550 million investment in education, reaching $1 billion over four years, to expand access to high quality educational opportunities and make higher education more affordable for all students in Massachusetts.

“Through targeted and fiscally responsible investments we can improve our infrastructure, provide educational opportunity across the Commonwealth and support the continued growth of our innovation economy,” said Secretary of Administration and Finance Glen Shor. “I look forward to speaking with our stakeholders in municipal government about the Patrick-Murray Administration’s efforts to foster new economic activity across the state.”

“A safe, reliable transportation system is vital for the residents and businesses of the Commonwealth, and we are making targeted investments in every region to help ensure that our economy is strong,” said Richard A. Davey, Secretary and CEO, MassDOT. “I look forward to sharing ideas about targeted transportation investments in this forum and working together so that our communities have the service they need.”

“This opportunity to speak directly with residents of the Commonwealth is one I’m especially looking forward to,” said Secretary of Education Matthew Malone. “We have presented a bold plan aimed at increasing access to quality programs for students entering pre-kindergarten all the way through college. These cabinet meetings will help our neighbors across Massachusetts get a better understanding of our plan and the possibilities it presents.”

In addition to the first meeting held on March 26th in Taunton hosted by Mayor Hoye, the schedule includes the following meetings:

AGAWAM (Hosted by Mayor Richard Cohen)

Thursday, April 4th at 11:30am – Agawam Public Library, 750 Cooper St.

PEABODY (Hosted by Mayor Ted Bettencourt)

Tuesday, April 23rd at 10:00am – Peabody City Hall, 24 Lowell St.

MARSHFIELD (Hosted by Town Administrator Rocco Longo)

Thursday, April 25th at 11:30am – Marshfield Town Hall, 870 Moraine Street

BUCKLAND (Hosted by Bob Dean, Chairman of the Board of Selectman)

Thursday, May 23rd at 2:00pm – Town Hall, 17 State Street, Shelburne Falls

These public meetings will engage municipal managers, local planners and residents interested in discussing regionalizing local services and other policy to strengthen the partnership between governments. To learn more about the Municipal Affairs Coordinating Cabinet or for additional information or updates on these meetings, visit www.mass.gov/governor/municabinet. For more information on the Governor’s investment plan, visit www.mass.gov/governor/choosegrowth

Apr 7, 2013 2:31:06 PM

04/03/2013

Winchester Recreation and Community Education



3/31

4/11-4/18



ADULTS



Tap
Dance For Beginners
This course is perfect for adults who have
always wanted to learn to tap dance but never had the chance. You will learn the
basics elements of tap dancing, combining rhythms, and patterns to form simple
combinations and steps. Have fun while learning different styles and techniques.
The seven-session class begins Tuesday, April 30, 6-7 pm at the Town Hall
Auditorium.

Tap Dance for the
Experienced
A little exercise, and lot of fun. Move up to the
next level of tap. In a friendly, supportive atmosphere increase your repertoire
of patterns and combination of steps while dancing to great music. The
seven-session class begins Tuesday, April 30, 7-8 pm at the Town Hall
Auditorium.


Art Of Drawing
What You See
Review and build on basic drawing skills of shape,
value, form, perspective, texture, proportion, and composition. Explore new
subject matter as you further develop observation skills and ability to see with
an “artist’s eye.” Opportunity to select your own subject matter, and receive
individualized instruction. Please bring and 18” x 24” newsprint pad of paper,
soft vine charcoal, kneaded grey eraser, and a small rag.
Open
to all skill levels.  The five-session class begins Tuesday, April 23,  (4/30,
5/28. 6/4. 6/11) 10 am-noon at the Recreation
Dept.

Beginner’s Guide To Adobe Photoshop
Elements 11
This course will introduce new users to the features
of Elements you’ll want to explore and master first. We’ll take a look at
Elements’ organizing capabilities to help put some structure around your many
photos. We’ll learn Elements’ selection tools and introduce the concepts of
editing in layers, getting rid of unwanted elements, adjusting brightness and
contrast, changing the color, and the strategic use of masks to apply effects to
only those parts of your photos needing adjustments. You’ll also leave class
with a couple ideas and templates for building your own storyboards and album
pages.

You are welcome to bring laptops with
Elements 11 already installed. However, If you will be bringing a laptop to
class, we ask that you be comfortable in its basic operations, including: how to
start up the software, how to navigate and copy practice files to the
appropriate folder, and how to use your mouse or track pad. The six-session
class begins Monday, Apr. 22, 6:15–8:15pm, at
Winchester High
School.

Introduction to  Whole Body
Vibration
Jump start your weight loss with the breakthrough new
therapy: Whole Body Vibration (WBV). Used at exclusive health spas and weight
loss clinics around the world, WBV provides an hour’s worth of conventional
exercise in just 10 minutes, increasing metabolism, bone density and muscle
strength, while also
providing many other benefits, and it
feels great too. In this class, you will have the opportunity to use WBV each
week, while also learning about the latest and most effective natural health
diets and approaches. (Some acute health issues are not compatible with WBV.  If
you have migraines, epilepsy, vertigo, acute herniated disks, or any other acute
health issue please call class instructor Becky at 781-879-9857)

. The six-session class begins Thursday, May 2, 7-8:30 pm, at
Winchester High School.

BodyFX 60-Day FX
Challenge
Experienced athletes, former athletes as well as those
of you aspiring to bring your fitness level to a new dimension will see amazing
results with the 60-Day FX Challenge.   You will learn proper form in an
ultimate cross training
format that will help you transform
your body, improve your strength, power and endurance beyond what you thought
possible.

The instructors thrive on bringing
fresh exciting training techniques to this program including kettle bells,
medicine balls, TRX suspension training and more with an

emphasis on the three F’s of fitness: Form, Function and Fun!!


The 60-Day FX Challenge also and most
importantly includes a nutrition program that encourages participants to “eat
outside the box.” The challenge consists of 2 sessions a week as well as weekly
support emails. There will be 15 total sessions, which include a kickoff
meeting, midpoint benchmark, and a nutrition information session.  The
15-session class begins Tuesday, Apr. 24, 6:30- 7:30 pm at the Recreation
Dept.



Dreams
& Interpretation
Symbolism, the language of our dreams, has
been relied upon for centuries for guidance, clarity and decision-making. Some
indigenous societies believe the dream world is more important than the
concrete. Spiritual Teacher/Clairvoyant Medium, Jenny Lynn Metevia, M.Ed. (as
heard on WBZ Radio) will lecture on the subject of dreams, taking questions from
the audience. Jenny will discuss the five types of dreams; how you can begin to
learn the language that is being created just for you, and how to better
remember your dreams. Jenny is a frequent guest of WBZ News Radio’s Jordan Rich
Show. Lecture/Q&A. You are invited to visit her website: www.jennymetevia.com or call 774.276.0442
for further info. The one-session class is held Tuesday, May 7, 7-8:45 pm, at
Winchester High
School.



Chinatown
Excursion 

Join Master Chef and cookbook
author, Rose Lee, while she guides you to the delights of Chinese culture and
foods. Visit Asian markets, Chinese bakeries, favorite restaurants, arts and
gift shops, and Chinatown’s oldest herbal shop to meet the herbalists and learn
about some of their products. Also learn about Chinatown’s exotic fruits and
vegetables and how to prepare them.

Enjoy
samples of Chinese pastries and Chinatown’s best BBQ. Taste the area’s best
Steamed Dumplings from a famous dumpling house and learn how to make them. And
find a wholesale Noodle company that sells Asian noodles, dumplings and
wrappers. Learn about the many varieties of Chinese teas and how to make Kung-Fu
tea.

The tour will culminate in a sit-down
lunch at a favorite restaurant (The meal cost is not included in your
registration fee. Participants share the costs, payable at the restaurant.)


This is a walking tour. Wear comfortable
shoes. Chinatown is near South Station and Orange/Green Line T stops. Public
transportation is recommended but parking garages are available. Directions and
meeting place will be EMAILED upon registration.  This one-day class is held
Sunday, May 5, 10 am – 2
pm.



Youth

Fish
On!

Join the Winchester Recreation Department
on Saturday mornings for some fishing fun! In this program we’ll teach you the
basics of fishing including: fishing rod and reel set up, knot tying, lure
choice as well as choosing how and where to cast. If you have experience fishing
we can help you learn more advanced techniques to catch the fish of your dreams!
Bait will be provided. While we don’t guarantee that you’ll catch a fish, we do
guarantee you’ll have fun! The six-session program for Gr, K-2 begins Saturday,
April 27, 9-10 am at Wedge Pond. The program for Gr. 3-5 begins Saturday, April
27, 10:15-11:15 am at Wedge Pond. Participants must bring their own fishing
rod.


After-School Street
Soccer
MC Falcons and the Winchester Recreation Program will
offer
“pick up” soccer for Vinson Owen, Parkhurst, Muraco and
Ambrose Elementary Schools in Winchester. Middlesex County Falcons coaches will
manage the games.
The games/scrimmages will be held for K–2 and
3–5 for an afternoon of fun and player development. Teams will be assembled each
week based on players in attendance. Please have your child meet their coach in
the school office directly after school. Please pick your child up from the
school field at the designated time. The seven-session program begins Monday,
Apr. 22, at Monaco, and Friday, April 26, at V.O./Parkhurst, at 2:45-3:55
pm/

Hangin Hip Hop
Hip Hop
Hustle™ If you love to dance…We funk-da-fy simple to follow, easy to learn dance
steps that allow you to really get healthy while having a great time! This
workout feels more like a fun night
with friends than exercise!
No dance experience required!
The six-session program for Gr.
K-5 begins Tuesday, April 23, 3-4 pm at
V.O./Parkhurst.



Chess
Wizards

It is proven that chess enhances
cognitive development in children, improves both verbal and mathematical skills,
and increases all levels of academic performance! Playing chess stimulates the
mind and helps children strengthen skills such as focusing, visualizing goals,
abstract thinking, and forming concrete opinions. Let your child be part of a
successful chess academy. The eight-session program for Gr. 1-5 begins Tuesday,
April 23, 3-4 pm, Recreation Dept., or Thursday, April 25, 3:30-4:30 pm at
V.O./Parkhurst.




Art
Studio

This program will offer children the
fundamentals of drawing, painting, and sculpting. Drawing, students will explore
the role of line, shape, and tonal values in an environment that encourages
student’s personal creativity. Painting will address the technical and
expressive possibilities of painting with the unpredictable and uncontrollable
nature of watercolor. Sculpting will provide an opportunity for children to
think three dimensionally connecting ideas to expression. Materials included.
The seven-session program for ages 6-12 is held 3:30-5pm, beginning Monday, Apr.
22, Tuesday, Apr. 23, or Wednesday, Apr. 24, at the Recreation
Dept.





Fit-4-Fun

Fit-4-Fun
will teach your child that Fun
and Fitness can be one in the
same. It’s a noncompetitive, positive, and exciting experience that promises to
leave your kid wanting to jog back for more! Fit for Fun combines fun and games
with lessons on healthy eating. It also has an additional goal of building a
positive self-image and bolstering your child’s confidence through enthusiastic
accolades with each positive step made. Additionally, at the end of each
program, a 10–15 minute stretching/ yoga practice will give your student a
chance
to unwind, relax, and reflect. Be active,

be healthy, be fit for fun! The eight-session program for ages
6-12 begins Wednesday, April 24, 2:40-4:15 pm, at
V.O./Parkhurst.



T-Ball

When
springtime comes, baseball is just around the corner. This fun program is for
children in Grades K and 1. Coaches will teach the basics of catching, throwing,

batting, running the bases and playing the field for the first
half of the class and will divide into teams to play a fun game during the
second half of the class. Children must supply their own glove and filled water
bottle. Please label all equipment. Choose one of the sections listed below. We
cancel the class in inclement weather and reschedule it at the end of the
program. If skies look threatening, you can call the Recreation Dept. at

781-721-7125 after 12 pm to ascertain whether the program is
on. There are a limited number of spaces for each session, so please register
early and have alternative sections in mind. The five-session class for Gr. K-1
is held either Monday or Wednesday, beginning the week of April 22 3:15-4 pm and
4:15-5 pm at Mullen
Field.



Soccer
Juniors

Spring soccer is a kick! This program
is designed to help improve the skills of boys and girls alike in a safe, fun
and educational environment. Play Soccer will help develop skills through a
series of games, drills and scrimmages. Participants must bring shin guards and
a filled water bottle to each session. Please label your child’s equipment.
Choose one of the sections listed below. We cancel the class in inclement
weather and reschedule it at the end of the program. If skies look threatening,
you can call the Recreation Dept. at (781) 721-7125 after 1 pm to ascertain
whether the program is running that day. There are a limited number of spaces
for each session, so please register early and have alternative sections in
mind. The five-session class for Gr. K-1 is held Tuesday, Apr. 23, 3:15-4 pm and
4:15-5 pm at Mullen
Field.





“There
is Science everywhere!”
Join the Mad Science hands-on science
fun.  We’re crazy about science . . . and hope you are too! In this program,
we’ll have a blast exploring science and how it affects the world around us.
There will be exciting hands-on activities, spectacular demonstrations,
inquiry-based discussions, and amazing projects to make and take home. We’ll
explore the world’s most abundant animals—bugs; investigate the powerful
processes that shape the Earth and form rocks, minerals and gems: try out
different types of simple machines and discover how hurricanes, tornadoes and
thunderstorms develop and how powerful they can be! We’ll also learn first hand
how advances in science and technology are behind our favorite movie special
effects; explore the energy of motion and how energy can be conserved; get our
left and right brains working together and discover the links between science
and art; and examine and investigate what life is like under the sea. The
eight-session program for Gr. 1-4 begins Wednesday, April 24, 3-4 pm, at Ambrose
School.

Bricks 4 Kidz
Lab

The Bricks 4 Kidz Lab is a hands-on class
where children explore Science, Technology, Engineering and Math concepts using
LEGO® bricks. For 1 hour each week, children will build a model based on
exciting themes like Space Exploration, Laws of Motion, Sports and Animals. Each
class is structured and designed to stimulate the mind and help reinforce
problem solving and collaboration.  Oh, and by the way, they will have fun
too!

This is a hands-on class where students
will design and build sailboats, catapults, lunar modules, spiders, cyclone
models and other constructions out of LEGO® bricks. 
We have
over 80 models available so this program can run continuously for a year

and more. Instructional content includes concepts of friction,
gravity, gears, axles, force, energy, and vocabulary that include exoskeleton,
amphibian, epicenter, orbit
and others. The six-session program
for Gr. K-5 begins Monday, April 22, 3-4 pm, at V.O./Parkhurst or Friday, April
26, 3:30-4:30 pm, at the Recreation
Dept.

PRESCHOOL

Kick
& Play
Kick & Play is a caregiver-child pre-soccer and
movement program for toddlers, ages
12 to 24 months.
Experienced early childhood instructors along with our puppet friends, Mimi and
Pepe, take children and caregivers through a world of exciting physical
activity. Individualized attention, positive reinforcement and engaging original
music help develop pre-soccer skills that have toddlers balancing, running,
kicking and playing—all while having a blast! The nine-session class begins
Wednesday, April 24, 9-9:40 at the Recreation Dept. for ages 12-24
months.



Super
Soccer Stars
Get the ball rolling for ages 2 and up with Super
Soccer Stars in Winchester! Super Soccer Stars is quickly becoming the most
popular children’s soccer program in Boston. Dynamic, trained coaches work with
every student to develop skills, self-confidence, and teamwork in a fun,
non-competitive environment. Positive reinforcement and an extremely low
child-to-coach ratio ensure that each child will improve his or her soccer
skills through engaging warm-ups, drills, and games — all while having endless
fun! Each child receives a free t-shirt on the first day of class. The
nine-session class begins Saturday, April 20. See our brochure or winrec.com for the many
classes and times
available.



T-Ball

When
springtime comes, baseball is just around the corner. This fun program is for
children in Grades K and 1. Coaches will teach the basics of catching, throwing,

batting, running the bases and playing the field for the first
half of the class and will divide into teams to play a fun game during the
second half of the class. Children must supply their own glove and filled water
bottle. Please label all equipment. Choose one of the sections listed below. We
cancel the class in inclement weather and reschedule it at the end of the
program. If skies look threatening, you can call the Recreation Dept. at

781-721-7125 after 12 pm to ascertain whether the program is
on. There are a limited number of spaces for each session, so please register
early and have alternative sections in mind. The five-session class for ages
4&5 not in K begins Monday, April 22 at Mullen Field. See our brochure or winrec.com for the many
classes and times
available.



Soccer
Tots
This program is ideal for the youngest of players. It is a
non-competitive introduction to soccer through simple skills and fun games.
Participants will learn to interact with one another and hopefully encourage
them to play again and again. Please bring shin guards and a filled water
bottle. If skies look threatening, you can call the Recreation Dept. at
781-721-7125 after 1 pm to ascertain whether the program is running that day.
There are a limited number of spaces for each session, so please register early
and have alternative sections in mind. The five-session class for ages 4&5
begins Tuesday, April 23 at Mullen Field. See our brochure or winrec.com for the many
classes and times
available.


Visit wwwrec.com for further
information.

E. Ashley
Rooney
20 Hancock Street
Lexington, MA
02420
781-861-9511


Apr 3, 2013 10:07:08 AM

03/25/2013

Winchester Recreation and Community Education



3/24

4/4-4/11



APRIL
VACATION!

What will your children be
doing?

Vacation
Club

Choose all four days or just one. School
is out for the Spring break, so what do you have planned for your kids? Join the
Winchester Recreation and Community Education for four days of supervised fun
and games, arts and crafts and special projects. We have a different theme for
each day. Some days may also include a special performer. This program is open
to students, K–Gr. 5. The Winchester Kid Care staff will supervise the children.
The student-teacher ratio will be 13:1. Space is limited, so register early!
Participants are responsible for bringing a snack and lunch daily. Please no
peanut or nut products. Busy parents can choose all four days or any day as
needed. Some activities may be off-site. The program runs Tuesday Apr. 16- Fri,
Apr.19, 8 am-5 pm, at the Recreation Dept.
      



Star
Wars Lego Playland

This 3-hour program will be
centered everything Star Wars Lego!! Maybe you will build a Star Wars Space
Craft, a Droid Factory, a Jedi Training Arena, etc.… the possibilities are
endless!!! The Legos stay with us, but the experience is yours forever! Each
child will go home with a framed picture of themselves and what they create as
well as a creative hands-on project they will make during the workshop. Please
send your child with a nut-free snack and drink. This program for ages 5-10 is
held Friday, Apr. 19, 1–4 pm, at the Recreation Dept.
   



American
Girl Doll
Create & Play Theme: Slumber
Party

Join the team from Event-FULL! LCC and
bring your special friend (does not have to be an American Girl Doll—feel free
to bring a favorite stuffed animal if you choose) to this workshop for several
hours that you will both enjoy. You will creatively design items for your doll
so she will be ready for her next sleepover!! You will make a sleeping bag,
pillow, doll play food and more!! What you make and take home will lead to hours
and hours of continued play and enjoyment. Please send your child with a
nut-free snack and drink. The program for ages 5-10 is held Friday, April 19,
1-4 pm, Recreation
Dept.



Junior
Golf

The Barrie Bruce Golf School is proud to
offer this popular program for juniors ages 7–14. These classes are designed to
teach the fundamentals of golf in a fun but safe and nurturing environment. Our
qualified instructors will assist your child in a series of five, 90-minute
lessons dealing with safety, the address position, the swing, irons, woods, the
short game, and golf etiquette. These classes are for beginners and those who
are in the process of developing better golf skills. The five-session class for
ages 6-15 is held the week of Apr. 15-20, 10-11:30 or 2–3:30 pm, at the
Billerica Country Club.

Pre-School Vacation
Club

Pre-School is out for the spring break,
so what do you have planned for your kids? Join the Winchester Recreation
Department for four days of supervised fun and games, arts and crafts, and
special projects. We have different themes for each day and some days may
include a special performer. This fun filled program is open to children ages
2.9–5 not in Kindergarten. The Winchester Recreation Staff supervise the
children. Student to teacher ratio is 8 to 1. Space is limited, please register
early! Participants are responsible for bringing a lunch, drink and snacks
daily. PLEASE NO PEANUT OR NUT PRODUCTS. Children must be toilet trained. Busy
parents can chose all four days or any day needed. Some activities may be
off-site. Time: 8:30 am–2 pm from Tuesday Apr. 16-Apr.
19.


ADULTS

Yoga
Flow
This moderately paced yoga class encourages students to
flow from pose to pose with meditative awareness and attention to alignment and
breathing. Class may include active and physically challenging poses as well as
more passive, longer holds. Students are continually encouraged to explore their
inner flow and turn within for guidance—on and off the mat. Suited for beginners
as well as more experienced students. The 10-session class begins Tuesday, Apr.
23, 6:15-7:30 pm, at the Recreation
Dept.


BodyFX 60-Day FX
Challenge
Experienced athletes, former athletes as well as those
of you aspiring to bring your fitness level to a new dimension will see amazing
results with the 60-Day FX Challenge.   You will learn proper form in an
ultimate cross training
format that will help you transform
your body, improve your strength, power and endurance beyond what you thought
possible.

The instructors thrive on bringing
fresh exciting training techniques to this program including kettle bells,
medicine balls, TRX suspension training and more with an

emphasis on the three F’s of fitness: Form, Function and Fun!!


The 60-Day FX Challenge also and most
importantly includes a nutrition program that encourages participants to “eat
outside the box.” The challenge consists of 2 sessions a week as well as weekly
support emails. There will be 15 total sessions, which include a kickoff
meeting, midpoint benchmark, and a nutrition information session.  The
15-session class begins Tuesday, Apr. 23, 6:30- 7:30 pm at the Recreation
Dept.

Tap Dance For
Beginners
This course is perfect for adults who have always
wanted to learn to tap dance but never had the chance. You will learn the basics
elements of tap dancing, combining rhythms, and patterns to form simple
combinations and steps. Have fun while learning different styles and techniques.
The seven-session class begins Tuesday, April 30, 6-7 pm at the Town Hall
Auditorium.

Tap Dance for the
Experienced
A little exercise, and lot of fun. Move up to the
next level of tap. In a friendly, supportive atmosphere increase your repertoire
of patterns and combination of steps while dancing to great music. The
seven-session class begins Tuesday, April 30, 7-8 pm at the Town Hall
Auditorium.



Introduction
To Whole Body Vibration:
A Breakthrough in Natural
Health

Whole Body Vibration is exploding in
popularity around the world because of its awesome ability to enhance health and
wellbeing. Originally developed for Olympic athletes, ten minutes of WBV gives
you the benefits of 1 hour of conventional weight training. Learn how you can
lose weight and increase bone density, muscle strength, balance, coordination
and flexibility in just a few short minutes per day. WBV is also an
antidepressant, has powerful anti-aging effects is used for physical therapy and
works like an acupuncture treatment balancing and unblocking energy meridians
and charkas. In this class people will be able to experience WBV themselves and
explore how this new breakthrough technology might help them. The one-session
class is held Thursday, Apr. 25, 7-9 pm, at Winchester High
School.



Tap
Dance For Beginners
This course is perfect for adults who have
always wanted to learn to tap dance but never had the chance. You will learn the
basics elements of tap dancing, combining rhythms, and patterns to form simple
combinations and steps. Have fun while learning different styles and techniques.
The seven-session class begins Tuesday, April 30, 6-7 pm at the Town Hall
Auditorium.

Tap Dance for the
Experienced
A little exercise, and lot of fun. Move up to the
next level of tap. In a friendly, supportive atmosphere increase your repertoire
of patterns and combination of steps while dancing to great music. The
seven-session class begins Tuesday, April 30, 7-8 pm at the Town Hall
Auditorium.



Online
Computer Classes — Education 2 Go

Do you want
to learn new skills but don’t have the time? Now you can pick up valuable new
skills right at home. Our instructor-facilitated online courses are informative,
fun, convenient, and highly interactive. Our instructors are famous for their
ability to create warm and supportive communities of learners. It’s no wonder
that many long-lasting friendships have formed in our lively and intelligent
discussion areas.  All courses run for six weeks (with a two-week grace period
at the end). Courses are project-oriented and include lessons, quizzes, hands-on
assignments, discussion areas, supplementary links, and more. You can complete
any of these courses entirely from your home or office and at any time of the
day or night. Upon completion of the course, you can download a certificate of
completion. For further information go to www.winrec.com and review all the many classes
offered.



Making
Money With Your Voice
Have you ever been told that you have a
great voice? This exciting class will explore numerous aspects of voice over
work for television, film, radio, audio books, documentaries and the Internet in
your area. We will cover all the basics, including how to prepare the
all-important demo, how to be successful and earn great income in this exciting
field. Students will have the opportunity to ask questions and to hear examples
of demos recorded by professional voice actors. Class participants will even
have a chance to record a commercial script under the direction of our Voicecoaches.com producer! This class is
informative, lots of fun, and a great first step for anyone interested in voice
acting professionally. Space is limited, and registration closes

one week prior to class, so register early. The class is held
Wednesday, May 8, 6:30-9 pm, at Winchester High
School.

PRESCHOOL

Kick
& Play
Kick & Play is a caregiver-child pre-soccer and
movement program for toddlers, ages
12 to 24 months.
Experienced early childhood instructors along with our puppet friends, Mimi and
Pepe, take children and caregivers through a world of exciting physical
activity. Individualized attention, positive reinforcement and engaging original
music help develop pre-soccer skills that have toddlers balancing, running,
kicking and playing—all while having a blast! The nine-session class begins
Wednesday, April 24, 9-9:40 at the Recreation Dept. for ages 12-24
months.



Super
Soccer Stars
Get the ball rolling for ages 2 and up with Super
Soccer Stars in Winchester! Super Soccer Stars is quickly becoming the most
popular children’s soccer program in Boston. Dynamic, trained coaches work with
every student to develop skills, self-confidence, and teamwork in a fun,
non-competitive environment. Positive reinforcement and an extremely low
child-to-coach ratio ensure that each child will improve his or her soccer
skills through engaging warm-ups, drills, and games — all while having endless
fun! Each child receives a free t-shirt on the first day of class. The
nine-session class begins Saturday, April 20. See our brochure or winrec.com for the many
classes and times
available.



T-Ball

When
springtime comes, baseball is just around the corner. This fun program is for
children in Grades K and 1. Coaches will teach the basics of catching, throwing,

batting, running the bases and playing the field for the first
half of the class and will divide into teams to play a fun game during the
second half of the class. Children must supply their own glove and filled water
bottle. Please label all equipment. Choose one of the sections listed below. We
cancel the class in inclement weather and reschedule it at the end of the
program. If skies look threatening, you can call the Recreation Dept. at

781-721-7125 after 12 pm to ascertain whether the program is
on. There are a limited number of spaces for each session, so please register
early and have alternative sections in mind. The five-session class for ages
4&5 not in K begins Monday, April 22 at Mullen Field. See our brochure or winrec.com for the many
classes and times
available.



Soccer
Tots
This program is ideal for the youngest of players. It is a
non-competitive introduction to soccer through simple skills and fun games.
Participants will learn to interact with one another and hopefully encourage
them to play again and again. Please bring shin guards and a filled water
bottle. If skies look threatening, you can call the Recreation Dept. at
781-721-7125 after 1 pm to ascertain whether the program is running that day.
There are a limited number of spaces for each session, so please register early
and have alternative sections in mind. The five-session class for ages 4&5
begins Tuesday, April 23 at Mullen Field. See our brochure or winrec.com for the many
classes and times available.

Kick & Play

Kick & Play is a caregiver-child pre-soccer and movement
program for toddlers, ages
12 to 24 months. Experienced early
childhood instructors along with our puppet friends, Mimi and Pepe, take
children and caregivers through a world of exciting physical activity.
Individualized attention, positive reinforcement and engaging original music
help develop pre-soccer skills that have toddlers balancing, running, kicking
and playing—all while having a blast! The nine-session class begins Wednesday,
April 24, 9-9:40 at the Recreation Dept. for ages 12-24
months.

Elementary



There
is Science everywhere!”
Join the Mad Science hands-on science
fun.  We’re crazy about science . . . and hope you are too! In this program,
we’ll have a blast exploring science and how it affects the world around us.
There will be exciting hands-on activities, spectacular demonstrations,
inquiry-based discussions, and amazing projects to make and take home. We’ll
explore the world’s most abundant animals—bugs; investigate the powerful
processes that shape the Earth and form rocks, minerals and gems: try out
different types of simple machines  and discover how hurricanes, tornadoes and
thunderstorms develop and how powerful they can be! We’ll also learn first hand
how advances in science and technology are behind our favorite movie special
effects; explore the energy of motion and how energy can be conserved; get our
left and right brains working together and discover the links between science
and art; and examine and investigate what life is like under the sea. The
eight-session program for Gr. 1-4 begins Wednesday, April 24, 3-4 pm, at Ambrose
School.

Bricks 4 Kidz
Lab

The Bricks 4 Kidz Lab is a hands-on class
where children explore Science, Technology, Engineering and Math concepts using
LEGO® bricks. For 1 hour each week, children will build a model based on
exciting themes like Space Exploration, Laws of Motion, Sports and Animals. Each
class is structured and designed to stimulate the mind and help reinforce
problem solving and collaboration.  Oh, and by the way, they will have fun
too!

This is a hands-on class where students
will design and build sailboats, catapults, lunar modules, spiders, cyclone
models and other constructions out of LEGO® bricks. 
We have
over 80 models available so this program can run continuously for a year

and more. Instructional content includes concepts of friction,
gravity, gears, axles, force, energy, and vocabulary that include exoskeleton,
amphibian, epicenter, orbit
and others. The six-session program
for Gr. K-5 begins Monday, April 22, 3-4 pm, at V.O./Parkhurst or Friday, April
26, 3:30-4:30 pm, at the Recreation
Dept.



After-School
Street Soccer
MC Falcons and the Winchester Recreation Program
will offer
“pick up” soccer for Vinson Owen, Parkhurst, Muraco
and Ambrose Elementary Schools in Winchester. Middlesex County Falcons' coaches
will run and monitor the games.
The games/scrimmages will be
held for K–2 and 3–5 for an afternoon of fun and player development. Teams will
be assembled each week based on players in attendance. Please have your child
meet their coach in the school office directly after school. Please pick your
child up from the school field at the designated time. The seven-session program
begins Monday, Apr. 22, at Monaco, and Friday, April 26, at V.O./Parkhurst, at
2:45-3:55 pm.

Hangin Hip
Hop
Hip Hop Hustle™ If you love to dance…We funk-da-fy simple to
follow, easy to learn dance steps that allow you to really get healthy while
having a great time! This workout feels more like a fun night

with friends than exercise! No dance experience required!

The six-session program for Gr. K-5 begins Tuesday, April 23,
3-4 pm at V.O./Parkhurst.

Chess
Wizards

It is proven that chess enhances
cognitive development in children, improves both verbal and mathematical skills,
and increases all levels of academic performance! Playing chess stimulates the
mind and helps children strengthen skills such as focusing, visualizing goals,
abstract thinking, and forming concrete opinions. Let your child be part of a
successful chess academy. The eight-session program for Gr. 1-5 begins Tuesday,
April 23, 3-4 pm, Recreation Dept., or Thursday, April 25, 3:30-4:30 pm at
V.O./Parkhurst.




Art
Studio

This program will offer children the
fundamentals of drawing, painting, and sculpting. Drawing, students will explore
the role of line, shape, and tonal values in an environment that encourages
student’s personal creativity. Painting will address the technical and
expressive possibilities of painting with the unpredictable and uncontrollable
nature of watercolor. Sculpting will provide an opportunity for children to
think three dimensionally connecting ideas to expression. Materials included.
The seven-session program for ages 6-12 is held 3:30-5pm, beginning Monday, Apr.
22, Tuesday, Apr. 23, or Wednesday, Apr. 24, at the Recreation
Dept.





Fit-4-Fun

Fit-4-Fun
will teach your child that Fun
and Fitness can be one in the
same. It’s a noncompetitive, positive, and exciting experience that promises to
leave your kid wanting to jog back for more! Fit for Fun combines fun and games
with lessons on healthy eating. It also has an additional goal of building a
positive self-image and bolstering your child’s confidence through enthusiastic
accolades with each positive step made. Additionally, at the end of each
program, a 10–15 minute stretching/ yoga practice will give your student a
chance
to unwind, relax, and reflect. Be active,

be healthy, be fit for fun! The eight-session program for ages
6-12 begins Wednesday, April 24, 2:40-4:15 pm, at
V.O./Parkhurst.



Fish
On!

Join the Winchester Recreation Department
on Saturday mornings for some fishing fun! In this program we’ll teach you the
basics of fishing including: fishing rod and reel set up, knot tying, lure
choice as well as choosing how and where to cast. If you have experience fishing
we can help you learn more advanced techniques to catch the fish of your dreams!
Bait will be provided. While we don’t guarantee that you’ll catch a fish, we do
guarantee you’ll have fun! The six-session program for Gr, K-2 begins Saturday,
April 27, 9-10 am at Wedge Pond. The program for Gr. 3-5 begins Saturday, April
27, 10:15-11:15 am at Wedge Pond. Participants must bring their own fishing
rod.


Call 781-721-7125 for
more info or www.winrec.com. 24 hours
registration



E.
Ashley Rooney
20 Hancock Street
Lexington, MA
02420
781-861-9511


=
Mar 25, 2013 8:27:08 PM

 

CONGRESSMAN
STEPHEN F. LYNCH SUPPORTS EFFORTS TO ADDRESS VA BACKLOG, CALLS FOR FUTURE
FUNDING OF VA, END TO SEQUESTRATION CUTS TO VETERAN SERVICES

Steve Lynch head shot

Boston –
Congressman Stephen F. Lynch (D-MA), a candidate for U.S. Senate,
today called
on his colleagues in Congress to help the Veterans
Administration address its
backlog, fund planned VA hospital expansions in
West Roxbury and Brockton, and
end the sequestration cuts that have impacted
services for veterans.

 

Speaking in
advance of the 10th Anniversary of the War in Iraq,
Congressman
Lynch noted rougly 2.5 million American soldiers have been
deployed to Iraq,
Afghanistan, or both since 2001.

 

Continue
reading "CONGRESSMAN STEPHEN F. LYNCH SUPPORTS EFFORTS TO ADDRESS VA BACKLOG,
CALLS FOR FUTURE FUNDING OF VA, END TO SEQUESTRATION CUTS TO VETERAN SERVICES"
»

 

_______________________________________________

 

Lynch campaign to open Dorchester, Mattapan & Roxbury regional office Saturday

 

Steve lynch Photo by Washington Post
Photo by Washington Post

 

The Lynch for Senate campaign will hold a ‘Day of Action’ in Dorchester, Mattapan, and Roxbury on Saturday March 23, at 10:00 a.m.
The day will begin with canvassing.  At 12:30 p.m., Congressman Lynch will join volunteers to officially open the regional office in Dorchester.

 

Who:     Congressman Stephen F. Lynch,

campaign staffers & volunteers

What:    Dorchester, Mattapan & Roxbury ‘Day

of Action,' regional field office opening, cookout

When:   Saturday,

March 23

10:00 a.m. canvas

12:30 p.m. office opening and

cookout

Where: Lynch for Senate Regional Field Office, 618 Blue Hill
Ave,
Dorchester                           

 

For questions, please contact Regional Director

Jerome Frazier at 857-247-8205 or Jerome@stephenflynch.com

 

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GOVERNOR PATRICK MEETS WITH COLOMBIAN START-UPS AND GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVES TO FURTHER MASSACHUSETTS-COLOMBIA PARTNERSHIPS

iNNpulsa Colombia
Governor Patrick meets with several Colombian start-up companies and representatives from iNNpulsa Colombia in the Governor's Office to discuss Massachusetts-Colombia partnership opportunities. (Photo credit: Juan Cooper / iNNpulsa Colombia)

BOSTON – Friday, March 22, 2013 – Governor Deval Patrick today met with several representatives from Colombian start-up companies, a follow-up to the Governor’s February trade mission to Colombia where he met with Catalina Ortiz, President of iNNpulsa Colombia, to discuss ways in which Massachusetts and Colombia can partner in the innovation economy sectors.

Following their tour of the Cambridge Innovation Center, Beatriz Daza, General Manager of iNNpulsa Colombia and representatives from 10 start-up companies in Colombia sat down with the Governor to further the growing relationship between these two countries and reinforce the Governor’s commitment to working with iNNpulsa moving forward.

As part of the Massachusetts-Colombia Innovation Partnership Mission, Governor Patrick and President of the Republic of Colombia Juan Manuel Santos signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to formalize collaboration between Massachusetts and Colombia in the areas of science, technology and innovation, including in the life sciences, digital technology and clean energy industries. Last year, the United States signed a free trade agreement with Colombia, opening up an estimated $1.1 billion market for U.S. exports.

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THE
BOSTON NATIONAL POETRY MONTH FESTIVAL April 5-7 2013

                 
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0uBAutGXmnQ/UTxYcjGSenI/AAAAAAAAIzY/EC-NRuAus7M/s1600/the-boston-national-poetry-month-festival-S.jpg
              
THE BOSTON
NATIONAL POETRY MONTH FESTIVAL
Now In Its
Successful THIRTEENTH!!! Year
CO-SPONSORS:
Tapestry of Voices & Kaji Aso Studio in partnership with the
Boston Public Library, SAVE the DATES:
Friday, April 5, Noon-4:00P.M. Saturday, April 6th 10:00 A.M.- 4:40 P.M.
OPEN MIKE: 1:30 to 3:00P.M.; & Sunday, April 7th, 1:10 to 4:30P.M. Open Mike
1:30-3:00P.M.- Work Shop 3:15-4:30 P.M. The Festival will be held
at the library’s main branch in Copley Square. FREE ADMISSION
Friday, April
5- Commonwealth Avenue Salon Room at the BPL:
12:00-1:00 P.M. Dan Tobin, Afaa M. Weaver,
Christine Casson
1:00-2:00P.M. David Ferry and George
Kalogeris
2:00-3:00 P.M. Rhina P. Espaillat , X.J.
Kennedy
3:00-4:00P.M. Kathleen Spivack, Richard
Hoffman, Judith Steinbergh
56 Major and Emerging poets will each do a
ten minute reading; ALSO
Featuring 5 extraordinarily talented prize
winning high school students: from Boston Latin High School,; Boston Arts
Academy, and Harvard University, Daniel Schwartz. These student stars will open
the Popular Poetry Marathon portion of the Festival April 6th at 10:00 A.M. SAM
CORNISH, Boston’s current and first Poet Laureate will open the formal part of
the Festival at 11:00 A.M. 55 additional major and emerging poets will follow
with a POETRY MARATHON
 
 
 
Some of the many luminaries include SAM
CORNISH, Rhina P. Espaillat, Afaa M. Weaver, Christine Casson, Dan Tobin, X.J.
Kennedy, Alfred Nicol, Kathleen Spivack, Ifeanyi Menkiti , Richard Wollman, Doug
Holder, Elizabeth Doran, Richard Hoffman, Lucy Holstedt, Kirk Etherton, Charles
Coe, Ryk McIntyre, January O’Neil , Regie O’Gibson, Kate Finnegan (Kaji Aso
Studio), Victor Howes, Lainie Senechal, Harris Gardner Susan Donnelly, Jack
Scully, Rene Schwiesow, Tomas O’Leary, Marc Goldfinger, Gloria Mindock, Tim
Gager,Barbara Helfgott Hyett, Stuart Peterfreund, Elizabeth McKim, Valerie
Lawson, Michael Brown, Mignon Ariel King, Tom Daley, Molly Lynn Watt, Chad
Parenteau, Joanna Nealon, Walter Howard, Kim Triedman, Zvi Sesling, Irene
Koronas, Fred Marchant, Sheila Twyman, Robert K. Johnson, Chris Warner and a
Plethora of other prize winning poets.
 
 
 
This Festival has it all: Professional
published poets, celebrities, numerous prize winners, student participation,
OPEN MIKES, WORKSHOP, BOOK TABLES.
Even
more, it is about community, neighborhoods, diversity, Boston, and
Massachusetts. FREE ADMISSION !!!
FOR INFORMATION: Tapestry of Voices:
617-306-9484- Library: 617-536-5400
Wheelchair accessible. Assistive listening
devices available. To request a sign language interpreter, or for other special
needs, call 617-536-7855(TTY) at least two weeks before the program
date.
Doug Holder Resume   http://dougholderresume.blogspot.com
Boston Area Small
Press and Poetry Scene  http://dougholder.blogspot.com
Ibbetson Street Press  http://ibbetsonpress.com
Poet to Poet: Writer to Writer 
http://poettopoetwritertowriter.blogspot.com
Ibbetson
Street Online Bookstore  http://lulu.com/ibbetsonstreet 

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GOVERNOR JOINS YOUTH OF MA ORGANIZING FOR A REFORMED ECONOMY ADVOCACY DAY

Organizing for a Reformed Economy Advocacy Day Rally
Governor Patrick joins the Youth of MA Organizing for a Reformed Economy Advocacy Day rally on the Ground Staircase at the State House to make the case for investing in education and transportation to unlock growth and opportunity across the Commonwealth. (Photo credit: Eric Haynes / Governor's Office)

BOSTON – Thursday, March 21, 2013 – Governor Deval Patrick today joined over 100 members of youth groups and coalitions gathered at the State House for the Youth of MA Organizing for a Reformed Economy (YMORE) Advocacy Day to urge support for strategic investments in education and adequate resources for the youth of Massachusetts. The Governor thanked attendees for making their voices heard about the type of Commonwealth they want to live in, and engaged in a conversation on the importance of youth jobs funding, out-of-school programming and progressive revenue.

The Governor’s FY14 budget includes a $550 million investment in education, reaching $1 billion over four years, to provide universal access to high quality early education for children across the state, from birth through age five; fully fund K-12 education and allow for extended school days in high-need schools; make college more affordable and accessible for high school graduates; and allow our community colleges to expand their efforts to provide students with the knowledge and skill training needed to succeed in the workplace.

The Governor’s FY14 Budget also proposes increasing the Summer Jobs for At-Risk Youth account to $10 million, an increase from FY12, which was funded in total at $9 million. The Summer Jobs for At-Risk Youth funding supports YouthWorks, a statewide program that partners with local workforce boards, employers and youths to ensure that young people get work experience, learn about job expectations, teamwork and career advancement; all the lessons, best learned on the job. Program participants are income-eligible young people ages 14 to 21 that live in Massachusetts cities with the highest levels of poverty, where low-income youth are especially in need of summer job opportunities.

YMORE, founded in 2008, is a coalition of teens from youth groups and coalitions from across the Commonwealth. YMORE advocates for its progressive agenda by educating teens about the state budget and training them to effectively meet with their elected officials. Prior to the event, YMORE members visited legislative leaders to push for progressive revenue to support their FY14 budget priorities.

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GOVERNOR PATRICK MEETS WITH MEMBERS OF THE BRAZILIAN FEDERAL CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION

Brazilian Federal Congressional Delegation
Governor Patrick meets with members of the Brazilian Federal Congressional Delegation in the Governor's Office. (Photo credit: Eric Haynes / Governor's Office)

BOSTON, MA – Thursday, March 21, 2013 – Governor Deval Patrick today met with a delegation from the Brazilian National Congress and the First Lady of São Paulo, Dr. Ana Estela Haddad. The federal delegation traveled to Massachusetts for a conference on early education and early intervention at Harvard University’s Center on the Developing Child. The congressmen and congresswomen, who represent several of Brazil’s political parties, are professionals in the fields of medicine, education, business and law.

In December 2011, Governor Patrick traveled on the Massachusetts-Brazil Innovation Economy Mission to promote job creation in the life sciences, IT, clean energy and education sectors, along with economic development partnerships between Massachusetts and Brazil. The trip included visits to companies, universities and government leaders in Brasilia, São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro. Governor Patrick signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the University of Massachusetts Amherst and the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation. He also announced a Massachusetts-Brazil university exchange program. Brazil is Massachusetts’ 14th largest export partner and 24th largest import partner.

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GOVERNOR PATRICK VISITS EARLY ED PROGRAM IN LOWELL TO DISCUSS IMPORTANCE OF INVESTING IN THE NEXT GENERATION

BOSTON – Thursday, March 21, 2013 – Governor Deval Patrick today visited with children and staff at the Community Teamwork, Inc. (CTI) Children’s Corner Learning Center to promote the Administration’s proposed investments in early education that will help grow jobs and create opportunity throughout the Commonwealth both in the near term and for future generations.

“Every child in Massachusetts deserves the opportunity to receive high quality early education,” said Governor Patrick. “We know from educators, from academic research, from years of public policy and from our own experience as parents, that investing in our children at a young age pays huge dividends for them and for our community as a whole.”

The Governor’s FY14 budget calls for increased investments in high-quality education in the Commonwealth. A $131 million investment in the early education and care system will provide funding to work to eliminate the Department of Early Education and Care’s (EEC) current birth to age-five waitlist; expand initiatives to ensure the highest educational quality among providers of early education and care; assist early educators and providers with attaining higher levels of proficiency, skill and quality; increase educational programs and supports for parents and family members to further engage them in their child’s success; and expand efforts to provide comprehensive support services to children and their families. There are currently 2,505 children on the EEC waitlist in Lowell.

“CTI Children’s Learning Center is an outstanding example of what we need more of across Massachusetts,” said Secretary of Education Matthew Malone. “These are the organizations that ensure every child, regardless of their family’s financial means, has access to quality early education opportunities. We must be bold in our approach to invest in these programs so they can grow to serve the thousands of children currently on waitlists.”

Increased investments in the Commonwealth’s early education system will enable the state to prevent developmental and achievement gaps for its youngest residents, and will ensure that students are reading and writing proficiently by grade three. The Governor’s plan will work to close the achievement gaps that still persist in Massachusetts, especially among children of color, those who live in poverty, children with special needs and those who speak English as a second language.

"I applaud and support the Governor’s plan to increase investments in early childhood education and care programs across the Commonwealth, to ensure educational quality among providers of early education and to work toward eliminating the current birth to five waitlist so that all children have the opportunity to acquire the necessary skills to succeed in school and that parents understand the importance of engaging in the education of their children,” said Representative Kay Khan. “By investing in programs like Head Start, we can ensure that prior to entering school children are capable of achieving high levels of skill and proficiency which will make all the difference in their future and help close the achievement gap that continues to exist in Massachusetts.”

“Early education and care plays a crucial role in closing the achievement gap and I applaud the Governor’s commitment to ensuring that quality early learning opportunities are made affordable and available to all children throughout the Commonwealth,” said Representative Alice Peisch.

“Education investments have and continue to provide intrinsic value to our students, communities and Commonwealth,” said Representative Jeffrey Roy. “Having a well-educated workforce has strengthened our economy and provided opportunities for our children to succeed. We need to build on that foundation by increasing opportunities for early learners and close the achievement gaps.”

CTI is a private, non-profit Community Action Agency and a regional non-profit housing agency, which offers an array of housing opportunities and supportive services to low-income families. CTI's core service area is comprised of Greater Lowell, which includes Lowell and the seven surrounding towns of Billerica, Chelmsford, Dracut, Dunstable, Tewksbury, Tyngsboro and Westford. Some programs extend to other areas of the state including portions of Middlesex and Essex Counties and the Metrowest area.

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Patrick-Murray Administration's Regulatory Reforms Cut Permitting Times, Encourage Economic Development and Job Growth

 

 

Gov Patrick & LT Gov Photo by Massivelive

Photo by Massivelive.com

 

BOSTON – Thursday, March 21, 2013 – Governor Deval Patrick today announced a report showing that initiatives to streamline permitting at the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) have dramatically shortened the time to permit, removed unnecessary barriers to jobs and economic growth and made MassDEP a national leader in protecting the environment through smarter and better methods.

In 2007, Governor Patrick directed MassDEP to speed up and simplify its permitting process to match “the speed of business.” In response, the Department initiated a permit streamlining program in 2007 that cut review timelines across the board and simplified the approval process for key permits associated with significant economic development opportunities. Overall, MassDEP has reduced permitting timelines by 20 percent since 2007, with 90 percent of DEP permits now being issued within three months, compared to only 69 percent before 2007. Ninety-seven percent of permits are issued within six months, compared to 81 percent before 2007.

"Massachusetts is growing jobs because of our strategy to invest in education, innovation and infrastructure and because of the tremendous strides we have made in positioning Massachusetts as a top place to do business," said Governor Patrick. "Thanks to the efforts at MassDEP to remove barriers and create efficiencies in the permitting process, more businesses are making Massachusetts their home and creating jobs and opportunity in our neighborhoods."

The Governor made today’s announcement at Lovejoy Wharf, a site that, because of the Administration’s efforts to remove delays and barriers in the permitting process, will soon be the corporate headquarters of Converse. The Governor also touted a package of more than 20 additional reforms proposed by MassDEP, in coordination with business, municipal and environmental stakeholders, to weed out unnecessary or obsolete regulations, further lightening the regulatory burden on businesses and helping promote job growth. The package of reforms will further streamline environmental permitting requirements and eliminate state permits that are of low environmental protection value or that duplicate local approvals.

“These reforms will lighten the regulatory burden on industry and promote jobs and economic development without compromising the Commonwealth’s strict environmental and public-health protection standards,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rick Sullivan. “The top-to-bottom review and reform of its regulations have helped MassDEP reach the Governor’s goal of approving permits at the speed of business.”

“Once implemented, these reforms will save MassDEP hundreds of hours of administrative time per year and improve overall environmental protection by allowing our agency to focus on the most pressing environmental challenges,” said MassDEP Commissioner Kenneth Kimmell. “The private sector will also see significant savings. We estimate that the changes in our hazardous waste site cleanup program will save businesses and municipalities approximately $1.4 million a year.”

MassDEP’s efforts are part of Governor Patrick’s nation-leading regulatory reform effort. This is the most significant and impactful reform of the regulatory system in Massachusetts in decades. Through September 2012, 60 state agencies had reviewed 446 sets of regulations with 286 of those regulations being amended or eliminated. Nearly two-thirds of all of the regulations reviewed have had some action taken. The goal of making it easier to do business in Massachusetts is one of the five main goals of the Commonwealth’s long-term economic development plan, “Choosing to Compete in the 21st Century.”

“Governor Patrick’s call for an innovative, wide-ranging review of regulations has made it easier for hundreds of thousands of small businesses to operate in Massachusetts. It is a significant step toward dispelling the notion that it is difficult to do business in Massachusetts,” said Secretary of Housing and Economic Development Greg Bialecki. “Through these reforms we are cutting red-tape, refining how state government operates, lowering costs for many businesses and improving the regulatory environment to create opportunity for everyone in Massachusetts.”

“We can protect the environment and vulnerable workers while still promoting economic growth that benefits everyone in the Commonwealth,” said Labor and Workforce Development Secretary Goldstein. “Our work with employers to fund workforce training initiatives promotes job growth while ensuring that jobs that are created are safe and stable.”

Today’s announcement also came on the heels of the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development’s report that Massachusetts has now surpassed pre-recession job levels, adding over 19,000 jobs in January and February 2013. The Patrick-Murray Administration, in partnership with the Legislature, has pursued a strategy of investing in education, innovation and infrastructure, even in the midst of the economic recession, which positioned Massachusetts to recover faster and stronger than most other states.

In January, Governor Patrick unveiled a budget proposal that includes new investments in education and transportation, investments that have proven to create new jobs and economic opportunities. The Governor’s plan includes a $1 billion annual investment in the Commonwealth’s transportation system to maintain the transportation assets we have today and launch a number of high-impact transportation projects across Massachusetts that, if built, will create thousands of jobs and spur economic development across the Commonwealth. The plan also includes a $550 million investment in education, reaching $1 billion over four years, to expand access to high quality educational opportunities and make higher education more affordable for all students in Massachusetts.

Over the past two months, Governor Patrick has been traveling across the state making the case for business leaders, educators, local elected officials and members of the public about the importance of investing now in education and infrastructure to spur job creation and unlock opportunity in every corner of the Commonwealth. For more information on the Governor’s investment plan visit www.mass.gov/governor/choosegrowth.

For more information on MassDEP’s regulatory reform initiative and permit streamlining efforts, visit: http://www.mass.gov/dep/about/MassDEP-streamlining.pdf 

Mar 25, 2013 5:40:31 PM

03/18/2013

Winchester Recreation and Community Education

Winchester Recreation and
Community Education

3/17

3/28-4/4

 

 

PRESCHOOL

Mini
Music Makers

This
program will introduce to the child to the joys of music with a focus on
socialization, verbalization, creativity, and imagination. Through songs,
dancing, and playing musical instruments, your child will explore a variety of
musical topics. A Board Certified Music Therapist, will lead both classes. The
eight-session class for ages 2-4 begins Thursday, April 11, 9-9:45 am, at the
Recreation Dept.

 

Super
Soccer Stars

Get
the ball rolling for ages 2 and up with Super Soccer Stars in Winchester! Super
Soccer Stars is quickly becoming the most popular children’s soccer program in
Boston. Dynamic, trained coaches work with every student to develop skills,
self-confidence, and teamwork in a fun, non-competitive environment. Positive
reinforcement and an extremely low child-to-coach ratio ensure that each child
will improve his or her soccer skills through engaging warm-ups, drills, and
games — all while having endless fun! Each child receives a free t-shirt on the
first day of class. The nine-session class begins Saturday, April 20.
See our brochure or winrec.com for the many
classes and times available.

 

T-Ball

When springtime comes,
baseball is just around the corner. This fun program is for children in Grades K
and 1. Coaches will teach the basics of catching, throwing, 
batting, running
the bases and playing the field for the first half of the class and will divide
into teams to play a fun game during the second half of the class. Children must
supply their own glove and filled water bottle. Please label all equipment.
Choose one of the sections listed below. We cancel the class in inclement
weather and reschedule it at the end of the program. If skies look threatening,
you can call the Recreation Dept. at 
781-721-7125 after 12 pm to ascertain
whether the program is on. There are a limited number of spaces for each
session, so please register early and have alternative sections in mind. The
five-session class for ages 4&5 not in K begins Monday, April 22 at Mullen
Field. See our brochure or winrec.com for the many classes and times
available.

 

Soccer
Tots

This
program is ideal for the youngest of players. It is a non-competitive
introduction to soccer through simple skills and fun games. Participants will
learn to interact with one another and hopefully encourage them to play again
and again. Please bring shin guards and a filled water bottle. If skies look
threatening, you can call the Recreation Dept. at 781-721-7125 after 1 pm to
ascertain whether the program is running that day. There are a limited number of
spaces for each session, so please register early and have alternative sections
in mind. The five-session class for
ages 4&5 begins Tuesday, April 23 at Mullen Field. See our brochure or winrec.com for the many
classes and times available.

 

Kick
& Play

Kick
& Play is a caregiver-child pre-soccer and movement program for toddlers,
ages 
12 to 24 months. Experienced early childhood instructors along with our
puppet friends, Mimi and Pepe, take children and caregivers through a world of
exciting physical activity. Individualized attention, positive reinforcement and
engaging original music help develop pre-soccer skills that have toddlers
balancing, running, kicking and playing—all while having a blast! The
nine-session class begins Wednesday, April 24, 9-9:40 at the Recreation Dept.
for ages 12-24 months.

Elementary

Good
Sports

Sports, sports, and more
sports! Grab your friends and sign up for these great programs. Each week we
discover a new sport, develop new friends, and seek new challenges. We explore
new and old games and have lots of fun learning about sportsmanship, team play,
exercise, and skill development. Games may include, but are not limited to,
basketball, floor hockey, soccer, new games, and more. Become a member of a
great team! Right after school means different times for different schools:
please refer to each school’s dismissal time. On early release days, the program
will start at 3 pm. The eight-session class begins the week of April 8 for Gr.
1-5. Please check your recreation brochure or our website for times and
dates.

 

Motion
Mayhem

This
program investigates fun physics and the science of motion. Design and test the
rotational motion of tops, and analyze crashing cars as we delve into the
principles of inertia. We’ll examine energy transfer using take-home toys that
illustrate potential and kinetic energy. Finding out about friction won’t be a
drag as you experiment with forces, how things move, and Sir Isaac Newton’s
laws. Physics fun for everyone! The six-session program for Gr. 1-5 begins
Wednesday, April 3, 3:30-4:30 pm, at the Recreation Dept.

 

Creative
Cakes: A Cake Decorating Workshop! 

Join
us for an exciting workshop all about the art of cake decorating. Young bakers
will have fun cracking eggs, measuring and stirring up ingredients. Kids will
decorate their own cake using basic piping
techniques, fondant cut-outs, sprinkles, add-ons and more! The Cake Pop
trend will also be explored as we dip and decorate these cute creations. Our young
bakers will bring home their decorated cake and cake pops in a
personalized pastry box. All supplies are included. Parents of enrolled students
will receive more information, including a release from liability specific to
the course, via e-mail before the workshop. 

Note
About Nut/Food Allergies:
Due to the multi-use nature of the classroom, the cooking environment, recipes
and equipment are NOT nut-free or allergy-free. Please contact info@growgourmets.com with any questions.
This program is held Thursday, Apr. 11, 1:30-4:40 pm, at the Recreation Dept.

 

Chess

Want
to improve academic skills and build concentration skills then Chess can help.
Join your friends and learn about chess strategies and tactics and more
importantly have fun. No experience in playing chess is necessary. All levels
from beginner to advanced are welcome. Come learn from an International Master
and a 5-time Massachusetts Chess Champion with over 30 years teaching
experience. The eight-session program for Gr. K-5 begins Thursday, April 11,
3:30-4:30 pm at Ambrose School..

 

After-School
Street Soccer

MC
Falcons and the Winchester Recreation Program will offer 
“pick up” soccer for
Vinson Owen, Parkhurst, Muraco and Ambrose Elementary Schools in Winchester.
Sessions will be run and managed by Middlesex County Falcons coaches to monitor
the games. 
The games/scrimmages will be held for K–2 and 3–5 for an afternoon
of fun and player development. Teams will be assembled each week based on
players in attendance. Please have your child meet their coach in the school
office directly after school. Please pick your child up from the school field at
the designated time. The seven-session program begins Monday, Apr. 22, at
Monaco, and Friday, April 26, at V.O./Parkhurst, at 2:45-3:55
pm/

Hangin
Hip Hop

Hip
Hop Hustle™ If you love to dance…We funk-da-fy simple to follow, easy to learn
dance steps that allow you to really get healthy while having a great time! This
workout feels more like a fun night 
with friends than exercise! No dance
experience required! 
 The six-session program for Gr. K-5 begins Tuesday, April
23, 3-4 pm at V.O./Parkhurst.

 

Chess
Wizards

It
is proven that chess enhances cognitive development in children, improves both
verbal and mathematical skills, and increases all levels of academic
performance! Playing chess stimulates the mind and helps children strengthen
skills such as focusing, visualizing goals, abstract thinking, and forming
concrete opinions. Let your child be part of a successful chess academy. The
eight-session program for Gr. 1-5 begins Tuesday, April 23, 3-4 pm, Recreation
Dept., or Thursday, April 25, 3:30-4:30 pm at V.O./Parkhurst.

 

Art
Studio

This program will offer
children the fundamentals of drawing, painting, and sculpting. Drawing, students
will explore the role of line, shape, and tonal values in an environment that
encourages student’s personal creativity. Painting will address the technical
and expressive possibilities of painting with the unpredictable and
uncontrollable nature of watercolor. Sculpting will provide an opportunity for
children to think three dimensionally connecting ideas to expression. Materials
included. The seven-session program for ages 6-12 is held 3:30-5pm, beginning
Monday, Apr. 22, Tuesday, Apr. 23, or Wednesday, Apr. 24, at the Recreation
Dept.

 

 

Fit-4-Fun

Fit-4-Fun
will teach your child that Fun 
and Fitness can be one in the same. It’s a
noncompetitive, positive, and exciting experience that promises to leave your
kid wanting to jog back for more! Fit for Fun combines fun and games with
lessons on healthy eating. It also has an additional goal of building a positive
self-image and bolstering your child’s confidence through enthusiastic accolades
with each positive step made. Additionally, at the end of each program, a 10–15
minute stretching/ yoga practice will give your student a chance 
to unwind,
relax, and reflect. Be active, 
be healthy, be fit for fun! The eight-session
program for ages 6-12 begins Wednesday, April 24, 2:40-4:15 pm, at
V.O./Parkhurst.

 

T-Ball

When springtime comes,
baseball is just around the corner. This fun program is for children in Grades K
and 1. Coaches will teach the basics of catching, throwing, 
batting, running
the bases and playing the field for the first half of the class and will divide
into teams to play a fun game during the second half of the class. Children must
supply their own glove and filled water bottle. Please label all equipment.
Choose one of the sections listed below. We cancel the class in inclement
weather and reschedule it at the end of the program. If skies look threatening,
you can call the Recreation Dept. at 
781-721-7125 after 12 pm to ascertain
whether the program is on. There are a limited number of spaces for each
session, so please register early and have alternative sections in mind. The
five-session class for Gr. K-1 is held either Monday or Wednesday, beginning the
week of April 22 3:15-4 pm and 4:15-5 pm at Mullen Field.

 

Soccer
Juniors

Spring soccer is a kick!
This program is designed to help improve the skills of boys and girls alike in a
safe, fun and educational environment. Play Soccer will help develop skills
through a series of games, drills and scrimmages. Participants must bring shin
guards and a filled water bottle to each session. Please label your child’s
equipment. Choose one of the sections listed below. We cancel the class in
inclement weather and reschedule it at the end of the program. If skies look
threatening, you can call the Recreation Dept. at (781) 721-7125 after 1 pm to
ascertain whether the program is running that day. There are a limited number of
spaces for each session, so please register early and have alternative sections
in mind. The five-session class for Gr. K-1 is held Tuesday, Apr. 23, 3:15-4 pm
and 4:15-5 pm at Mullen Field.

 

“There
is Science everywhere!”

Join
the Mad Science hands-on science fun.  We’re crazy about science . . . and hope
you are too! In this program, we’ll have a blast exploring science and how it
affects the world around us.  There will be exciting hands-on activities,
spectacular demonstrations, inquiry-based discussions, and amazing projects to
make and take home. We’ll explore the world’s most abundant animals—bugs;
investigate the powerful processes that shape the Earth and form rocks, minerals
and gems: try out different types of simple machines  and discover how hurricanes, tornadoes and
thunderstorms develop and how powerful they can be! We’ll also learn first hand
how advances in science and technology are behind our favorite movie special
effects; explore the energy of motion and how energy can be conserved; get our
left and right brains working together and discover the links between science
and art; and examine and investigate what life is like under the sea.
The
eight-session program for Gr. 1-4 begins Wednesday, April 24, 3-4 pm, at Ambrose
School.

Bricks
4 Kidz Lab

The
Bricks 4 Kidz Lab is a hands-on class where children explore Science,
Technology, Engineering and Math concepts using LEGO® bricks. For 1
hour each week, children will build a model based on exciting themes like Space
Exploration, Laws of Motion, Sports and Animals. Each class is structured and
designed to stimulate the mind and help reinforce problem solving and
collaboration.  Oh, and by the way, they will have fun
too!

This
is a hands-on class where students will design and build sailboats, catapults,
lunar modules, spiders, cyclone models and other constructions out of LEGO®
bricks.  
We have over 80 models available so this program can run continuously
for a year 
and more. Instructional content includes concepts of friction,
gravity, gears, axles, force, energy, and vocabulary that include exoskeleton,
amphibian, epicenter, orbit 
and others. The six-session program for Gr. K-5
begins Monday, April 22, 3-4 pm, at V.O./Parkhurst or Friday, April 26, 3:30-4:30 pm, at the
Recreation Dept.

 

 

April
Vacation!

What will your children be
doing?

 

Vacation
Club

Choose all four days or
just one. School is out for the Spring break, so what do you have planned for
your kids? Join the Winchester Recreation and Community Education for four days
of supervised fun and games, arts and crafts and special projects. We have a
different theme for each day. Some days may also include a special performer.
This program is open to students, K–Gr. 5. The Winchester Kid Care staff will
supervise the children. The student-teacher ratio will be 13:1. Space is
limited, so register early! Participants are responsible for bringing a snack
and lunch daily. Please no peanut or nut products. Busy parents can choose all
four days or any day as needed. Some activities may be off-site. The program
runs Tuesday Apr. 16- Fri, Apr.19, 8 am-5 pm, at the Recreation Dept.        

 

Star Wars Lego
Playland

This 3-hour program will
be centered everything Star Wars Lego!! Maybe you will build a Star Wars Space
Craft, a Droid Factory, a Jedi Training Arena, etc.… the possibilities are
endless!!! The Legos stay with us, but the experience is yours forever! Each
child will go home with a framed picture of themselves and what they create as
well as a creative hands-on project they will make during the workshop. Please
send your child with a nut-free snack and drink. This program for ages 5-10 is
held Friday, Apr. 19, 1–4 pm, at the Recreation Dept.     

 

Junior
Golf

The Barrie Bruce Golf
School is proud to offer this popular program for juniors ages 7–14. These
classes are designed to teach the fundamentals of golf in a fun but safe and
nurturing environment. Our qualified instructors will assist your child in a
series of five, 90-minute lessons dealing with safety, the address position, the
swing, irons, woods, the short game, and golf etiquette. These classes are for
beginners and those who are in the process of developing better golf skills. The
five-session class for ages 6-15 is held the week of Apr. 15-20, 10-11:30 or
2–3:30 pm, at the Billerica Country Club.

 

American
Girl Doll 
Create & Play Theme: Slumber Party

Join
the team from Event-FULL! LCC and bring your special friend (does not have to be
an American Girl Doll—feel free to bring a favorite stuffed animal if you
choose) to this workshop for several hours that you will both enjoy. You will
creatively design items for your doll so she will be ready for her next
sleepover!! You will make a sleeping bag, pillow, doll play food and more!! What
you make and take home will lead to hours and hours of continued play and
enjoyment. Please send your child with
a nut-free snack and drink. The program for ages 5-10 begins Friday,
April 19, 1-4 pm, Recreation Dept.

 

 

Pre-School Vacation
Club

 

Pre-School is out for the
spring break, so what do you have planned for your kids? Join the Winchester
Recreation Department for four days of supervised fun and games, arts and
crafts, and special projects. We have different themes for each day and some
days may include a special performer. This fun filled program is open to
children ages 2.9–5 not in Kindergarten. The Winchester Recreation Staff
supervise the children. Student to teacher ratio is 8 to 1. Space is limited,
please register early! Participants are responsible for bringing a lunch, drink
and snacks daily. PLEASE NO PEANUT OR NUT PRODUCTS. Children must be toilet
trained. Busy parents can chose all four days or any day needed. Some activities
may be off-site. Time: 8:30 am–2 pm from Tuesday Apr. 16-Apr.
19.

 

 

 

 

ADULTS

 

Mystery
Walks

\Discover
new places to hike and hear tales about Native American settlers and esteemed
writers such as Alcott and Emerson. We walk four to five miles, rain or shine.
Enjoy the camaraderie of fellow walkers as we learn and have fun. After
registering, email maryhurley@comcast.net for meeting
locations. Weather cancellations are made up at end of session as needed. The
instructor has been the spirited leader of hikes, bike trips and other marvelous
adventures for more than 20 years. She has a great following on these
adventures. The eight-session class begins Wednesday, April 3, 9:30-noon, at a
location TBA.

Spring
Biking

Local
back roads and trails take on a new look as you round each curve on a bike.
Explore on and off-road trails during our rides through Lexington, Concord,
Bedford and other towns. Rendezvous by car at a different starting point each
week. A recently tuned hybrid bike is best for these intermediate rides. We ride
about 20 miles on each outing, and helmets are required.

After
registering, email maryhurley@comcast.net for meeting
locations. Weather cancellations are made up at end of session as needed. The
instructor has been the spirited leader of hikes, bike trips and other marvelous
adventures for more than 20 years. Please provide email address when registering
and contact instructor at maryhurley@comcast.net for meeting
locations. The eight-session class begins Tuesday, April 2, 9:30-noon and
Thursday, April 4, at the same time at locations TBA

 

Zumba:
“Join The Party”

This
FUN and friendly class is great for all ages and fitness levels, including those
who are new to exercise or to Zumba. We take extra time as needed to learn the
dances and explain how to adjust the intensity of the workout to suit you. This
energizing dance-fitness workout combines easy to learn dance moves with
traditional exercises for maximum calorie-burn; strengthens abs, core and lower
body. Workout, dance and get funky to a fantastic fusion of Latin and world
music plus some of the best dance and “party” classics from each decade—from
disco and pop to rock and reggaeton! Sample dances from around the world
including salsa, cumbia, flamenco, bellydance, bollywood and samba. The last
segment of class is devoted to toning abs and lower body. Wear comfortable
workout clothing, “aerobic” or dance sneakers; bring water and a mat for cool
down. The six-session class begins either Tuesday, April 2, 9:45-10:45 am at
Winchester Recreation or Thursday, April 4, 6:30-7:30 pm at Town Hall
Auditorium.

Focus
on Fitness

Spring
fitness classes begin Monday, April 8 and continue for 10 weeks. Morning
classes:  Ballet Arts Centre, 50 Cross Street, Winchester Evening classes:
Winchester Town Hall Auditorium. On-site babysitting is available on request
Mon., Thur., Fri. mornings: Focus on Fitness has it all: High/Low
Aerobics, 20/20/20 Complete, Muscle Conditioning, Step, Yoga,
Pilates, and Pilates Matwork. Always
on top of the latest fitness craze, Review our website winrec.com for further
details.

 

Pilates
Matwork

A perfect
mind/body program. Soothing music helps you to relax and concentrate on proper
spinal alignment, breathing techniques, and pelvic stabilization using the
abdomen, buttocks and back.  The purpose
of Pilates matwork is to stretch and strengthen muscles, and release
tension. 

No prior
experience in the Pilates method of exercise necessary.  Wear comfortable clothing and bring a mat and
water. Ten one-hour equivalent sessions begin Thursday, Apr. 11, 8-9 am, at the
Ballet Arts Centre. There are also evening sessions beginning Monday, Apr. 8.

 

Yoga
4 Fitness

Drawing
on a number of traditional Hatha yoga postures, this class combines strength,
flexibility and breathing components with melodic background music. The
instructor uses a fitness-oriented style based on the ancient secrets of health
and vitality. Appropriate for all ages and fitness levels. Wear comfortable
clothing and bring a mat and water. The 10- session program begins Wednesday,
Apr. 10, 9–10 am or Friday, Apr. 12, 10-11 am, at the Ballet Arts
Centre.        

BodyfX
60-Day FX Challenge

Experienced
athletes, former athletes as well as those of you aspiring to bring your fitness
level to a new dimension will see amazing results with the 60-Day FX Challenge.
  You will learn proper form in an ultimate cross training 
format that will
help you transform your body, improve your strength, power and endurance beyond
what you thought possible.

The
instructors thrive on bringing fresh exciting training techniques to this
program including kettle bells, medicine balls, TRX suspension training and more
with an 
emphasis on the three F’s of fitness: Form, Function and
Fun!!

The
60-Day FX Challenge also and most importantly includes a nutrition program that
encourages participants to “eat outside the box.” The challenge consists of 2 sessions
a week as well as weekly support emails. There will be 15 total sessions, which
include a kickoff meeting, midpoint benchmark, and a nutrition information
session.  The 15-session class begins Tuesday, Apr. 24, 6:30- 7:30 pm
at the Recreation
Dept.

 

Art
Of Drawing What You See

Review
and build on basic drawing skills of shape, value, form, perspective, texture,
proportion, and composition. Explore new subject matter as you further develop
observation skills and ability to see with an “artist’s eye.” Opportunity to
select your own subject matter, and receive individualized instruction. Please
bring and 18” x 24” newsprint pad of paper, soft vine charcoal, kneaded grey
eraser, and a small rag. 
Open to all skill levels.  The five-session class begins Tuesday, April
23,  (4/30, 5/28. 6/4. 6/11) 10 am-noon
at the Recreation Dept.

Beginner’s
Guide To Adobe Photoshop Elements 11

This
course will introduce new users to the features of Elements you’ll want to
explore and master first. We’ll take a look at Elements’ organizing capabilities
to help put some structure around your many photos. We’ll learn Elements’
selection tools and introduce the concepts of editing in layers, getting rid of
unwanted elements, adjusting brightness and contrast, changing the color, and
the strategic use of masks to apply effects to only those parts of your photos
needing adjustments. You’ll also leave class with a couple ideas and templates
for building your own storyboards and album pages.

You
are welcome to bring laptops with Elements 11 already installed. However, If you
will be bringing a laptop to class, we ask that you be comfortable in its basic
operations, including: how to start up the software, how to navigate and copy
practice files to the appropriate folder, and how to use your mouse or track
pad. The six-session class begins Monday, Apr. 22, 6:15–8:15pm, at 
Winchester
High School.

 

 

Call 781-721-7125 for more
info or www.winrec.com.
24 hours registration

 

 

Mar 18, 2013 6:15:13 PM

03/16/2013

03/15/2013

MMA Update: "MRF Beast of
the East" Agenda
Released & Hotel Registration Deadline nears!


As
previously reported, the Massachusetts Motorcycle Association
(MMA) is proud
to host the Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) "Beast of the
East" Conference, April 19-21, 2013 at the Radisson Hotel in Chelmsford, MA.
Hotel
Reservations at a discounted room rate will be closing on March 19th.

Pre-registration discounts will close on April 19th.

There is
already
an exciting agenda for the conference including a discussion of the

Motorcyclists Rights Movement, a National Legislative Update, a discussion of
Intelligent Transportation Systems, how to deal with Motorcycle-only

Checkpoints, the MRF "3 R's" Safety Program, a Riding Demonstration of
cornering
technique, and many more.  The conference end-caps include a
commemorative ride
to the Lexington & Concord Battlefields (those
arriving in cars are welcome
to join as well) and a voluntary Sound Test for
your bike.  A detailed agenda
and more information are available on the MRF
Conference Website here: http://www.mrf.org/2013/BEAST/BEAST%20Agenda%202013.pdf.

MMA

Members in good standing are welcome to join all or part of the conference
at a
discounted rate available exclusively on the MMA website (log in as a
member and
register on the MMA website: http://www.massmotorcycle.org or by contacting mrfrep@massmotorcycle.org -- all

others are welcome to join us by registering on the MRF webpage,  http://www.mrf.org/events.php.

Don't miss out on your

chance to meet Motorcycle Freedom Fighters from around the country and be

informed on all the current issues!

For More Information, see http://www.massmotorcycle.org, http://www.mrf.org, or contact mrfrep@massmotorcycle.org.
MMA-3 15

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GOVERNOR PATRICK ANNOUNCES JUDICIAL NOMINATION TO BOSTON
MUNICIPAL COURT

 

 

Governor photo interview

 

BOSTON – Friday, March 15, 2013 – Governor Deval Patrick today announced the
nomination of John E. McDonald, Jr. as an Associate Justice of the Boston
Municipal Court, Central Division.

“I am pleased to nominate John McDonald to serve on the Boston Municipal
Court,” said Governor Patrick. “He will bring to the bench many years of
valuable experience as a prosecutor, a private practitioner and an assistant
clerk-magistrate, as well as a strong work ethic and an excellent temperament. 
I thank him for his demonstrated commitment to the fair administration of
justice and his willingness to serve the Commonwealth as a member of the
judiciary.”                             

McDonald serves as an Assistant Clerk-Magistrate at
the Boston Municipal Court, Central Division, a position he has held since
2006.  He began his legal career in 1992, serving for two years as a District
Court prosecutor in the Norfolk County District Attorney’s Office.  He
maintained a sole practice in Braintree for 12 years from 1994 to 2006,
concentrating on both civil and criminal litigation.  McDonald graduated from
Boston College (B.A. cum laude, 1988) and Columbus School of Law, Catholic
University (J.D., 1991).  He is a native and a resident of Braintree.  If
confirmed, he will fill the vacancy on the Boston Municipal Court created by the
retirement of the Honorable Lawrence E. McCormick.

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TRANSPORTATION BOND BILL TO FUND CRITICAL ROAD, BRIDGE AND TRANSIT
PROJECTS

Bill includes Authorization to support The Way Forward Plan
and FY13-17 Capital Investment Plan

BOSTON – Wednesday, March 13, 2013 – Governor Deval Patrick today filed a
transportation bond bill to authorize and fund the 21st Century Transportation
Plan “The Way Forward,” the 10-year plan for the next generation of
transportation investments to modernize and maintain a transportation system
that spurs economic growth and creates jobs across the Commonwealth. 

The bill invests $13.7 billion over ten years to address a backlog of
deferred maintenance and strategically improve our transportation system to
reduce congestion on roads, curb delays and minimize crowding on trains and
buses, and improve customer service. In addition, this bill continues funding
current investments identified in the statewide road and bridge program
identified in the Fiscal Year 2013-2017 Capital Investment Plan. In total, the
bill authorizes $19 billion of capital investment in the Commonwealth’s
transportation system. Taken together, this legislation represents the
administration’s commitment to a 21st century transportation system for
Massachusetts.

“These investments will create the jobs and opportunity today that will build
a stronger Commonwealth for tomorrow,” said Governor Patrick.  “A modern, safe,
equitable 21st Century transportation system is what our citizens want and our
Commonwealth needs to unlock economic growth in every region of the
Commonwealth.”

“Now is the time to build on our previous investments and complete the vision
of a 21st Century transportation system that not only helps people get from
point A to point B but strengthens our economy,” said Lieutenant Governor
Timothy Murray.  “We look forward to continuing our partnerships with the
legislature, cities and towns, and the business community to make this vision a
reality.”

“The Governor and Lieutenant Governor from the very beginning have focused on
reversing the previous inadequate maintenance of our roads, bridges, and rails
through commitments such as the Accelerated Bridge Program, and the bond bill
supports the next critical steps in maintaining and improving transportation for
decades to come,” said MassDOT Secretary and CEO Richard A. Davey.

“The Patrick-Murray Administration is committed to making critical
investments in job creation and economic growth by modernizing and expanding our
roads, rails and bridges,” said Secretary of Administration and Finance Glen
Shor. “The bond bill codifies our 21st Century Transportation Plan which will
help create a transportation network that strengthens our economy and enhances
our quality of life in Massachusetts.”

The transportation bond bill, to be funded by existing revenues and
additional revenues through passage of tax reform, includes the following
investments to complete the 21st Century Transportation Plan and fund the
existing transportation capital plan for the next four years. Without passage of
the Governor’s plan, necessary road and bridge projects will go unaddressed,
creating longer commutes, eliminating public transit options and slowing
economic recovery and growth.

  • $3.4 billion to provide $300 million annually in Chapter 90 funds, a 50
    percent increase, distributed to Towns and Cities for local road and bridge
    projects
  • $2.4 billion for transportation construction projects over the next four
    years that are eligible for 82 percent federal reimbursement of costs, leaving a
    net state borrowing cost of $432 million
  • $4.6 billion to fully state-fund highway maintenance and construction,
    including major projects identified in the 21st Century Transportation Plan,
    such as the I-93/I-95 interchange and Springfield I-91 viaduct
  • $4.4 billion for regional rail projects identified in the Transportation
    Plan including Green Line expansion, South Coast Rail and South Station
    expansion
  • $3.3 billion to modernize MBTA subway and bus systems to improve service,
    safety and customer convenience
  • $604 million for regional transit to modernize bus fleets and infrastructure
    in regional systems statewide
  • $146 million for information technology projects, including the statutory
    requirement to implement an asset management system.

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TRANSPORTATION BOND BILL TO FUND CRITICAL ROAD, BRIDGE AND
TRANSIT PROJECTS

Bill includes Authorization to support The Way Forward Plan
and FY13-17 Capital Investment Plan

BOSTON – Wednesday, March 13, 2013 – Governor Deval Patrick today filed a
transportation bond bill to authorize and fund the 21st Century Transportation
Plan “The Way Forward,” the 10-year plan for the next generation of
transportation investments to modernize and maintain a transportation system
that spurs economic growth and creates jobs across the Commonwealth. 

The bill invests $13.7 billion over ten years to address a backlog of
deferred maintenance and strategically improve our transportation system to
reduce congestion on roads, curb delays and minimize crowding on trains and
buses, and improve customer service. In addition, this bill continues funding
current investments identified in the statewide road and bridge program
identified in the Fiscal Year 2013-2017 Capital Investment Plan. In total, the
bill authorizes $19 billion of capital investment in the Commonwealth’s
transportation system. Taken together, this legislation represents the
administration’s commitment to a 21st century transportation system for
Massachusetts.

“These investments will create the jobs and opportunity today that will build
a stronger Commonwealth for tomorrow,” said Governor Patrick.  “A modern, safe,
equitable 21st Century transportation system is what our citizens want and our
Commonwealth needs to unlock economic growth in every region of the
Commonwealth.”

“Now is the time to build on our previous investments and complete the vision
of a 21st Century transportation system that not only helps people get from
point A to point B but strengthens our economy,” said Lieutenant Governor
Timothy Murray.  “We look forward to continuing our partnerships with the
legislature, cities and towns, and the business community to make this vision a
reality.”

“The Governor and Lieutenant Governor from the very beginning have focused on
reversing the previous inadequate maintenance of our roads, bridges, and rails
through commitments such as the Accelerated Bridge Program, and the bond bill
supports the next critical steps in maintaining and improving transportation for
decades to come,” said MassDOT Secretary and CEO Richard A. Davey.

“The Patrick-Murray Administration is committed to making critical
investments in job creation and economic growth by modernizing and expanding our
roads, rails and bridges,” said Secretary of Administration and Finance Glen
Shor. “The bond bill codifies our 21st Century Transportation Plan which will
help create a transportation network that strengthens our economy and enhances
our quality of life in Massachusetts.”

The transportation bond bill, to be funded by existing revenues and
additional revenues through passage of tax reform, includes the following
investments to complete the 21st Century Transportation Plan and fund the
existing transportation capital plan for the next four years. Without passage of
the Governor’s plan, necessary road and bridge projects will go unaddressed,
creating longer commutes, eliminating public transit options and slowing
economic recovery and growth.

  • $3.4 billion to provide $300 million annually in Chapter 90 funds, a 50
    percent increase, distributed to Towns and Cities for local road and bridge
    projects
  • $2.4 billion for transportation construction projects over the next four
    years that are eligible for 82 percent federal reimbursement of costs, leaving a
    net state borrowing cost of $432 million
  • $4.6 billion to fully state-fund highway maintenance and construction,
    including major projects identified in the 21st Century Transportation Plan,
    such as the I-93/I-95 interchange and Springfield I-91 viaduct
  • $4.4 billion for regional rail projects identified in the Transportation
    Plan including Green Line expansion, South Coast Rail and South Station
    expansion
  • $3.3 billion to modernize MBTA subway and bus systems to improve service,
    safety and customer convenience
  • $604 million for regional transit to modernize bus fleets and infrastructure
    in regional systems statewide
  • $146 million for information technology projects, including the statutory
    requirement to implement an asset management system.

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GOVERNOR PATRICK JOINS RALLY IN SUPPORT OF TRANSPORTATION,
EDUCATION INVESTMENTS THAT WILL CREATE GROWTH AND OPPORTUNITY ACROSS THE
COMMONWEALTH

 

 

'Campaign for Our Communities' Advocacy Day
Governor
Patrick joins the 'Campaign for our Communities' Advocacy Day rally in Gardner
Auditorium at the State House to make the case for investing in education and
transportation to unlock growth and opportunity across the Commonwealth. (Photo
credit: Eric Haynes / Governor's Office)
View
more photos

BOSTON - Tuesday, March 12, 2013 – Governor Deval Patrick today joined
hundreds of teachers, parents, small business owners and others gathered at the
State House this morning to urge support from legislators for the Governor’s
investment proposal. The Governor thanked attendees for making their voices
heard about the type of Commonwealth they want to live in, and emphasized the
importance of investing now in transportation and education to unlock
opportunity for residents in the near term and for future generations.

"Our best strategy to grow opportunity is to invest in education, innovation
and infrastructure," said Governor Patrick, who joined the rally of taxpayers
from around the Commonwealth who support making investments in our local
communities. "Are we satisfied with the pace of recovery, or are we willing to
make the tough choices and real investments it takes today to do better for the
next generation? Almost all of us agree that the single best way to do that is
by investing in education and transportation -- and that requires new
revenue."

The Governor’s FY14 budget includes a $1 billion annual investment in the
Commonwealth’s transportation system to maintain the current transportation
assets we have today and launch a number of high-impact transportation projects
across Massachusetts that, if built, will create thousands of jobs and spur
economic development across the Commonwealth. The plan also includes a $550
million investment in education, reaching $1 billion over four years, to provide
universal access to high quality early education for children across the state,
from birth through age five; fully fund K-12 education and allow for extended
school days in high-need schools; make college more affordable and accessible
for high school graduates; and allow our community colleges to expand their
efforts to provide students with the knowledge and skill training needed to
succeed in the workplace.

Today’s rally was organized by Campaign for our Communities, a coalition of
over 120 organizations across the Commonwealth, representing thousands of
citizens. Campaign for our Communities has hosted similar rallies this year in
Lynn, New Bedford, Worcester and Brockton, in support of additional revenue to
make critical investments across the Commonwealth that will spur growth and
opportunity.

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LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR MURRAY RELEASES PLAN TO PREVENT AND END
VETERANS’ HOMELESSNESS

 

Lt Gov tim murrynimagesCAV0D83Y

Plan sets goals to end veteran homelessness by 2015

BOSTON – Tuesday, March 12, 2013 – Lieutenant Governor Murray today announced
the release of the Massachusetts Interagency Council on Housing and
Homelessness’ Integrated
Plan to Prevent and End Homelessness Among Veterans.  Joined by
Massachusetts Department of Veterans’ Services Secretary Coleman Nee, Department
of Housing and Community Development Undersecretary Aaron Gornstein, officials
from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), the Massachusetts Interagency
Council on Housing and Homelessness (ICHH) and veteran service providers,
Lieutenant Governor Murray outlined the report prior to touring the New England
Center for Homeless Veterans.

“By working with key stakeholders in the veteran and housing communities, I
am proud that Massachusetts will become one of only a few states to outline a
comprehensive action plan to ensure all veterans have a safe place to call
home,” said Lieutenant Governor Murray, who chairs both the Interagency Council
on Housing and Homelessness and the Governor’s Advisory Council on Veterans’
Services.  “As we support the men and women who have bravely served our country,
we will continue to leverage this partnership to deliver critical resources
proven to be effective in ending homelessness.”

The Massachusetts Plan to Prevent and End Homelessness Among Veterans (Plan)
seeks to ensure all Massachusetts veterans will have a stable place to call
home. The objectives of the plan are to reduce the number of homeless veterans
in the Commonwealth by 1,000 (based on the annual Point In Time count) by the
end of 2015 and to statistically end veteran homelessness in Massachusetts.  The
annual Point In Time count measures the number of homeless persons in the U.S.
on a single night in January 2012, including the number of homeless veterans.  

The objectives will be achieved by four primary goals: 1) Rehouse and
stabilize veterans who become homeless by implementing a housing strategy; 2)
Ensure veterans most at risk of homelessness remain housed to prevent
homelessness; 3) Increase access to benefits and resources for veterans through
greater intervention; and 4) Align and integrate federal, state, and community
resources to support veterans through effective partnerships.  Each goal,
focused on housing, prevention, intervention, and partnerships, is supported by
a detailed action plan to accomplish the goal over time.

“Massachusetts leads the nation in providing benefits and services to our
veterans and their families,” said Secretary Nee. “No one who has ever worn the
uniform of this great nation should struggle to find a roof over their head.
This unprecedented coordination and collaboration of the ICHH steering committee
is one more example why the Commonwealth leads the way.  The plan set forth
today will enable Massachusetts to become the first state in the country to end
veterans’ homelessness.”

“DHCD will continue to work aggressively to create more permanent housing
options for formerly homeless veterans,” said Undersecretary Gornstein.  “We
look forward to collaborating with our local, state, and federal partners to
implement this important plan.”

According to the 2011 Point In Time count, there were 1,268 homeless veterans
on a given night across Massachusetts, which represents 7.6% of the total
homeless population in the state. This Point In Time count has been trending
downward in recent years, with the 2011 count 20.6% lower than that of the
previous year. It is also estimated that 450 of those individuals meet the U.S.
Department of Housing and Urban Development’s definition of chronically
homeless.

The Plan is a product of an ICHH Steering Committee to End Veterans’
Homelessness.  The Steering Committee engaged well over 200 stakeholders from
across the Commonwealth to identify barriers, opportunities, and best
practices.  Finally, the Steering Committee reviewed emerging best practices in
preventing and ending homelessness among veterans from here in Massachusetts, as
well as other parts of the country.

"Veterans Service Officers are key allies in preventing homelessness among
the veterans in our home communities," said Steven Connor, President of the
Massachusetts Veteran Service Officers Association. "Whether we serve in our
Commonwealth's major cities, or in our most rural small towns, we know there are
homeless veterans or those living on the edge of homelessness that we have a
duty to serve. The MVSOA is fully supportive of the Patrick-Murray
Administration's efforts to end veterans' homelessness and we are committed to
partnering with veteran service organization and providers to make this vision a
reality in all of our cities and towns."

“The New England Center for Homeless Veterans is honored to host and provide
the location for today’s important announcement by Lieutenant Governor Murray,”
said Andy McCawley, President and CEO of the New England Center for Homeless
Veterans.  “The Center’s mission is to provide support and services to those who
have served this country, and find themselves facing or at risk of
homelessness.

The Center joins the Patrick – Murray Administration, the Commonwealth of
Massachusetts, Federal support agencies, the City of Boston, and the entire
community of outstanding Veteran service providers here in Massachusetts to make
the end of Veterans’ homelessness a reality.”

In December 2011, Lt. Governor Murray charged the ICHH and the Massachusetts
Department of Veterans’ Services (DVS) with drafting the first statewide plan to
prevent and end homelessness among veterans. This action is part of the
Patrick-Murray Administration’s efforts to end homelessness among veterans.  In
recent years, the Administration has fostered emerging partnerships, setting the
stage for a new way of approaching the challenge of ending veterans’
homelessness in a targeted and collaborative fashion.  Last January, DVS
launched a pilot program in collaboration with VA known as the Statewide Housing
Advocacy for Reintegration and Prevention (SHARP) program. The SHARP team is
administered by DVS, and represents a first-in-the-nation model that accelerates
the housing process and offers veteran-to-veteran peer support, mental health
services, psychiatric evaluation and linkages to emergency shelter to
chronically homeless veterans.  The team also identifies and enrolls new
homeless veterans in the HUD-VASH program.  Since January 2011, the SHARP Team
has housed 48 chronically homeless veterans out of the initial 50 pilot vouchers
awarded to the program and has maintained a higher than national average success
rate in keeping these veterans housed and case-managed for mental health,
substance abuse and other issues related to their well-being.

In addition to the work of the DVS and ICHH steering committee and the
recently implemented SHARP program, DVS funds more than 30 shelter and
transitional housing non-profit organizations, providing housing services to
eligible veterans ranging from Emergency Homeless Shelters, group residences, to
Single Room Occupancy quarters.

The Patrick-Murray Administration is a leading provider for veteran services
and continues to implement programs to complement efforts to end homelessness
among veterans.  In 2011, the Administration launched an aggressive employment
campaign aimed to increase the hiring of Massachusetts veterans.  Among these
initiatives, the Patrick-Murray Administration partnered with major trade
associations to encourage them to hire veterans and circulate information on
veterans benefits.  The Massachusetts Association of Chamber of Commerce
Executives, the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce, the Massachusetts Business
Roundtable, the Associated Industries of Massachusetts, the Massachusetts
Biotechnology Council, the Mass High Tech Council, the Defense Technology
Initiative, and the Retailers Association of Massachusetts are among the growing
list of major trade associations committed to working with the Administration
and the Massachusetts veteran community.

To lead by example, the Governor and Lieutenant Governor called for the
establishment of an Interagency Taskforce on Hiring Veterans within the
Executive Branch.  The Secretary of Administration and Finance charged the head
of the Human Resources Division along with Taskforce members to take a critical
look at the Executive Branch’s current policies, processes and practices on
hiring veterans and recently completed this plan. 
Last week, Governor Deval Patrick signed an executive order to help small
businesses owned by disabled veterans increase access to contracts for public
projects in the areas of construction, design and goods and services
procurement.  This executive order follows the Governor’s authorization of “An
Act Relative to Veterans’ Access Livelihood, Opportunity, and Resources” (The
VALOR Act), signed last year, to provide greater assistance to help
veteran-owned small business participate in public projects.

To learn more about services for Massachusetts veterans, visit www.mass.gov/veterans.

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GOVERNOR PATRICK SIGNS SOCIAL WORKER SAFETY IN THE WORKFORCE
LEGISLATION

BOSTON – Monday, March 11, 2013 – Governor Deval Patrick Friday signed Social
Work Safety in the Workforce legislation that will further enhance
Massachusetts’ efforts to protect those who are caring for our most vulnerable
residents.

The bill, originally signed into law on February 15, 2013, as part of the
FY13 Supplemental Budget, requires all direct services providers who receive
funding from the Executive Office of Health and Human Services (HHS) to provide
workplace violence prevention and crisis response plans.

“This legislation offers vital safety protections to human service employees
and social workers,” said Senator Sal DiDomenico. “While it will not ameliorate
the sorrow and suffering of previous tragedies that have occurred in the past,
it will bring us closer to ensuring the safety of those workers who take care of
our most vulnerable populations. I have to thank NASW for their leadership on
this issue, Representative Sean Garballey for his partnership on this bill, and
my colleagues in the Senate for their tremendous support, including Senate
President Therese Murray.”

“I am proud to have been able to partner with the National Association of
Social Workers and Senator DiDomenico on passing legislation that protects our
social workers so they can continue to provide essential services to residents
throughout the Commonwealth,” said Representative Sean Garballey.

“Today marks a major advancement for the social work profession,” said Carol
Trust, Executive Director of the Massachusetts chapter of the National
Association of Social Workers. “With the signing today of the social work safety
in the workplace bill, Governor Patrick and the entire legislature have
demonstrated their commitment to the profession and also to the clients and
communities served by social workers.”

“Social workers provide a crucial and fundamental service to residents of the
Commonwealth,” said Senator Michael Moore. “This legislation is critical to
ensure the protection of social workers as they continue to provide services to
our most vulnerable populations.”

“Dedicated people serving clients in need shouldn’t be exposed to the threat
of harm, and this legislation creates the planning and resources to protect
them," said Senator Bruce Tarr. "We will all be far better served by taking
proactive steps to keep these professionals safe."

"Social workers are on the front lines working with families in crisis across
the Commonwealth,” said Representative Carolyn Dykema. “I'm proud to have
cosponsored this legislation to help ensure that social workers working with the
Commonwealth have a workplace prepared with a plan and training should violence
arrive in their midst of this important work."

"Developing safety policies for social workers is important on so many
levels, and I am very pleased with the passage of this bill," said
Representative Thomas Stanley. "The legislation not only creates a critical
environment of safety for our social workers, but also helps reduce staff
burnout and improves employee retention."

Under the law, violence prevention and crisis response plans must be updated
at least annually for social workers, human services workers, volunteers and all
other employees. The legislation outlines the specifics of what prevention plans
should include, and allows for HHS to offer additional training for
employees.

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STATEMENTS ON
SENATE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE PASSAGE OF BILL TO
REQUIRE BACKGROUND CHECKS FOR ALL
GUN SALES

 

Mayors against ileagal guns logo

Legislation
Sponsored by Senator Schumer Would Require Background
Checks for All Gun Sales
and Close the Private Sale Loophole

 

Background
Checks Save Lives; Polls Show Overwhelming Support for
Background Checks; www.DemandAction.org

 

           
Mayors Against
Illegal Guns, a bipartisan
coalition of more than 900 mayors and more than 1.4
million grassroots
supporters, responded today to the Senate Judiciary
Committee’s passage of
S.374, the Protecting Responsible Gun Owners Act in a
vote of 10-8.  The
bill, sponsored by New York Senator Charles E. Schumer and
based on a
proposal by Mayors Against Illegal Guns, would require that all gun
sales be
subject to a background check and would close the “private sale
loophole.” 

 

Around 40
percent of U.S. gun transfers are conducted by unlicensed
“private sellers” who
are not required to conduct a federal check,[1] and who often do business at gun

shows and on the Internet – indicating that about 6.6 million guns are

transferred in the U.S. every year with no background check for the buyer.[2] This
loophole allows dangerous
people who are prohibited from buying guns – including
felons, domestic
abusers and the seriously mentally ill – to avoid a background
check by
simply avoiding licensed dealers.

 

Evidence
demonstrates that background checks save lives.  For example, in
the fourteen
states that already require background checks for all handgun
sales:

  • Gun trafficking
    is 48 percent lower than in states that fail to require
    background checks for
    all handgun sales.[3]
  • In 2010, the
    rate of women murdered by an intimate partner with a gun
    was 38 percent lower
    than in other states, while the rate murdered by other
    means was nearly
    identical.[4]
  • The firearm
    suicide rate was 49 percent lower than in other states, even
    though people committed suicide in other ways at almost precisely
    the same
    rate.[5]

 

Recent polls by
Mayors Against Illegal Guns showed likely voters in a
wide range of states and
congressional districts overwhelmingly support
background checks for all gun
sales. The average support for background
checks for all gun sales among 41
congressional district polls was 89
percent; the average among 21 statewide
polls was 86 percent.  The findings
of these surveys can be found here.  These findings are in line

with recent independent polls that have found more

than 90 percent of Americans support background checks for all buyers.  

Previous polling

by Republican Frank Luntz for Mayors Against Illegal Guns also found
that 82
percent of gun owners – including 74 percent of National Rifle
Association
members – support requiring criminal background checks for
anyone purchasing a
gun.

 

“Today the U.S.
Senate took an important first step to require criminal
background checks for
all gun sales,” said Mayors Against Illegal Guns
Co-Chair and New York City
Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg. ”I applaud the
members of the Senate Judiciary
committee who voted to send this bill to the
Senate floor.  Now we’ll work with
their colleagues in the Senate to ensure
passage of this common sense
legislation that will help save lives and
protect our communities.  Americans
are demanding action from Washington to
prevent gun violence – and meaningful
reform is within our reach.”

 

“The Senate
Judiciary Committee made important progress today, but it’s
up to their peers in
Congress to be bold and follow suit,” Mayors Against
Illegal Guns Co-Chair and
Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino said. “The message
from Americans is loud and
clear: enough is enough. Thirty-three Americans
are murdered with guns every day
– we can no longer afford inaction on
common
sense gun laws like requiring background checks for every firearms

sale.”

 

Statements from
Members
of the Coalition:

 

ARIZONA

 

Mayor Bill
Rappaport of Star Valley, Arizona

“The Senate
Judiciary Committee has sided with America's law enforcement
officers, who
overwhelmingly support the public safety legislation approved
today. An expanded
background check system will empower police to more
effectively track down
criminals and give the families of gun violence
victims the closure they
deserve.”

 

Mayor Jonathan
Rothschild of Tucson, Arizona

"An overwhelming
majority of Americans - and Arizonans - believe that
mandatory background checks
for all gun sales is a good policy that will
keep our communities safe. This
vote proves that their collective voice can
overpower the gun lobby's dollars,
but Americans must continue to demand
action from Congress to end gun
violence."

CONNECTICUT

 

Mayor Michael
Pavia of Stamford, Connecticut

“As a Republican
mayor in Connecticut, I want to voice my strong support
for the actions taken
today by the Senate Judiciary Committee. Extending
background checks and
record-keeping to all U.S. gun sales is the foundation
of legislation that will
save lives and stop criminals. This legislation
demands full consideration by
the House and Senate.”

 

Mayor Pedro
Segarra of Hartford, Connecticut

“Eight in 10 gun
owners recognize that requiring a background check for
every gun sale is a
practical policy that will save lives without limiting
anyone's right to bear
arms. This vote is a smart first step and Americans
must continue to demand
action from Congress to ensure full consideration of
comprehensive background
checks and other key measures to stop gun violence
here in Connecticut and
around the country.”

 

INDIANA

 

Mayor Pete
Buttigieg of South Bend, Indiana

“Today’s vote in
the Senate Judiciary Committee signals that Congress has
finally caught up to
the American people, a majority of whom support
background checks for all gun
sales. We demanded a plan to reduce gun
violence after Virginia Tech, after
Binghamton, after Aurora, after Newtown,
and after the countless other gun
tragedies that take place every day in
America. Now we’re demanding action – and
our voices are resonating in the
halls of Congress.”

 

FLORIDA

 

Mayor Michael
Ryan of Sunrise, Florida

“I applaud the
Senate Judiciary Committee for taking meaningful steps
towards the reduction of
gun violence and the illegal proliferation of guns.
The evidence is irrefutable
-- when utilized, background checks keep guns
out of the hands of criminals and
the severely mentally ill.”

 

MINNESOTA

 

Mayor R.T. Rybak
of Minneapolis, Minnesota

“Mayors who see
the terrible effects of gun violence every day know all
too well that we need
action from our state capitals and our nation's
capital to end it -- and
fortunately, we have seen some today. I thank
Senators Leahy, Klobuchar, Franken
and their colleagues who voted to take
this important first step. Congress needs
to keep up the momentum and put a
commonsense bill on President Obama's desk
that will help mayors, police and
community end gun violence and keep people
safe.”

 

NEW
JERSEY

 

Mayor Susan
Cohen of Manalapan, New Jersey

“I want to
congratulate and express my gratitude to the Senate Judiciary
Committee for
approving S.374 today. Only by expanding our existing
background check system to
all sales can we ensure that guns do not fall
into dangerous hands. As a
Republican, I have no doubt that this is a
bipartisan issue and indeed a
fundamentally American issue: We need a strong
Second Amendment that allows
law-abiding gun owners to bear arms in
self-defense but does not allow criminals
to arm themselves with impunity. I
urge the full Senate to act on this bill
quickly, and I urge all Senators,
regardless of party, to help pass it into
law.”

 

OHIO

 

Mayor Michael
Coleman of Columbus, Ohio

“The Senate
Judiciary Committee has taken an incredibly important step
forward in the fight
to stop gun violence. They have listened to our 900
mayors. They have listened
to our police chiefs. And they have listened to
the gun violence survivors and
the family members of victims who are
committed to preventing the next terrible
gun tragedy. I eagerly await
action on the floor of the Senate – and in the
House of Representatives –
and urge members of the Ohio congressional delegation
to support background
checks on all U.S. gun sales.”

 

PENNSYLVANIA

 

Mayor Rick Gray
of Lancaster, Pennsylvania

“I am incredibly
gratified that S.374 was passed out of committee today.
Congress is working
properly and working well when it listens to the public:
92 percent of the
American public favors requiring background checks for all
sales in the wake of
Newtown, and the Senate Judiciary Committee has
responded. Background checks are
the only systematic way to keep guns out of
dangerous hands, and I ask lawmakers
to help build bipartisan support for
this sensible and important
bill.”

 

SOUTH
CAROLINA

 

Mayor Joseph
Riley of Charleston, South Carolina

“Thousands of
South Carolinians have joined the rest of America in
demanding action from
Congress to keep guns out of the hands of dangerous
people. Today is but the
first step in protecting our communities from the
needless violence that claims
33 lives every day. We can save so many
families the pain of losing a loved one
with this common sense
legislation.”

 

TEXAS

 

Mayor Annise
Parker of Houston, Texas

“Respect for the
Second Amendment goes hand-in-hand with common-sense
laws to keep weapons away
from dangerous people. Senate Bill 374 is a
proposal that addresses our gun
violence problem while also protecting our
constitutional rights. The bill
closes the private sale loophole in the
simplest fashion – enforcing existing
prohibitions on gun ownership while
putting minimal strain on the public. It is
truly great news that the bill
has been approved by the Senate Judiciary
Committee. Please help to make the
passage of this bill a bipartisan
achievement.”

 

Mayor Richard
Ward of Hurst, Texas

“This isn’t a
partisan issue – it’s just plain common sense. We can pay
tribute to our Second
Amendment rights and take responsible measures to keep
guns away from felons,
domestic abusers, and the severely mentally ill. I
thank the Judiciary Committee
for this critical first step in protecting our
communities by enacting
responsible, sensible legislation.”

 

VERMONT

 

Mayor Miro
Weinberger of Burlington, Vermont

“I applaud
Chairman Leahy for his tremendous leadership on this issue. In
Vermont, where we
have a long tradition of hunting and sporting, we know
it’s possible to uphold
our Second Amendment rights while also taking steps
to keep guns from falling
into the wrong hands.  Today’s Judiciary Committee
action was an important step
towards closing the deadly loopholes in our
nation’s gun background check
system.”

 

Mayor John
Hollar of Montpelier, Vermont

“Today
is an historic moment for all of the American families affected by
gun violence.
Congress is closer than ever before to honoring the lives we
have lost by
passing the commonsense solutions to gun violence that so many
Americans
support.”

 

WISCONSIN

 

Mayor Tom
Barrett of Milwaukee, Wisconsin

“Under our
broken background check system, a would-be killer can walk
into any gun show,
scan the classifieds, or just go to Armslist.com – and
purchase any gun he wants
with no questions asked and no paperwork required.
And if that armed criminal
does kill someone, and the cops recover the gun
at the scene, they can’t trace
it to him. Today, the members of the Senate
Judiciary Committee took steps to
close this loophole by approving S.374. I
hope all federal legislators will join
the fight to pass this common-sense
bill.”

 

About Mayors
Against Illegal Guns

 

Since its
inception in April 2006, Mayors Against Illegal Guns has grown
from 15 mayors to
more than 900 mayors from across the country. We have more
than 1.4 million
grassroots supporters, making us the largest gun violence
prevention advocacy
organization in the country.  The bipartisan coalition,
co-chaired by New York
City Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Boston Mayor Thomas
Menino, has united the
nation’s mayors around these common goals: protecting
their communities by
holding gun offenders and irresponsible gun dealers
accountable; demanding
access to trace data that is critical to law
enforcement efforts to combat
illegal gun trafficking; and working with
legislators to fix gaps, weaknesses
and loopholes in the law that make it
far too easy for criminals and other
prohibited purchasers to get guns. 
Learn more at www.mayorsagainstillegalguns.org

 

-30-

 

Contact:
         Mayor Bloomberg’s Press Office                   (212)

788-2958

Mayor Menino’s
Press Office                         (617) 635-4461

[1] Philip J. Cook & Jens Ludwig,
Guns
in America, 1996, available at

http://www.policefoundation.org/pdf/GunsinAmerica.pdf. 2,568 individuals,

including 251 gun owners, were surveyed by telephone and asked how they
obtained
their firearms.

[2] In the 38 states that have not
fully
closed the private sale loophole, an estimated 9,856,984 background
checks were
conducted between November 2011 and November 2012, out of an
estimated 16.5
million total firearm transfers in those states. 40 percent
of this total—6.6
million transfers—occurred without background checks.
Calculation based on FBI
data. Available:

http://www.fbi.gov/about-us/cjis/nics/reports/20130205_1998_2013_state_program_to_date_purpose_ids.pdf

[3] Daniel Webster, Jon Vernick,
&
Maria Bulzacchelli, “Effects of State-Level Firearm Seller
Accountability
Policies on Firearm Trafficking,” Journal of Urban Health,
July 2009.

[4] U.S. Department of Justice,
Federal
Bureau of Investigation, Supplementary Homicide Reports,
2011.

[5] Centers for Disease Control and

Prevention, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control. Web-based
Injury
Statistics Query and Reporting System (WISQARS) [online]. (2005)
[cited 2012
Dec. 20].

Posted at 12:56 PM
| Permalink
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03/05/2013

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Church

of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints

http://thebillericanews.typepad.com/.a/6a0162ff50edb4970d017ee882a7eb970d-pi
70

Concord Road Billerica, MA.

Contact: Bishop Seth Johnson-
978-667-7663


We
welcome
you each Sunday to join with us as we celebrate the life of Jesus
Christ,how
we
can live his Gospel today,and in experiencing our love and
service to
one another as
a church family.

10:00 am. Sacrament

meeting-passing of the Sacrament,hymns,speakers(all children

welcomed)

11:10 am. Adults- Sunday School- All children primary
classes
until 1:00 pm.

12:00 pm. Men's and Woman's
Groups

1:00 pm.
completion of our worship

 

We are participating in two
community events this

March
March 7th-Community Conference at our church 70 Concord Road,


Billerica Clergy and Community leaders coming together to define our

challenges
and seek solutions re the needs of our

community.9:00am.-4:00pm.Food will be
served. Jared Koyle contact

person.978-987-3426 Koylejr@gmail.com

March
13th,Wednesday Our
church
will be providing Lentin lunches for the event at the
First
Congregational
Church of Billerica. 18 Andover Road, Billerica Set

up-10:00am,Lunch
11:45am.,12:30-1:00pm.,our Bishop Seth Johnson and
members of
our ward will
provide a half hour worship service for the
community. Parking in
back and
enter through back door

So, that's
what's
happening

 

 

_________________________________________________________________________________________

GOVERNOR PATRICK MEETS WITH AMBASSADORS FROM IRELAND AND

EUROPEAN UNION

http://www.flickr.com/photos/massgovernor/8529649296/
Governor

Patrick meets with Ambassador of the European Union to the U.S. Joao Vale de

Almeida, Ambassador of Ireland to the U.S. Michael Collins and Consul
General of
Ireland to Boston Michael Lonergan in the Governor's Office.
(Photo credit: Eric
Haynes / Governor's Office)
View

more photos

BOSTON – Monday, March 4, 2013 – Governor Deval

Patrick today met with Ambassador of the European Union (EU) to the United

States João Vale de Almeida, Ambassador of Ireland to the United States
Michael
Collins and Consul General of Ireland in Boston Michael Lonergan.
Ireland
currently holds the rotating EU Presidency. The meeting builds on
the
Patrick-Murray Administration’s commitment to cultivating and expanding
the
existing relationship between Massachusetts and the EU, its largest
trade
partner.

“It’s a pleasure to welcome Ambassador Vale de Almeida, Ambassador Collins

and Consul General Lonergan to Massachusetts,” said Governor Patrick.

“Strengthening our ties with the European Union will allow the Commonwealth
to
compete in the 21st century global economy.”

Prior to becoming Head of the Delegation of the European Union to the United

States in 2010, Ambassador Vale de Almeida served as the Director General
for
External Relations at the European Commission. He was also Head of
Cabinet for
European Commission President José Manuel Barroso, and before
that held a senior
position in the Directorate General for Education and
Culture. Ambassador Vale
de Almeida is originally from Portugal.

Prior to becoming Ireland’s Ambassador to the United States in 2007,

Ambassador Collins served as second secretary general at the Department of
the
Taoiseach, or Irish prime minister. He was also Ireland’s Ambassador to
Saudi
Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar and the United Emirates, and then
to the
Czech Republic and Ukraine. Collins last visited Boston in February
2012 with
Taoiseach Enda Kenny.

The EU, which has the largest GDP in the world at $15.7 trillion, represents

34 percent of Massachusetts’ exports and 27 percent of imports. Supporters

believe harmonized standards and regulations between the EU and the U.S.
would
have a significant effect on GDP growth for both
markets.

______________________________________________________________________________________

GOVERNOR PATRICK JOINS ENVIRONMENTAL OFFICIALS AND BIOLOGISTS

ON BLACK BEAR SURVEY

http://www.flickr.com/photos/massgovernor/8529532356/
Governor Patrick and Secretary Sullivan participate in

black bear cub survey in South Deerfield. (Photo credit: Eric Haynes /

Governor’s Office)
View

more photos

CONWAY – Monday, March 4, 2013 – Governor Deval

Patrick today joined Massachusetts Secretary of Energy and Environmental
Affairs
Rick Sullivan, Department of Fish and Game (DFG) Commissioner Mary
Griffin and
state wildlife officials on an expedition to document the newest
members of the
Commonwealth’s black bear population.

The team discovered two cubs born approximately four to six weeks ago. The

cubs, both male, weighed in at approximately six pounds. Based on last
year’s
breeding status, the Conway bear is one of 16 radio-collared sows
believed to
have given birth this winter.

While newborn cubs are too small to tag or collar, MassWildlife records each

cub’s physical condition, weight and gender. Biologists also check the
physical
condition of mother bears, as well as the condition and fit of
their radio
collars.

Information gathered at the den in Conway today adds to that compiled through

one of longest, continuous studies of black bears in the United States.
DFG’s
Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (MassWildlife) began the study with
the
Massachusetts Cooperative Wildlife Research Unit at the University of

Massachusetts in Amherst in 1970.

MassWildlife has been solely responsible for the project since 1999 and is

currently examining reproductive success, cub survival, adult female
survival
and human-bear interactions. Numbering only about 100 bears when
the study
began, the Massachusetts black bear population has grown to
approximately 3,000
today.

Although black bears are becoming more common in central Massachusetts and

are occasionally sighted in eastern communities, most of MassWildlife’s bear

research takes place west of the Connecticut River. With the aid of radio

telemetry, MassWildlife is currently tracking 16 female bears, also known as

sows, to determine adult female survival and cub production and survival –
key
components of the Division’s black bear population model. MassWildlife
does not
collar male bears, but ear-tags them to provide future knowledge
about survival
and movement.

Contrary to popular belief, black bears don’t go into true hibernation in

winter. Rather, they sleep soundly in their dens from November or December
until
early March to mid-April, but may wake up to forage in mild
weather.

Black bears are found in 43 states. Those in Massachusetts average 230 pounds

for males and 140 pounds for females. They are omnivores – eating a variety
of
foods from vegetation and berries to grubs, insects and carrion – and are

excellent climbers, frequently using trees to rest and to protect their
young.
Black bears mate between mid-June and mid-July and cubs are born in
mid- to
late-January. Cubs remain in the den until April and stay with their
mother for
about 17 months. Females typically have their first litter when
they are 3-4
years old.

_______________________________________________________________________________________

GOVERNOR PATRICK ANNOUNCES NEW ONLINE TOOL TO SHOW IMPACT OF

INVESTMENT PROPOSALS ON A FAMILY’S BUDGET

Approximately half of Massachusetts residents will pay less,

or the same under Governor Patrick’s proposal to grow jobs and
opportunity

BOSTON – Monday, March 4, 2013– Governor Deval Patrick today unveiled an

online tool that shows the impact of the Patrick-Murray Administration
Fiscal
Year 2014 (FY14) budget proposal on an individual or family’s budget.
The tool
can be found, along with maps that outline the education and
transportation
plans that will help grow jobs in every corner of the
Commonwealth, at www.mass.gov/governor/choosegrowth.

“We are proposing meaningful investments in education and transportation, and

people want to know what that means for them,” said Governor Patrick. “Last

week, with the maps, we showed what long-postponed projects would get done
in
each community. Now, with this tool, we show just what the costs or
savings will
be for individual households.”

Residents will enter information including their annual income and filing

status, and will be able to view the impact of the Governor’s proposal on
their
personal taxes.

"The Governor and I know that asking people to pay more by any type of tax

increase is never easy," said Lieutenant Governor Timothy Murray. "However,
our
growth strategy will expand opportunities for this generation and
generations to
come. As we continue the conversation, we hope this online
tool will help
residents understand the impact taxes will have on them
personally and for the
strength of our economy and Commonwealth.”

To support almost $2 billion in meaningful investments that will strengthen

the state’s economic future, the FY14 budget calls for the creation of a
simpler
and fairer tax system that lowers the sales tax from 6.25 percent to
4.5
percent, and raises the income tax to 6.25 percent. All proceeds from
the sales
tax will be dedicated to a public works fund that will support the

Administration’s 21st century transportation plan, as well as the

school building fund and other public infrastructure projects, and will be
off
limits for any other purpose.

To make that increase fair to all according to their ability to pay, the

Governor has proposed doubling the personal exemptions for every taxpayer
and
eliminating a number of itemized deductions. Making those changes gives
the
Commonwealth a tax code that is simpler and fairer. The changes to state
sales,
income and business taxes will make Massachusetts comparable on
taxation to our
neighboring states and those with which we compete.

Last week, Governor Patrick unveiled an online map tool that outlines

transportation projects in every community that would be funded under the

Governor’s FY14 budget proposal, as well as the additional Chapter 70
education
funding and support for public colleges and universities
communities can expect
to receive under the Governor’s investment plan. The
maps also show how many
children in each community are on the waitlist for
early education and care
programs. As part of the Governor’s investment
plan, the 30,000 child waitlist
for early education and care programs across
the state would be eliminated.

Following the announcement of his investment plan in his January State of the

Commonwealth address, Governor Patrick has been traveling across the state

making the case for business leaders, educators, local elected officials and

members of the public about the importance of investing now in education and

infrastructure to spur job creation and unlock opportunity in every corner
of
the Commonwealth. For more information on the Governor’s investment plan
visit
www.mass.gov/governor/choosegrowth.

_______________________________________________________________________________________
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______________________________________________________________________________________

GOVERNOR PATRICK AND LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR MURRAY VISIT HOMER

STREET ELEMENTARY SCHOOL TO CELEBRATE BLACK HISTORY MONTH

SPRINGFIELD – Thursday, February 28, 2013 – Governor Deval Patrick and

Lieutenant Governor Timothy Murray today visited with students and educators
at
the Homer Street Elementary School in Springfield to celebrate Black
History
Month. Throughout the month, the school community has participated
in several
activities and projects in honor of Black History Month.

“I am proud to join together with these students to celebrate the rich and

diverse history that African-Americans have helped shape here in
Massachusetts
and around the world. It is important for each and every
student to learn about
the sacrifices our ancestors made to create a better
future for us,” said
Governor Patrick. “We must invest in our children to in
order to continue this
model of generational responsibility for our time and
for the next
generation.”

“I appreciate the opportunity to join Governor Patrick and Homer Street

Elementary as we continue to celebrate Black History Month,” said Lieutenant

Governor Murray. “Homer Street Elementary engages students to understand and

value a rich history of honored African-American heroes who have touched so
many
lives, and have left a legacy for future generations to achieve a high
quality
education and a bright future.”

During today’s visit, Governor Patrick and Lieutenant Governor Murray toured

the school with teachers and students and watched presentations by students

about Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and the challenges and sacrifices civil
rights
activists faced to have equal and fair rights for all.

The Patrick-Murray Administration has hosted Black History Month events in

both Springfield and Boston this year, honoring several significant
milestones
in 2013 for the Civil Rights Movement. It is the 50th anniversary
of Dr. King’s
“I Have a Dream” speech, the 50th anniversary of the murder of
NAACP leader
Medgar Evers, as well as the 50th anniversary of the Sixteenth
Street Baptist
Church bombing and President John F. Kennedy’s assassination.
This year also
marks the 100th anniversary of Rosa Parks’ birth and the
150th anniversary of
the Emancipation Proclamation and the construction of
the Statue of Freedom atop
the United States Capitol Dome.

About Homer Street Elementary School:

Homer Street Elementary School relies on family and community engagement for

academic success and they maintain partnership programs with area colleges

(American International College, Western New England University and
Springfield
College). The Homer Street School was identified as a Level 4 or
“Turnaround”
school in 2010 by the Department of Elementary and Secondary
Education (DESE).
In May 2010, then-Superintendent Alan Ingram named
Kathleen Sullivan as
principal. Ms. Sullivan was re-assigned to the Homer
School in order to
facilitate significant turnaround at the school. Homer
Street School’s MCAS
scores have soared each year since its designation as a
Level 4 school, and the
school was recognized by DESE and Commissioner
Chester for the incredible
academic gains made by their
students

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Governor Patrick Announces Major Life Sciences Investment in

Western Massachusetts

Grants to fund lab
renovations, equipment and
planning for community colleges and vocational
schools, and expansion of life
sciences capacity at MGHPCC

HOLYOKE – Thursday, February 28, 2013 –
Governor Deval Patrick
and the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center (MLSC)
today announced more than $9
million in grants for life-sciences-related
capital projects in Western
Massachusetts, including $3.8 million to support
the creation of a Center for
Life Sciences at Holyoke Community College
(HCC), and $4.54 million that will
allow the Massachusetts Green High
Performance Computing Center (MGHPCC) in
Holyoke to expand its capacity for
life sciences-related research and data
analysis. Through the Massachusetts
Life Sciences Center, Massachusetts is
investing $1 billion over 10 years in
the growth of the state’s life sciences
supercluster. These investments are
being made under Governor Patrick’s
Massachusetts Life Sciences Initiative.

“Supporting innovation propels our economy
forward and prepares
our citizens for the 21st century global marketplace,”
said Governor Patrick.
“Our innovation economy relies on a well-educated,
well-skilled workforce, and
these grants will expand opportunity and grow
jobs in communities throughout the
Commonwealth.”

“Our Administration is committed to investing
in innovation
across the state, including the life sciences industry in
Western
Massachusetts,” said Lieutenant Governor Timothy Murray. “These
capital project
investments will enhance research, workforce training and
job creation, expand
opportunities to develop improved medicine and support
the region’s long-term
economic growth.”

“Schools like Holyoke Community College and
Springfield
Technical Community College play major roles in training the
next generation of
our state’s life sciences workforce, and they ensure that
training for
innovation economy jobs is inclusive and available all across
the state,” said
Dr. Susan Windham-Bannister, President & CEO of the
MLSC. “Our grants help
ensure that these schools can provide students in
Western Massachusetts with
first-rate training facilities “Our grant to the
MGHPCC leverages prior
investments by the state and five of our top
universities by expanding the
MGHPCC’s capacity to make advanced computing
available to the life sciences
community.”

The largest grant awarded today went to the
MGHPCC. This
investment will build on an infrastructure for large-scale data
analysis that is
already in place in Holyoke and was created by a strong
partnership among
academia, industry and the Commonwealth. Boston
University, Harvard University,
the Massachusetts Institute of Technology,
Northeastern University and the
University of Massachusetts have teamed with
Astra-Zeneca, Pfizer, Merck,
Merrimack Pharmaceuticals, EMC and IBM, among
others, to create this computing
resource. The MLSC funding of $4.54 million
will allow the MGHPCC to create a
cloud-based resource for data-driven
biology.

“As with other scientific disciplines,
discovery and innovation
in the life sciences are dependent on
high-performance computing,” said John
Goodhue, Executive Director of the
MGHPCC. “This investment will leverage the
capabilities of the MGHPCC and
its university partners to strengthen the state's
position as a leader in
life sciences research, an important driver of the
Massachusetts economy.
The MLSC's investment will also add a new dimension to
the ongoing
partnership between the MGHPCC and western Massachusetts business
and
educational institutions.”

“Biomedical sciences are in the midst of a
revolution where many
of the challenges are becoming large-scale data
problems,” said Manuel Garber,
Associate Professor in the Program in
Bioinformatics and Integrative Biology at
the University of Massachusetts
Medical School. “The investment in this computer
system will poise the state
of Massachusetts as a leader in the development of
computational methods to
understand and a catalytic force in applying these
discoveries to improve
health care.”

HCC was granted $3.8 million to support the
renovation of 13,000
square feet of lab space and the creation of a Center
for Life Sciences. This
will include a clean room for the biological
sciences, which will be the only
clean room in Western Massachusetts to
support training for students, faculty
and industry partners.

“The importance of community colleges in
providing access to
life sciences education for minority, low-income and
first-generation students
cannot be overstated,” said HCC President William
F. Messner. “This grant will
enable us to expand our partnerships and
establish a solid pipeline from high
school, to college, to the workforce.
It will allow HCC to strengthen
articulations with Mount Holyoke and Smith
College and increase the number of
women in life sciences fields. It will
provide the college with the resources
necessary to support our industry
partners, and ensure our curriculum aligns
with their needs and equips our
graduates with the knowledge and skills they
need to pursue further
education or enter the workforce.”

“This project at Holyoke Community College is
absolutely
essential for regional life science economic development,” said
Steve Richter,
President & Scientific Director of Microtest Labs in
Agawam. “The caliber of
this project adds to the force required for real
change and job development. The
focus on microbiology and clean room
technology creates value for students and
industry. The medical device,
biotech and compounding pharmacies will benefit
from future
graduates.”

The MLSC also awarded two planning grants to
academic
institutions in the region. These grants allow institutions to
propose and
develop studies in order to further identify what types of life
sciences
resources would be most useful to them:

  • Springfield Technical Community College
    (STCC) was awarded
    $150,000, which will be used to update its equipment and
    labs to align with the
    needs of life sciences companies. MLSC funding will
    allow STCC to conduct a
    study to identify the most appropriate equipment
    that will best deliver a life
    sciences education leading to employment in
    the field.
  • Bay Path College in Longmeadow recently
    received a $2 million
    grant from the U.S. Department of Education aimed at
    improving undergraduate
    student retention, supporting curricular redesign,
    faculty professional
    development, and student academic and career support
    services. The MLSC planning
    grant of $50,000 will enable Bay Path College to
    engage key stakeholders from
    the life sciences industry, workforce
    development, and educational institutions
    to identify the capital needs and
    other resources needed to fully implement this
    initiative in the sciences at
    Bay Path College.

“STCC applauds Governor Patrick and the
Massachusetts Life
Sciences Center for their investment in life sciences
education,” said Dr. Lisa
Rapp, Chair of STCC's Biotechnology Department.
“STCC's planning grant will
allow the college to determine which capital
resources we most need to create
and furnish up-to-date, industry-aligned,
teaching laboratories to educate and
train a skilled life sciences workforce
for the Commonwealth.”

“We have always been responsive to the
workforce development
needs of our region. As Bay Path continues to invest
and grow our programs in
the life sciences, our planning must be conducted
in collaboration with the life
sciences industry in Massachusetts where our
students are most likely to pursue
careers, thereby ensuring their success
and also enabling the industry as a
whole to flourish,” said Dr. Melissa
Morriss-Olson, Provost and Vice President
for Academic Affairs of Bay Path
College.

In December, 2012, Lieutenant Governor Murray
and the MLSC
announced a round of equipment and supply grants for vocational
and technical
high schools and public high schools in gateway cities, with
the idea of
furthering STEM education. High schools in Western Massachusetts
received more
than $500,000 toward lab renovation and equipment. The six
schools in Western
Massachusetts, the city or town in which they are
located, and the amount of
their respective grants are as
follows:

 

School

City

Award Amount

Holyoke Public Schools (Dean Technical High School & Holyoke High

School)

Holyoke

$ 195,019.83

 

Roger L. Putnam Vocational Technical Academy

Springfield

$ 100,000.00

 

Smith Vocational and Agricultural High School

Northampton

$ 100,000.00

 

Taconic High School

Pittsfield

$ 88,028.74

 

Westfield High School

Westfield

$ 44,333.00

 

 

About the Massachusetts Life Sciences

Center

The Massachusetts Life Sciences Center (MLSC)
is a quasi-public
agency of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts tasked with
implementing the
Massachusetts Life Sciences Act, a 10-year, $1-billion
initiative that was
signed into law in June of 2008. The MLSC’s mission is
to create jobs in the
life sciences and support vital scientific research
that will improve the human
condition. This work includes making financial
investments in public and private
institutions that are advancing life
sciences research, development and
commercialization as well as building
ties among sectors of the Massachusetts
life sciences community. For more
information, visit www.masslifesciences.com.

__________________________________
Get to Recognize Stroke

Symptoms
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=316482345137176&set=a.287896101329134.67529.287857711332973&type=1&ref=nf
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Stroke has a new
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of saving one life. Will you send this along?
Blood Clots/Stroke - They Now
Have a Fourth Indicator, the Tongue:

During
a BBQ, a woman stumbled
and took a little fall - she assured everyone that she
was fine (they
offered to call paramedics) ...she said she had just tripped over
a brick
because of her new shoes.

They got her cleaned up and got her a
new
plate of food. While she appeared a bit shaken up, Jane went about enjoying

herself the rest of the evening.

Jane's husband called later telling

everyone that his wife had been taken to the hospital - (at 6:00 PM Jane
passed
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identify the
signs of a stroke, perhaps Jane would be with us today. Some
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It
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A neurologist says that if he can
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within 3 hours he can totally reverse the effects of
a stroke...totally. He said
the trick was getting a stroke recognized,
diagnosed, and then getting the
patient medically cared for within 3 hours,
which is tough.

RECOGNIZING
A STROKE

Thank God for the sense
to remember the '3' steps, STR. Read
and

Learn!

Sometimes
symptoms of a stroke are difficult to
identify. Unfortunately, the lack of
awareness spells disaster. The stroke
victim may suffer severe brain damage
when people nearby fail to recognize the
symptoms of a stroke.

Now
doctors say a bystander can recognize a stroke
by asking three simple
questions:

S *Ask the individual to
SMILE.

T *Ask the person
to TALK and SPEAK A

SIMPLE SENTENCE
(Coherently)
(i.e. Chicken
Soup)

R *Ask him or her to RAISE BOTH
ARMS.

If he or she has
trouble with ANY ONE of these tasks, call
emergency number immediately and
describe the symptoms to the
dispatcher.

New Sign of a Stroke
-------- Stick out Your
Tongue

NOTE: Another 'sign' of a stroke is
this: Ask the person to
'stick' out his tongue. If the tongue
is

'crooked', if it goes to one
side or the other that is also an
indication of a stroke.
Mar 16, 2013 5:28:54 PM

03/12/2013

Winchester Recreation and Community Education



3/10

3/21-3/28



Spring
is coming for sure.  We can see those daffodils shooting
up.



APRIL
VACATION!

What will your children be
doing?



Vacation
Club

Choose all four days or just one. School
is out for the Spring break, so what do you have planned for your kids? Join the
Winchester Recreation and Community Education for four days of supervised fun
and games, arts and crafts and special projects. We have a different theme for
each day. Some days may also include a special performer. This program is open
to students, K–Gr. 5. The Winchester Kid Care staff will supervise the children.
The student-teacher ratio will be 13:1. Space is limited, so register early!
Participants are responsible for bringing a snack and lunch daily. Please no
peanut or nut products. Busy parents can choose all four days or any day as
needed. Some activities may be off-site. The program runs Tuesday Apr. 16- Fri,
Apr.19, 8 am-5 pm, at the Recreation Dept.
      



Star
Wars Lego Playland

This 3-hour program will be
centered everything Star Wars Lego!! Maybe you will build a Star Wars Space
Craft, a Droid Factory, a Jedi Training Arena, etc.… the possibilities are
endless!!! The Legos stay with us, but the experience is yours forever! Each
child will go home with a framed picture of themselves and what they create as
well as a creative hands-on project they will make during the workshop. Please
send your child with a nut-free snack and drink. This program for ages 5-10 is
held Friday, Apr. 19, 1–4 pm, at the Recreation Dept.
   



American
Girl Doll
Create & Play Theme: Slumber
Party

Join the team from Event-FULL! LCC and
bring your special friend (does not have to be an American Girl Doll—feel free
to bring a favorite stuffed animal if you choose) to this workshop for several
hours that you will both enjoy. You will creatively design items for your doll
so she will be ready for her next sleepover!! You will make a sleeping bag,
pillow, doll play food and more!! What you make and take home will lead to hours
and hours of continued play and enjoyment. Please send your child with a
nut-free snack and drink. The program for ages 5-10 is held Friday, April 19,
1-4 pm, Recreation
Dept.



Junior
Golf

The Barrie Bruce Golf School is proud to
offer this popular program for juniors ages 7–14. These classes are designed to
teach the fundamentals of golf in a fun but safe and nurturing environment. Our
qualified instructors will assist your child in a series of five, 90-minute
lessons dealing with safety, the address position, the swing, irons, woods, the
short game, and golf etiquette. These classes are for beginners and those who
are in the process of developing better golf skills. The five-session class for
ages 6-15 is held the week of Apr. 15-20, 10-11:30 or 2–3:30 pm, at the
Billerica Country
Club.



Pre-School
Vacation
Club



Pre-School
is out for the spring break, so what do you have planned for your kids? Join the
Winchester Recreation Department for four days of supervised fun and games, arts
and crafts, and special projects. We have different themes for each day and some
days may include a special performer. This fun filled program is open to
children ages 2.9–5 not in Kindergarten. The Winchester Recreation Staff
supervise the children. Student to teacher ratio is 8 to 1. Space is limited,
please register early! Participants are responsible for bringing a lunch, drink
and snacks daily. PLEASE NO PEANUT OR NUT PRODUCTS. Children must be toilet
trained. Busy parents can chose all four days or any day needed. Some activities
may be off-site. Time: 8:30 am–2 pm from Tuesday Apr. 16-Apr.
19.





YOUTH

Good
Sports

Sports, sports, and more sports! Grab
your friends and sign up for these great programs. Each week we discover a new
sport, develop new friends, and seek new challenges. We explore new and old
games and have lots of fun learning about sportsmanship, team play, exercise,
and skill development. Games may include, but are not limited to, basketball,
floor hockey, soccer, new games, and more. Become a member of a great team!
Right after school means different times for different schools: please refer to
each school’s dismissal time. On early release days, the program will start at 3
pm. The eight-session class begins the week of April 8 for Gr. 1-5. Please check
your recreation brochure or our website for times and dates. Registration will
begin on Wednesday, Mar. 20, at 8
am.



Fencing
for Ages 12+
Back by popular demand! Join us for this exciting
sport, one of the fastest growing in the world! Young people are fascinated by
the movements and excitement of fencing and are eager to find a place that they
can go and learn this original, modern sport. Fencing develops physical fitness,
the ability to
develop strategy, concentration as well as
camaraderie and respect. Eight sessions. For new fencers who have never been
members of USA Fencing (the national governing body of fencing in the US), a
complementary “noncompetitive”
membership is included. The
eight-session program for beginners begins Wednesday. Mar 27, 5:30-6:45 pm at
the Recreation
Dept.



Motion
Mayhem
We will investigate fun physics and the science of motion
by designing and testing the rotational motion of tops, and analyzing crashing
cars as we delve into the principles of inertia. We’ll examine energy transfer
using take-home toys that illustrate potential and kinetic energy. Finding out
about friction won’t be a drag as you experiment with forces, how things move,
and Sir Isaac Newton’s laws. Physics fun for everyone! The six-session program
for Gr. 1-5 begins Wednesday, April 3, 3:30-4:30 pm, at the Recreation
Dept.

Chess

Want
to improve academic skills and build concentration skills then Chess can help.
Join your friends and learn about chess strategies and tactics and more
importantly have fun. No experience in playing chess is necessary. All levels
from beginner to advanced are welcome. Come learn from an International Master
and a 5-time Massachusetts Chess Champion with over 30 years teaching
experience. The eight-session class for Gr. K-5 begins Thursday, April 11,
3:30-4:30 pm, at Ambrose School.

Creative
Cakes: A Cake Decorating Workshop! 
Join us for an exciting
workshop all about the art of cake decorating. Young bakers will have fun
cracking eggs, measuring and stirring up ingredients. Kids will decorate their
own cake using basic piping techniques, fondant cut-outs, sprinkles, add-ons and
more! The Cake Pop trend will also be explored as we dip and decorate these cute
creations. Our young bakers will bring home their decorated cake and cake pops
in a personalized pastry box. All supplies are included. Parents of enrolled
students will receive more information, including a release from liability
specific to the course, via e-mail before the workshop.


Because of the multi-use nature of the
classroom, the cooking environment, recipes and equipment are NOT nut-free or
allergy-free. Please contact info@growgourmets.com with any
questions.  This program is held Thursday, Apr. 11, 1:30-4:40 pm, at the
Recreation
Dept.



Art
Studio

This program will offer children the
fundamentals of drawing, painting, and sculpting. Drawing, students will explore
the role of line, shape, and tonal values in an environment that encourages
student’s personal creativity. Painting will address the technical and
expressive possibilities of painting with the unpredictable and uncontrollable
nature of watercolor. Sculpting will provide an opportunity for children to
think three dimensionally connecting ideas to expression. Materials included.
The seven-session program for ages 6-12 is held 3:30-5pm, beginning Monday, Apr.
22, Tuesday, Apr. 23, or Wednesday, Apr. 24, at the Recreation
Dept.



T-Ball

When
springtime comes, baseball is just around the corner. This fun program is for
children in Grades K and 1. Coaches will teach the basics of catching, throwing,

batting, running the bases and playing the field for the first
half of the class and will divide into teams to play a fun game during the
second half of the class. Children must supply their own glove and filled water
bottle. Please label all equipment. Choose one of the sections listed below. We
cancel the class in inclement weather and reschedule it at the end of the
program. If skies look threatening, you can call the Recreation Dept. at

781-721-7125 after 12 pm to ascertain whether the program is
on. There are a limited number of spaces for each session, so please register
early and have alternative sections in mind. The five-session class for Gr. K-1
is held either Monday or Wednesday, beginning the week of April 22 3:15-4 pm and
4:15-5 pm at Mullen
Field.



Soccer
Juniors

Spring soccer is a kick! This program
is designed to help improve the skills of boys and girls alike in a safe, fun
and educational environment. Play Soccer will help develop skills through a
series of games, drills and scrimmages. Participants must bring shin guards and
a filled water bottle to each session. Please label your child’s equipment.
Choose one of the sections listed below. We cancel the class in inclement
weather and reschedule it at the end of the program. If skies look threatening,
you can call the Recreation Dept. at (781) 721-7125 after 1 pm to ascertain
whether the program is running that day. There are a limited number of spaces
for each session, so please register early and have alternative sections in
mind. The five-session class for Gr. K-1 is held Tuesday, Apr. 23, 3:15-4 pm and
4:15-5 pm at Mullen
Field.



PRESCHOOL

Mini
Music Makers
This program will introduce to the child to the
joys of music with a focus on socialization, verbalization, creativity, and
imagination. Through songs, dancing, and playing musical instruments, your child
will explore a variety of musical topics. Andrew Gentzow, a Board Certified
Music Therapist, will lead both classes. The eight-session class for ages 2-4
begins Thursday, April 11, 9-9:45 am, at the Recreation
Dept.

Super Soccer Stars
Get
the ball rolling for ages 2 and up with Super Soccer Stars in Winchester! Super
Soccer Stars is quickly becoming the most popular children’s soccer program in
Boston. Dynamic, trained coaches work with every student to develop skills,
self-confidence, and teamwork in a fun, non-competitive environment. Positive
reinforcement and an extremely low child-to-coach ratio ensure that each child
will improve his or her soccer skills through engaging warm-ups, drills, and
games — all while having endless fun! Each child receives a free t-shirt on the
first day of class. The nine-session class begins Saturday, April 20. See our
brochure or winrec.com
for the many classes and times
available.



T-Ball

When
springtime comes, baseball is just around the corner. This fun program is for
children in Grades K and 1. Coaches will teach the basics of catching, throwing,

batting, running the bases and playing the field for the first
half of the class and will divide into teams to play a fun game during the
second half of the class. Children must supply their own glove and filled water
bottle. Please label all equipment. Choose one of the sections listed below. We
cancel the class in inclement weather and reschedule it at the end of the
program. If skies look threatening, you can call the Recreation Dept. at

781-721-7125 after 12 pm to ascertain whether the program is
on. There are a limited number of spaces for each session, so please register
early and have alternative sections in mind. The five-session class for ages
4&5 not in K begins Monday, April 22 at Mullen Field. See our brochure or winrec.com for the many
classes and times
available.



Soccer
Tots
This program is ideal for the youngest of players. It is a
non-competitive introduction to soccer through simple skills and fun games.
Participants will learn to interact with one another and hopefully encourage
them to play again and again. Please bring shin guards and a filled water
bottle. If skies look threatening, you can call the Recreation Dept. at
781-721-7125 after 1 pm to ascertain whether the program is running that day.
There are a limited number of spaces for each session, so please register early
and have alternative sections in mind. The five-session class for ages 4&5
begins Tuesday, April 23 at Mullen Field. See our brochure or winrec.com for the many
classes and times
available.



ADULTS



Mystery
Walks
Discover new places to hike and hear tales about Native
American settlers and esteemed writers such as Alcott and Emerson. We walk four
to five miles, rain or shine. Enjoy the camaraderie of fellow walkers as we
learn and have fun. After registering, email maryhurley@comcast.net for meeting
locations. Weather cancellations are made up at end of session as needed. The
instructor has been the spirited leader of hikes, bike trips and other marvelous
adventures for more than 20 years. She has a great following on these
adventures. The eight-session class begins Wednesday, April 3, 9:30-noon, at a
location
TBA.



A Taste
Of Blacksmithing

You’ll learn the fundamental
smithing techniques: hammering, drawing out, cutting, bending, and twisting.
Using these skills and a coal-fired forge, you’ll bring a piece of iron to an
incandescent heat, and with anvil, hammer, and tongs, create an S-hook that’s
both functional and decorative. Please wear proper clothing for visiting or
working in the forge: closed toe shoes (preferably leather, preferably
high-topped), natural fiber clothing, long pants that cover the tops of the
shoes. Please read prospecthillforge.com/safety.php
before attending. Class will meet in Waltham at Prospect Hill Forge, on Guinan
Street, just off Bacon Street. Directions and other important information is
located on the website www.prospecthillforge.com. The
one-night class is held Friday, Mar. 22, 7-10 pm at Prospect Hill Forge,
Waltham.



Retirement
Planning in
Times of
Uncertainty

If you are currently retired (or
about to retire) and living off your investments, this class is for you! The
volatility of the stock market over the past few years has made this class more
important than ever. The course will focus on the latest financial strategies to
maximize and protect your retirement lifestyle in spite of the turbulent
markets. The one-night class is held Monday, April 8, 7-9 pm at Winchester High
School.





Zumba:
“Join The Party”
This FUN and friendly class is great for all
ages and fitness levels, including those who are new to exercise or to Zumba. We
take extra time as needed to learn the dances and explain how to adjust the
intensity of the workout to suit you. This energizing dance-fitness workout
combines easy to learn dance moves with traditional exercises for maximum
calorie-burn; strengthens abs, core and lower body. Workout, dance and get funky
to a fantastic fusion of Latin and world music plus some of the best dance and
“party” classics from each decade—from disco and pop to rock and reggaeton!
Sample dances from around the world including salsa, flamenco, belly dance,
Bollywood and samba. The last segment of class is devoted to toning abs and
lower body. Wear comfortable workout clothing, “aerobic” or dance sneakers;
bring water and a mat for cool down. The six-session class begins either
Tuesday, April 2, 9:45-10:45 am at Winchester Recreation or Thursday, April 4,
6:30-7:30 pm at Town Hall Auditorium.

Spring
Biking
Local back roads and trails take on a new look as you
round each curve on a bike. Explore on and off-road trails during our rides
through Lexington, Concord, Bedford and other towns. Rendezvous by car at a
different starting point each week. A recently tuned hybrid bike is best for
these intermediate rides. We ride about 20 miles on each outing, and helmets are
required.

After registering, email maryhurley@comcast.net for meeting
locations. Weather cancellations are made up at end of session as needed. The
instructor has been the spirited leader of hikes, bike trips and other marvelous
adventures for more than 20 years. Please provide email address when registering
and contact instructor at maryhurley@comcast.net for meeting
locations. The eight-session class begins Tuesday, April 2, 9:30-noon and
Thursday, April 4, at the same time at locations
TBA.

Quilting For All
Levels
Come and join our quilting group - finish old projects or
begin new ones. All levels, even someone who has always wanted to try quilting,
are welcome to participate in this creative as well as supportive class. You
will be motivated and encouraged as you make progress while you learn new and
faster quilting techniques, improve your skills and share ideas and patterns.
Instructor, Jane Norberg will be able to answer all your questions and guide you
as you work. The sewing space at the high school has 16 sewing machines, great
basting tables, and good light! The eight-session class begins Tuesday, Apr. 13,
7-9:30 pm, at Winchester High School.

Focus on
Fitness

Spring fitness classes begin Monday,
April 8 and continue for 10 weeks. Morning classes:  Ballet Arts Centre, 50
Cross Street, Winchester Evening classes: Winchester Town Hall Auditorium.
On-site babysitting is available on request Mon., Thur., Fri. mornings:  Focus
on Fitness has it all: High/Low Aerobics, 20/20/20 Complete, Muscle
Conditioning, Step, Yoga, Pilates, and Pilates Matwork. Always on top of the
latest fitness craze, Review our website winrec.com for further
details.



Pilates
Matwork

A perfect mind/body program. Soothing
music helps you to relax and concentrate on proper spinal alignment, breathing
techniques, and pelvic stabilization using the abdomen, buttocks and back.  The
purpose of Pilates matwork is to stretch and strengthen muscles, and release
tension.

No prior experience in the Pilates
method of exercise necessary.  Wear comfortable clothing and bring a mat and
water. Ten one-hour equivalent sessions begin Thursday, Apr. 11, 8-9 am, at the
Ballet Arts Centre. There are also evening sessions beginning Monday, Apr.
8.



Yoga 4
Fitness

Drawing on a number of traditional
Hatha yoga postures, this class combines strength, flexibility and breathing
components with melodic background music. The instructor uses a fitness-oriented
style based on the ancient secrets of health and vitality. Appropriate for all
ages and fitness levels. Wear comfortable clothing and bring a mat and water.
The 10- session program begins Wednesday, Apr. 10, 9–10 am or Friday, Apr. 12,
10-11 am, at the Ballet Arts Centre.
      



Art
Of Drawing What You See
Review and build on basic drawing skills
of shape, value, form, perspective, texture, proportion, and composition.
Explore new subject matter as you further develop observation skills and ability
to see with an “artist’s eye.” Opportunity to select your own subject matter,
and receive individualized instruction. Please bring and 18” x 24” newsprint pad
of paper, soft vine charcoal, kneaded grey eraser, and a small rag.

Open to all skill levels.  The five-session class begins
Tuesday, April 23,  (4/30, 5/28. 6/4. 6/11) 10 am-noon at the Recreation
Dept.

Beginner’s Guide To Adobe Photoshop
Elements 11
This course will introduce new users to the features
of Elements you’ll want to explore and master first. We’ll take a look at
Elements’ organizing capabilities to help put some structure around your many
photos. We’ll learn Elements’ selection tools and introduce the concepts of
editing in layers, getting rid of unwanted elements, adjusting brightness and
contrast, changing the color, and the strategic use of masks to apply effects to
only those parts of your photos needing adjustments. You’ll also leave class
with a couple ideas and templates for building your own storyboards and album
pages.

You are welcome to bring laptops with
Elements 11 already installed. However, If you will be bringing a laptop to
class, we ask that you be comfortable in its basic operations, including: how to
start up the software, how to navigate and copy practice files to the
appropriate folder, and how to use your mouse or track pad. The six-session
class begins Monday, Apr. 22, 6:15–8:15pm, at
Winchester High
School.





E.
Ashley Rooney
20 Hancock Street
Lexington, MA
02420
781-861-9511

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Church
of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints

http://thebillericanews.typepad.com/.a/6a0162ff50edb4970d017ee882a7eb970d-pi
70
Concord Road Billerica, MA.

Contact: Bishop Seth Johnson- 978-667-7663 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 978-667-7663 end_of_the_skype_highlighting


We
welcome you each Sunday to join with us as we celebrate the life of Jesus
Christ,how we
can live his Gospel today,and in experiencing our love and
service to one another as
a church family.

10:00 am. Sacrament
meeting-passing of the Sacrament,hymns,speakers(all children
welcomed)

11:10 am. Adults- Sunday School- All children primary classes
until 1:00 pm.

12:00 pm. Men's and Woman's Groups

1:00 pm.
completion of our worship

 

We are participating in two
community events this
March
March 7th-Community Conference at our church 70 Concord Road,

Billerica Clergy and Community leaders coming together to define our
challenges
and seek solutions re the needs of our
community.9:00am.-4:00pm.Food will be
served. Jared Koyle contact
person.978-987-3426 Koylejr@gmail.com

March
13th,Wednesday Our church
will be providing Lentin lunches for the event at the
First Congregational
Church of Billerica. 18 Andover Road, Billerica Set
up-10:00am,Lunch
11:45am.,12:30-1:00pm.,our Bishop Seth Johnson and members of
our ward will
provide a half hour worship service for the community. Parking in
back and
enter through back door

So, that's what's
happening

 

_________________________________________________________________________________________

GOVERNOR PATRICK MEETS WITH AMBASSADORS FROM IRELAND AND
EUROPEAN UNION

http://www.flickr.com/photos/massgovernor/8529649296/
Governor
Patrick meets with Ambassador of the European Union to the U.S. Joao Vale de
Almeida, Ambassador of Ireland to the U.S. Michael Collins and Consul General of
Ireland to Boston Michael Lonergan in the Governor's Office. (Photo credit: Eric
Haynes / Governor's Office)
View
more photos

BOSTON – Monday, March 4, 2013 – Governor Deval
Patrick today met with Ambassador of the European Union (EU) to the United
States João Vale de Almeida, Ambassador of Ireland to the United States Michael
Collins and Consul General of Ireland in Boston Michael Lonergan. Ireland
currently holds the rotating EU Presidency. The meeting builds on the
Patrick-Murray Administration’s commitment to cultivating and expanding the
existing relationship between Massachusetts and the EU, its largest trade
partner.

“It’s a pleasure to welcome Ambassador Vale de Almeida, Ambassador Collins
and Consul General Lonergan to Massachusetts,” said Governor Patrick.
“Strengthening our ties with the European Union will allow the Commonwealth to
compete in the 21st century global economy.”

Prior to becoming Head of the Delegation of the European Union to the United
States in 2010, Ambassador Vale de Almeida served as the Director General for
External Relations at the European Commission. He was also Head of Cabinet for
European Commission President José Manuel Barroso, and before that held a senior
position in the Directorate General for Education and Culture. Ambassador Vale
de Almeida is originally from Portugal.

Prior to becoming Ireland’s Ambassador to the United States in 2007,
Ambassador Collins served as second secretary general at the Department of the
Taoiseach, or Irish prime minister. He was also Ireland’s Ambassador to Saudi
Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar and the United Emirates, and then to the
Czech Republic and Ukraine. Collins last visited Boston in February 2012 with
Taoiseach Enda Kenny.

The EU, which has the largest GDP in the world at $15.7 trillion, represents
34 percent of Massachusetts’ exports and 27 percent of imports. Supporters
believe harmonized standards and regulations between the EU and the U.S. would
have a significant effect on GDP growth for both markets.

______________________________________________________________________________________

GOVERNOR PATRICK JOINS ENVIRONMENTAL OFFICIALS AND BIOLOGISTS
ON BLACK BEAR SURVEY

http://www.flickr.com/photos/massgovernor/8529532356/
Governor Patrick and Secretary Sullivan participate in
black bear cub survey in South Deerfield. (Photo credit: Eric Haynes /
Governor’s Office)
View
more photos

CONWAY – Monday, March 4, 2013 – Governor Deval
Patrick today joined Massachusetts Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs
Rick Sullivan, Department of Fish and Game (DFG) Commissioner Mary Griffin and
state wildlife officials on an expedition to document the newest members of the
Commonwealth’s black bear population.

The team discovered two cubs born approximately four to six weeks ago. The
cubs, both male, weighed in at approximately six pounds. Based on last year’s
breeding status, the Conway bear is one of 16 radio-collared sows believed to
have given birth this winter.

While newborn cubs are too small to tag or collar, MassWildlife records each
cub’s physical condition, weight and gender. Biologists also check the physical
condition of mother bears, as well as the condition and fit of their radio
collars.

Information gathered at the den in Conway today adds to that compiled through
one of longest, continuous studies of black bears in the United States. DFG’s
Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (MassWildlife) began the study with the
Massachusetts Cooperative Wildlife Research Unit at the University of
Massachusetts in Amherst in 1970.

MassWildlife has been solely responsible for the project since 1999 and is
currently examining reproductive success, cub survival, adult female survival
and human-bear interactions. Numbering only about 100 bears when the study
began, the Massachusetts black bear population has grown to approximately 3,000
today.

Although black bears are becoming more common in central Massachusetts and
are occasionally sighted in eastern communities, most of MassWildlife’s bear
research takes place west of the Connecticut River. With the aid of radio
telemetry, MassWildlife is currently tracking 16 female bears, also known as
sows, to determine adult female survival and cub production and survival – key
components of the Division’s black bear population model. MassWildlife does not
collar male bears, but ear-tags them to provide future knowledge about survival
and movement.

Contrary to popular belief, black bears don’t go into true hibernation in
winter. Rather, they sleep soundly in their dens from November or December until
early March to mid-April, but may wake up to forage in mild weather.

Black bears are found in 43 states. Those in Massachusetts average 230 pounds
for males and 140 pounds for females. They are omnivores – eating a variety of
foods from vegetation and berries to grubs, insects and carrion – and are
excellent climbers, frequently using trees to rest and to protect their young.
Black bears mate between mid-June and mid-July and cubs are born in mid- to
late-January. Cubs remain in the den until April and stay with their mother for
about 17 months. Females typically have their first litter when they are 3-4
years old.

_______________________________________________________________________________________

GOVERNOR PATRICK ANNOUNCES NEW ONLINE TOOL TO SHOW IMPACT OF
INVESTMENT PROPOSALS ON A FAMILY’S BUDGET

Approximately half of Massachusetts residents will pay less,
or the same under Governor Patrick’s proposal to grow jobs and opportunity

BOSTON – Monday, March 4, 2013– Governor Deval Patrick today unveiled an
online tool that shows the impact of the Patrick-Murray Administration Fiscal
Year 2014 (FY14) budget proposal on an individual or family’s budget. The tool
can be found, along with maps that outline the education and transportation
plans that will help grow jobs in every corner of the Commonwealth, at www.mass.gov/governor/choosegrowth.

“We are proposing meaningful investments in education and transportation, and
people want to know what that means for them,” said Governor Patrick. “Last
week, with the maps, we showed what long-postponed projects would get done in
each community. Now, with this tool, we show just what the costs or savings will
be for individual households.”

Residents will enter information including their annual income and filing
status, and will be able to view the impact of the Governor’s proposal on their
personal taxes.

"The Governor and I know that asking people to pay more by any type of tax
increase is never easy," said Lieutenant Governor Timothy Murray. "However, our
growth strategy will expand opportunities for this generation and generations to
come. As we continue the conversation, we hope this online tool will help
residents understand the impact taxes will have on them personally and for the
strength of our economy and Commonwealth.”

To support almost $2 billion in meaningful investments that will strengthen
the state’s economic future, the FY14 budget calls for the creation of a simpler
and fairer tax system that lowers the sales tax from 6.25 percent to 4.5
percent, and raises the income tax to 6.25 percent. All proceeds from the sales
tax will be dedicated to a public works fund that will support the
Administration’s 21st century transportation plan, as well as the
school building fund and other public infrastructure projects, and will be off
limits for any other purpose.

To make that increase fair to all according to their ability to pay, the
Governor has proposed doubling the personal exemptions for every taxpayer and
eliminating a number of itemized deductions. Making those changes gives the
Commonwealth a tax code that is simpler and fairer. The changes to state sales,
income and business taxes will make Massachusetts comparable on taxation to our
neighboring states and those with which we compete.

Last week, Governor Patrick unveiled an online map tool that outlines
transportation projects in every community that would be funded under the
Governor’s FY14 budget proposal, as well as the additional Chapter 70 education
funding and support for public colleges and universities communities can expect
to receive under the Governor’s investment plan. The maps also show how many
children in each community are on the waitlist for early education and care
programs. As part of the Governor’s investment plan, the 30,000 child waitlist
for early education and care programs across the state would be eliminated.

Following the announcement of his investment plan in his January State of the
Commonwealth address, Governor Patrick has been traveling across the state
making the case for business leaders, educators, local elected officials and
members of the public about the importance of investing now in education and
infrastructure to spur job creation and unlock opportunity in every corner of
the Commonwealth. For more information on the Governor’s investment plan visit
www.mass.gov/governor/choosegrowth.

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______________________________________________________________________________________

GOVERNOR PATRICK AND LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR MURRAY VISIT HOMER
STREET ELEMENTARY SCHOOL TO CELEBRATE BLACK HISTORY MONTH

SPRINGFIELD – Thursday, February 28, 2013 – Governor Deval Patrick and
Lieutenant Governor Timothy Murray today visited with students and educators at
the Homer Street Elementary School in Springfield to celebrate Black History
Month. Throughout the month, the school community has participated in several
activities and projects in honor of Black History Month.

“I am proud to join together with these students to celebrate the rich and
diverse history that African-Americans have helped shape here in Massachusetts
and around the world. It is important for each and every student to learn about
the sacrifices our ancestors made to create a better future for us,” said
Governor Patrick. “We must invest in our children to in order to continue this
model of generational responsibility for our time and for the next
generation.”

“I appreciate the opportunity to join Governor Patrick and Homer Street
Elementary as we continue to celebrate Black History Month,” said Lieutenant
Governor Murray. “Homer Street Elementary engages students to understand and
value a rich history of honored African-American heroes who have touched so many
lives, and have left a legacy for future generations to achieve a high quality
education and a bright future.”

During today’s visit, Governor Patrick and Lieutenant Governor Murray toured
the school with teachers and students and watched presentations by students
about Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and the challenges and sacrifices civil rights
activists faced to have equal and fair rights for all.

The Patrick-Murray Administration has hosted Black History Month events in
both Springfield and Boston this year, honoring several significant milestones
in 2013 for the Civil Rights Movement. It is the 50th anniversary of Dr. King’s
“I Have a Dream” speech, the 50th anniversary of the murder of NAACP leader
Medgar Evers, as well as the 50th anniversary of the Sixteenth Street Baptist
Church bombing and President John F. Kennedy’s assassination. This year also
marks the 100th anniversary of Rosa Parks’ birth and the 150th anniversary of
the Emancipation Proclamation and the construction of the Statue of Freedom atop
the United States Capitol Dome.

About Homer Street Elementary School:

Homer Street Elementary School relies on family and community engagement for
academic success and they maintain partnership programs with area colleges
(American International College, Western New England University and Springfield
College). The Homer Street School was identified as a Level 4 or “Turnaround”
school in 2010 by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE).
In May 2010, then-Superintendent Alan Ingram named Kathleen Sullivan as
principal. Ms. Sullivan was re-assigned to the Homer School in order to
facilitate significant turnaround at the school. Homer Street School’s MCAS
scores have soared each year since its designation as a Level 4 school, and the
school was recognized by DESE and Commissioner Chester for the incredible
academic gains made by their students

________________________________________________
 
 
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Governor Patrick Announces Major Life Sciences Investment in
Western Massachusetts

Grants to fund lab renovations, equipment and
planning for community colleges and vocational schools, and expansion of life
sciences capacity at MGHPCC

HOLYOKE – Thursday, February 28, 2013 – Governor Deval Patrick
and the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center (MLSC) today announced more than $9
million in grants for life-sciences-related capital projects in Western
Massachusetts, including $3.8 million to support the creation of a Center for
Life Sciences at Holyoke Community College (HCC), and $4.54 million that will
allow the Massachusetts Green High Performance Computing Center (MGHPCC) in
Holyoke to expand its capacity for life sciences-related research and data
analysis. Through the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center, Massachusetts is
investing $1 billion over 10 years in the growth of the state’s life sciences
supercluster. These investments are being made under Governor Patrick’s
Massachusetts Life Sciences Initiative.

“Supporting innovation propels our economy forward and prepares
our citizens for the 21st century global marketplace,” said Governor Patrick.
“Our innovation economy relies on a well-educated, well-skilled workforce, and
these grants will expand opportunity and grow jobs in communities throughout the
Commonwealth.”

“Our Administration is committed to investing in innovation
across the state, including the life sciences industry in Western
Massachusetts,” said Lieutenant Governor Timothy Murray. “These capital project
investments will enhance research, workforce training and job creation, expand
opportunities to develop improved medicine and support the region’s long-term
economic growth.”

“Schools like Holyoke Community College and Springfield
Technical Community College play major roles in training the next generation of
our state’s life sciences workforce, and they ensure that training for
innovation economy jobs is inclusive and available all across the state,” said
Dr. Susan Windham-Bannister, President & CEO of the MLSC. “Our grants help
ensure that these schools can provide students in Western Massachusetts with
first-rate training facilities “Our grant to the MGHPCC leverages prior
investments by the state and five of our top universities by expanding the
MGHPCC’s capacity to make advanced computing available to the life sciences
community.”

The largest grant awarded today went to the MGHPCC. This
investment will build on an infrastructure for large-scale data analysis that is
already in place in Holyoke and was created by a strong partnership among
academia, industry and the Commonwealth. Boston University, Harvard University,
the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Northeastern University and the
University of Massachusetts have teamed with Astra-Zeneca, Pfizer, Merck,
Merrimack Pharmaceuticals, EMC and IBM, among others, to create this computing
resource. The MLSC funding of $4.54 million will allow the MGHPCC to create a
cloud-based resource for data-driven biology.

“As with other scientific disciplines, discovery and innovation
in the life sciences are dependent on high-performance computing,” said John
Goodhue, Executive Director of the MGHPCC. “This investment will leverage the
capabilities of the MGHPCC and its university partners to strengthen the state's
position as a leader in life sciences research, an important driver of the
Massachusetts economy. The MLSC's investment will also add a new dimension to
the ongoing partnership between the MGHPCC and western Massachusetts business
and educational institutions.”

“Biomedical sciences are in the midst of a revolution where many
of the challenges are becoming large-scale data problems,” said Manuel Garber,
Associate Professor in the Program in Bioinformatics and Integrative Biology at
the University of Massachusetts Medical School. “The investment in this computer
system will poise the state of Massachusetts as a leader in the development of
computational methods to understand and a catalytic force in applying these
discoveries to improve health care.”

HCC was granted $3.8 million to support the renovation of 13,000
square feet of lab space and the creation of a Center for Life Sciences. This
will include a clean room for the biological sciences, which will be the only
clean room in Western Massachusetts to support training for students, faculty
and industry partners.

“The importance of community colleges in providing access to
life sciences education for minority, low-income and first-generation students
cannot be overstated,” said HCC President William F. Messner. “This grant will
enable us to expand our partnerships and establish a solid pipeline from high
school, to college, to the workforce. It will allow HCC to strengthen
articulations with Mount Holyoke and Smith College and increase the number of
women in life sciences fields. It will provide the college with the resources
necessary to support our industry partners, and ensure our curriculum aligns
with their needs and equips our graduates with the knowledge and skills they
need to pursue further education or enter the workforce.”

“This project at Holyoke Community College is absolutely
essential for regional life science economic development,” said Steve Richter,
President & Scientific Director of Microtest Labs in Agawam. “The caliber of
this project adds to the force required for real change and job development. The
focus on microbiology and clean room technology creates value for students and
industry. The medical device, biotech and compounding pharmacies will benefit
from future graduates.”

The MLSC also awarded two planning grants to academic
institutions in the region. These grants allow institutions to propose and
develop studies in order to further identify what types of life sciences
resources would be most useful to them:

  • Springfield Technical Community College (STCC) was awarded
    $150,000, which will be used to update its equipment and labs to align with the
    needs of life sciences companies. MLSC funding will allow STCC to conduct a
    study to identify the most appropriate equipment that will best deliver a life
    sciences education leading to employment in the field.
  • Bay Path College in Longmeadow recently received a $2 million
    grant from the U.S. Department of Education aimed at improving undergraduate
    student retention, supporting curricular redesign, faculty professional
    development, and student academic and career support services. The MLSC planning
    grant of $50,000 will enable Bay Path College to engage key stakeholders from
    the life sciences industry, workforce development, and educational institutions
    to identify the capital needs and other resources needed to fully implement this
    initiative in the sciences at Bay Path College.

“STCC applauds Governor Patrick and the Massachusetts Life
Sciences Center for their investment in life sciences education,” said Dr. Lisa
Rapp, Chair of STCC's Biotechnology Department. “STCC's planning grant will
allow the college to determine which capital resources we most need to create
and furnish up-to-date, industry-aligned, teaching laboratories to educate and
train a skilled life sciences workforce for the Commonwealth.”

“We have always been responsive to the workforce development
needs of our region. As Bay Path continues to invest and grow our programs in
the life sciences, our planning must be conducted in collaboration with the life
sciences industry in Massachusetts where our students are most likely to pursue
careers, thereby ensuring their success and also enabling the industry as a
whole to flourish,” said Dr. Melissa Morriss-Olson, Provost and Vice President
for Academic Affairs of Bay Path College.

In December, 2012, Lieutenant Governor Murray and the MLSC
announced a round of equipment and supply grants for vocational and technical
high schools and public high schools in gateway cities, with the idea of
furthering STEM education. High schools in Western Massachusetts received more
than $500,000 toward lab renovation and equipment. The six schools in Western
Massachusetts, the city or town in which they are located, and the amount of
their respective grants are as follows:

 

School

City

Award Amount

Holyoke Public Schools (Dean Technical High School & Holyoke High
School)

Holyoke

$ 195,019.83

 

Roger L. Putnam Vocational Technical Academy

Springfield

$ 100,000.00

 

Smith Vocational and Agricultural High School

Northampton

$ 100,000.00

 

Taconic High School

Pittsfield

$ 88,028.74

 

Westfield High School

Westfield

$ 44,333.00

 
           

 

About the Massachusetts Life Sciences
Center

The Massachusetts Life Sciences Center (MLSC) is a quasi-public
agency of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts tasked with implementing the
Massachusetts Life Sciences Act, a 10-year, $1-billion initiative that was
signed into law in June of 2008. The MLSC’s mission is to create jobs in the
life sciences and support vital scientific research that will improve the human
condition. This work includes making financial investments in public and private
institutions that are advancing life sciences research, development and
commercialization as well as building ties among sectors of the Massachusetts
life sciences community. For more information, visit www.masslifesciences.com.

 
__________________________________
 
 
Get to Recognize Stroke
Symptoms
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=316482345137176&set=a.287896101329134.67529.287857711332973&type=1&ref=nf
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Stroke has a new indicator! They say if you ...forward this to
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Blood Clots/Stroke - They Now Have a Fourth Indicator, the Tongue:

During
a BBQ, a woman stumbled and took a little fall - she assured everyone that she
was fine (they offered to call paramedics) ...she said she had just tripped over
a brick because of her new shoes.

They got her cleaned up and got her a
new plate of food. While she appeared a bit shaken up, Jane went about enjoying
herself the rest of the evening.

Jane's husband called later telling
everyone that his wife had been taken to the hospital - (at 6:00 PM Jane passed
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It only takes a minute to
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A neurologist says that if he can get to a stroke victim
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the trick was getting a stroke recognized, diagnosed, and then getting the
patient medically cared for within 3 hours, which is tough.

RECOGNIZING
A STROKE

Thank God for the sense to remember the '3' steps, STR. Read
and

Learn!

Sometimes symptoms of a stroke are difficult to
identify. Unfortunately, the lack of awareness spells disaster. The stroke
victim may suffer severe brain damage when people nearby fail to recognize the
symptoms of a stroke.

Now doctors say a bystander can recognize a stroke
by asking three simple questions:

S *Ask the individual to
SMILE.

T *Ask the person to TALK and SPEAK A

SIMPLE SENTENCE
(Coherently)
(i.e. Chicken Soup)

R *Ask him or her to RAISE BOTH
ARMS.

If he or she has trouble with ANY ONE of these tasks, call
emergency number immediately and describe the symptoms to the
dispatcher.

New Sign of a Stroke -------- Stick out Your
Tongue

NOTE: Another 'sign' of a stroke is this: Ask the person to
'stick' out his tongue. If the tongue is

'crooked', if it goes to one
side or the other that is also an indication of a stroke.
Mar 6, 2013 10:56:28 AM

03/03/2013

Winchester Recreation and Community Education



3/14-3/21



Youth Fencing for Ages 12+Back by popular demand! Join us for this exciting
sport, one of the fastest growing in the world! Young people are fascinated by
the movements and excitement of fencing and are eager to find a place that they
can go and learn this original, modern sport. Fencing develops physical fitness,
the ability to
develop strategy, concentration as well as
camaraderie and respect. Eight sessions. For new fencers who have never been
members of USA Fencing (the national governing body of fencing in the US), a
complementary “noncompetitive”
membership is included. The
eight-session program for beginners begins Wednesday. Mar 27, 5:30-6:45 pm at
the Recreation Dept.

College Essay Boot
Camp
This course is designed to minimize your stress by helping
you finish your college essay before you finish classes your junior year.
Together we will work through a process of self-discovery that will free you up
to write a clear, meaningful, perhaps even passionate essay that will give
college admissions officers a very good sense of just who you are. Before
classes end, you will breathe a sigh of relief knowing that you have in-hand an
essay you can confidently include with your college applications. In this
course, we will discuss and dissect a variety of creative approaches that will
prepare you to tackle this writing project with confidence. We will meet twice
as a class, with follow-up critiques by e-mail.  The two-session class is held
Thursday, March 14 and 28, 7-8:30 pm at Winchester High
School.



Prepare
for Your SATS

Kaplan Test Prep and Admission
has revolutionized the way students prepare for Test Day. Kaplan teachers
continue to teach their proven methods, strategies, and content that will
increase student's scores.  In addition, students will have access to a new,
innovative technology called Smart Track, an online guide to a wide array of
learning tools. Kaplan teachers personalize the prep by meeting students at
their skill level and engaging them in the just right content that will get them
the most points on Test Day. Kaplan offers unmatched expertise and guaranteed
results. They have the most comprehensive Higher Score Guarantee. Visit kaptest.com/hsg
to see what program meets your needs and helps you get into the college of your
choice.

Private tutoring is a great option for
students with extremely busy schedules and those who prefer 1-on-1 preparation.
Revolution Prep offers several tutoring packages for the SAT, ACT, SAT Subject
Tests, and AP exams. To enroll in a Kaplan program or event or for more
information, please visit kaptest.com/college or call 1-800-KAPTEST
and press
“4”.



ADULTS



Kitchen
Design

Kitchens are essential to everyday
living and have become the most popular renovation project in American homes
today. This course will discuss the current trends in kitchens, including floor
plans, cabinetry, counters, flooring, and appliances and cover the basics of
kitchen design to help you get started planning your new kitchen. You will also
receive helpful information about how to properly budget for your kitchen, hire
contractors, and select cabinetry and appliances. The one-session class is held
Tuesday, Mar. 19, 7-9 pm, at Winchester High
School.



Health
And Stress: How Stress Is Affecting Your Life
This lecture
allows participants to discover how stress affect the body and simple things
they can do at work and at home to reduce the negative effects of stress. The
one-session class is held Thursday, March 21, 6-8 pm at Winchester High School


Stop
Dieting

Just in time for the holidays! Shed
those unwanted pounds. After one session of hypnosis, you will see your eating
habits change. You will find it easier to abstain from food, because you will no
longer want to eat. You may even stop snacking. Reinforcement CDs are available
for $30. The one-night workshop is held Thursday, Mar. 14, 7-8:30 pm, at
Winchester High
School.



Past
Life Regression
Hypnosis helps people to retrieve information
and forgotten memories. Everything we have ever seen, heard, felt, tasted,
smelled is stored in our subconscious mind. When we “misplace” something, just
can’t remember where we put it, regression helps us go back to the time we last
had it thereby relocating the misplaced item. Past life regressions” can be
helpful in solving a question or fear that seems unexplainable from what we can
consciously remember in this lifetime.

Come
and join us for an hour and a half of exploring our memories, and perhaps
learning something about ourselves. The one-session class is held Thursday,
March 21, 7-8:30 pm at Winchester High
School.



A
Taste Of Blacksmithing

You’ll learn the
fundamental smithing techniques: hammering, drawing out, cutting, bending, and
twisting. Using these skills and a coal-fired forge, you’ll bring a piece of
iron to an incandescent heat, and with anvil, hammer, and tongs, create an
S-hook that’s both functional and decorative. Please wear proper clothing for
visiting or working in the forge: closed toe shoes (preferably leather,
preferably high-topped), natural fiber clothing, long pants that cover the tops
of the shoes. Please read prospecthillforge.com/safety.php
before attending. Class will meet in Waltham at Prospect Hill Forge, on Guinan
Street, just off Bacon Street. Directions and other important information is
located on the website www.prospecthillforge.com. The
one-night class is held Friday, Mar. 22, 7-10 pm at Prospect Hill Forge,
Waltham.



Retirement
Planning in
Times of
Uncertainty

If you are currently retired (or
about to retire) and living off your investments, this class is for you! The
volatility of the stock market over the past few years has made this class more
important than ever. The course will focus on the latest financial strategies to
maximize and protect your retirement lifestyle in spite of the turbulent
markets. The one-night class is held Monday, April 8, 7-9 pm at Winchester High
School.

Online Computer Classes—Education 2
Go

Education 2 Go offers over 250 online
classes. Do you want to learn new skills but don’t have the time? Now you can
pick up valuable new skills right at home. Our instructor-facilitated online
courses are informative, fun, convenient, and highly interactive. Our
instructors are famous for their ability to create warm and supportive
communities of learners. It’s no wonder that many long-lasting friendships have
formed in our lively and intelligent discussion areas. Classes are available in
the following categories: Basic Computer Literacy, Art, History, Psychology,
& Literature. Computer Applications, Child Care & Parenting, Sales &
Marketing Courses for Teaching Professionals, Start Your Own Business, Digital
Photography & Digital Video, Health Care, Nutrition, & Fitness, Grant
Writing & Nonprofit Management All courses run for six weeks (with a
two-week grace period at the end). Courses are project-oriented and include
lessons, quizzes, hands-on assignments, discussion areas, supplementary links,
and more. You can complete any of these courses entirely from your home or
office and at any time of the day or night. Upon completion of the course, you
can download a certificate of
completion.



EVENTS

Fun
In A Bag

Having a party, family picnic, or just
a few friends over for a party? Take advantage of “Fun in the Bag” to help your
guests have a good time. You can rent this fun bag full of sporting and game
equipment for $10 a day. Equipment may include basketball, soccer ball,
volleyball and net, badminton accessories, Frisbee, parachute, Wiffle Ball, and
bats. A separate check for a $25 security deposit is required. Call 781-721-7125
for
details.



AMC
Theater Tickets

AMC Theater, formally known as
General Cinemas, offers discount movie tickets through the Winchester Recreation
and Community Education Dept. Tickets may have some restrictions on some new
releases. The price is the same for adults and children:
$7.50.



Birthday
Parties at Winchester Recreation

This is a new
and exciting way to celebrate the birthday of the special person in your life.
You have two fun options:

Rent the Space and
Staff

Rent the gymnasium, game area, and
classroom for two hours plus get a recreation staff person to coordinate fun
games for an hour. You bring the cake and treats. We provide the tables and
chairs.





Call
781-721-7125 for more info or www.winrec.com. 24 hours
registration







E.
Ashley Rooney
20 Hancock Street
Lexington, MA
02420
781-861-9511


=
Mar 3, 2013 4:39:28 AM
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