from Patriot Ledger
The woman alleging that Milton Deputy Police Chief Paul Nolan hit her in the face is accused of being a thief.
Laurie Kineavy, 45, is facing a charge of larceny over $250 by a single scheme in Boston Municipal Court. Suffolk County prosecutors allege that Kineavy, during a 3½-month period last year, stole about $25,000 from her then-employer, a Boston lawyer. (Read the full story here.)
Learn more about Senior Seminar Editorials here
A Senior Seminar Editorial by Emily Mcknight, MHS 2010
If there was ever a quagmire, Afghanistan would be it –specifically the “what do we do next?” part. Peter Bergen and Leslie Gelb offer their differing views on how the conflict in Afghanistan should continue. Bergen supports staying in Afghanistan, while Gelb prefers a middle ground between ‘win’ and “going home.’ Gelb’s argument is the stronger of the two, offering a detailed plan of what he thinks the best course in Afghanistan should be. In particular he deals with The US’ role as a nation builder; the probability of attack from the Taliban should the US leave, and dividing and containing the Taliban.</p> <p>Though Bergen aptly notes that after having overthrown the Afghani government in 2001 the US has a certain obligation to leave the country in good condition, Gelb argues that any counterinsurgency strategy that involves a complete reworking of an already chaotic country is madness. He understands that a country filled with such problems of corruption, poverty and violence is not going to be fixed by just the US. Especially since the recent economic recession the US can hardly think to offer advice to other countries on how to prosper.
Another strong argument that Bergen, and other supporters of continuing in Afghanistan, make is that should American troops leave, Afghanistan will fall right back into the hands of the Taliban. Bergen’s piece mentions one Afghani politician who believes if the US troops leave the Taliban will make it to Kabul in 24 hours. Gelb’s argument includes this view, as he understands that there is “no chance of simply pulling out of Afghanistan.” Instead his middle ground stance supports a smaller American presence aimed at training the afghan army and arming the warlords and tribal leaders. In this scenario, should the Taliban invade or attack, Afghanistan would be amply able to defend themselves.
The MassDOT, Highway Division recently held an open hearing to present their proposal for rehabilitated Central Avenue.
The Milton Department of Public Works has made the presentation and design schematic available online. Here are the links:
You can read a post about the hearing and citiczens response to it here.
Opinion / Editorial
Following is a message from the Massachusetts First Lady, Diane Patrick and Lynn Margherio, CEO of Cradles to Crayons.
We support their message in the strongest possible terms. There are countless ways to volunteer both locally and nationally. You can donate time, donate cash, and / or, one of our pet causes, donate blood. Please give a read and have a great holiday!
Here is the First Lady’s message:
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It is often said that Massachusetts has two great passions: sports and politics.
To that, we would add a third: volunteerism. Massachusetts is a national leader in the percentage of our citizens who volunteer to help others, and civic participation has become a hallmark of our daily lives, reflecting the values of our citizens.
On Saturday, November 21st, the nation marks National Family Volunteer Day and we know that the residents of the Commonwealth will rise to the occasion with renewed vigor. We face a recovering economy and the onset of a New England winter. While indicators point to promise on the horizon, the harsh reality of the global economic crisis creates immediate concern.
The Planning Board is deliberating the commercial overlay proposal right up to the wire. An article must be submitted by 12/3 to the Board of Selectmen if it is to be included in the Warrant for the Special Town Meeting to be held in February.
Given the impending deadline, Peter Jackson, chairman of the committee, made a motion for a vote to be taken. Mr. Whiteside said he was not ready and Ms. Innes fell in behind him. Part of the disagreement stemmed from the level of definition the article and zoning would contain. Mr. Jackson was advocating for a more open approach that would have some flexibility going forward. Mr. Whiteside desired greater specificity and, equally important, stated that after all the time that had been spent in sessions, etc. more time to review and deliberate was required. After a bit of confusing back and forth, it was decided to rewrite the article by 12/1 for review on 12/2 with the intent of a vote on 12/3. The board will meet at 5:30pm on 12/3, take a vote, and then send the article over to the Board of Selectmen prior to their convening their 12/3 session.
In discussing the current version of the article, Mr. Duffy cited the American Heritage definition of a pharmacy. Then by way of contrast held up a CVS shopping flyer and flagged the discrepancy between the definition and the reality: there is nothing in the definition about items such as mops, radios, air conditioners, etc. It was discussed that, in essence, a CVS (or Walgrreens or RiteAid) is a pharmacy nested in a convenience store. There was agreement that the language would be modified.
from The Dorchester Reporter
Despite the drizzly weather, it was last year around this time that the first Lower Mills Holiday Stroll surprised organizers by attracting over 300 people, many of whom later returned to patronize shops they had peeked in on.
Tonight’s more elaborate second venture promises to attract even bigger crowds with its freebies, art displays, a book-signing for the new paperback about the Baker Chocolate Company, even free trolley service to shuttle shoppers too weary to “stroll” across the bridge between Dorchester and Milton.(Read the full story here.)
Following are highlights from the School Committee Meeting of November 17th, 2009
Collicott targeting at risk students earlier – Gerard Schultz, Principal of the Collicott school, and other members of the site Council presented the initatives underway at Collicott to meet the learning needs of all their students. Of primary concern were AYP scores that showed Colliott a little behind. As a result they are implementing a response intervention to target students in the K-2 grades with initial assessment to determine who needs support. The goal is to catch them early and reduce demands that can potentially arise in the later grades. On the brighter side is an extremely well attended pre-school. There are 5 classes that meet for 1/2 a day, 4 days a week. Lastly, the site council is looking for a community member. If you are interested, please contact Principal Schultz.
Last night about 40 people attended a hearing by the Massachusetts Department of Transportation, Highway Division give a presentation on the redevelopment of Central Avenue.
The meeting was conducted by Phillip MacDonald, manager of the project for Mass DOT. Assisting him were members of the engineering firm Beta Group and Joe Lynch, Director of the Milton Department of Public Works, and John Thompson, also of the Milton DPW.
The project involves roadway improvement on Central avenue including drainage, traffic calming measures and, most significantly a two way 10′ wide multi-use path from Turner’s Pond down to the intersection where Maple Street intersects Central Avenue (altogether a redesign of a 4700 foot roadway that is currently ~44′ wide). The project would commence sometime in fall of 2010 and be completed within 2 years at a cost of ~$3.1 million. The state would require about 100 temporary easements. There would be no change in property or driveway widths etc. Crosswalks at the intersections of Central with Hinkley, Columbine, School, and Maple streets would all be improved.
Notice from the Milton Board of Health
The Milton Board of Health is planning for the arrival of initial small shipments of H1N1 Live, attenuated (weakened) intranasal vaccine (or LAIV), commonly referred to as “mist”. The “mist” is only available to healthy individuals without long term health conditions such as asthma, diabetes, etc. Based on CDC and MDPH recommendations, this limited supply is reserved for healthy children ages 2 through 9, healthy healthcare workers with direct patient contact, healthy household contacts of pregnant women in their third trimester, and healthy people who live with or care for children younger than 6 months of age. If you fall into one of these four categories and are a Milton resident, we are requesting you call 617-898-4947 and leave your name, age, address, phone number, and priority group for which you qualify. Appointments will be scheduled based on when the vaccine arrives and the order in which your call is received.
As supplies grow, the parameters will be expanded to include older children and young adults, especially those with long term health conditions. Eventually, general public H1N1 clinics will be held. In the interim, parents are encouraged to stay in contact with their pediatricians as they are receiving priority shipments of the H1N1 vaccine.
Please note that we are awaiting the arrival of additional seasonal flu vaccine. We anticipate rescheduling the postponed clinics at Cunningham Park and the Council on Aging in early to mid December.
You can visit the Board of Health web site here.
Press release from Milton Board of Park Commissioners
Turner’s Pond Accessibility Project Update
The recently installed 4’ foot wide pathway on the north side of Turner’s Pond will remain closed to the public until further notice. Our intent was to open this path when the contractor shifted his work to the south path but recent rains necessitate we keep this newly constructed path closed until the turf is better established.
Work has begun on the south side of the pond. During construction this pathway will also be closed to the public.
The Milton Conservation Commission and the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection have both approved this project and provided the Milton Park Department with an Order of Conditions under which to work.
This project has been funded through a Recreational Trails Program Grant through the MA Department of Recreation and Conservation and private donations.
We apologize for any inconvenience this temporary path closure may cause.
from Wicked Local Milford
Senior quarterback Brendan Brooks connected with junior wide receiver Sam Lawrence on a 15-yard touchdown in the second quarter as Wellesley cruised past Milton 21-6 in a Bay State Conference matchup. (Read full story here.)