Press release from office of Senator Joyce

Senator Brian A. Joyce (D-Milton) would like to alert his constituents of energy assistance still available through the Energy Bucks campaign until April 30, 2009.

Energy efficiency services are still available to families at little or no cost, depending on their income. Typically, a family of four can qualify for some form of assistance of energy efficiency services if their income is less than $4,124 a month.

This year, the Massachusetts’ federal heating assistance allocation nearly doubled from $114 million to $212 million, and funding for low-income weatherization increased to $13 million.

Energy Bucks is an integrated campaign that creates “one-stop shopping” for energy assistance services, enabling Massachusetts residents to better understand and apply for programs that can help them manage their energy costs. To find out if you qualify for assistance, visit the Energy Bucks website at www.energybucks.com or call 1-866-LESS-COST.

Milton High varsity teams struggled on the diamonds yesterday. The boys baseball team fell 9-2, while the girls softball team lost 5-1.

The Wildcats split on the tennis courts (also against Braintree). The boys were defeated 3-2, but the girls got a win, 4-1.

from WBUR

The scope of state spending is shrinking again. A House budget proposal released Wednesday slashes state aid to cities and towns, public health prevention initiatives, home care for the elderly and ends state funding for 55 programs.

“This budget is a string of regrettable choices counterbalanced only by the understanding that it is the responsible thing to do,” House Ways and Means Chairman Charley Murphy says. (read the full story here).

from The Examiner.com

The next Boston non-profit that I want to write a quick profile of is Children Without Borders, based in Milton, MA.  In a nutshell, Children Without Borders is working hard to bring medical supplies and treatment to the children and their families of under-developed countries in Central and South America.  What makes them stand out from many of the other organizations with a similar goal is that they set up permanent clinics in specific areas, manned by doctors, nurses and other volunteers all year round.  (read the full story here.)

• Today, Juniors in Group 11A will meet for their final session of group guidance and juniors in Mr. Devlin’s 11C will meet for Library Lab.
• Ultimate Frisbee:  Any student interested in playing, please meet at the lower fields at    2:30 TODAY.  Bring water!
• Outdoors Club members and friends are reminded to meet at Shea Rink this Sunday at 11:00 am for a spring hike.  Everyone is welcome!
• GSA will be selling t-shirts for the Day of Silence which will be held on Wednesday, April 29.  Please pay $15 to Mr. Devlin in guidance, Mme Menard in 310 or Nancy Killoran, by Friday, April 17.
• GSA members will be selling Skittles this week and the week after vacation to support the Day of Silence.  Please pay $1 to Nancy Killoran, Bryan Doherty, Ariel Bounas, Rachel Lipton or Betsy Meyer.
• Fashion Show practice after school today and Saturday.  See outside of Mr. Costa’s room for vacation practice schedule.
• Tomorrow’s Teachers…time to plan a spring shadow…check in with Mrs. Mullen to make arrangements. Also…any student interested in participating in Teacher appreciation week please see Mrs. Mullen in the Child Study room. Thanks!

  Read more

from The Patriot Ledger

A 21-year old Milton man was arrested at Andrews Park on drug charges.

Paul Twoomey, 21, of 20 Antwerp St., was charged with possession of OxyContin with intent to distribute and violating the drug laws in a public park. (read the full story here.)

from The Patriot Ledger

The town could have to repay some or all of the $122 million the state spent on school buildings if it closes an elementary school.

The warning came in a letter Tuesday from Massachusetts School Building Authority Executive Director Katherine Craven to School Superintendent Mary Gormley. (read full story here).

• Today, Sophomores in Group 10C will meet for their fourth session Group Guidance and Ms. Bernard’s juniors in Group 11C will meet for Library Lab.  On Thursday, Juniors in Group 11A will meet for their final session of group guidance and juniors in Mr. Devlin’s 11C will meet for Library Lab.
• Senior Assembly today during Activity Period:  Seniors will report to their grade homerooms and will be called to the auditorium with their grade homeroom teachers
• for an assembly to review end of the year expectations, events, etc.  After the assembly, if time permits, seniors should report back to their grade homerooms where attendance will be taken again.
• Any junior who missed the Connect account registration can register in the library during Activity periods this week.
• Winter Cheerleaders will meet briefly today in Room 110 after school.
• The Outdoors Club will meet after school today.  We will be ordering t-shirts and planning a hike over the break.
• Key Club meeting in Room 243 at dismissal today. We will be discussing elections for next year’s officers and a spring project. Please bring ideas.
• The Drama Club will rehearse today at 2:45 in Mr. Bowes’ room.

  Read more

At this evening’s Planning Board meeting a number of issues were discussed; but none was of more interest than that of the Temple Shalom proposal to redevelop their property.

Regarding that, the Planning Board was unanimous in their decision. After consultation with Town Counsel John Flynn, the Board is going to recommend to Town Meeting that the issue be referred  to the Planning Board for further study and then to report to the next town Meeting. Member Peter Jackson recommended that the Planning Board establish standards to be included in a proposal and establish a process for going forward that includes all parties.

In past sessions the board has voiced concern over the lack of detail and specificity in the current proposal. “I’m certain we can do it,” commented Planning Board member Ed Duffy.

Town Meeting can dispose of the redevelopment request in one of four ways: they can pass it, the can reject it, they can amend it, or they can refer it back to the Planning Board. It is likely that Town Meeting will vote in accordance with the Planning Board’s recommendation.

The Planning Board will next convene on April 23rd.

A weekly recap of key events and items of interest to the Milton community:

Run up to the Milton 2009 election

Milton goes to the polls April 28th. And last week voters got an opportunity to hear the candidates first hand a the Milton League of Women Voters Candidate debates. You can also read summaries of the candidates. Please see the links below. Note that Mr. Gunning a candidate for re-election to office of Assessor, and Peter Casey, candidate for Housing Authority did not appear at the LWV debates.

Town Treasurer:  LWV Debate | Candidate Summaries

Assessor:   Candidate Summaries

Park Commissioner:  LWV Debate | Candidate Summaries

Library Trustee:  LWV Debate | Candidate Summaries

New Web Site for Milton Public Schools

It officially launched this morning; but in fact, the new wesb site for the Milton Public Schools has been up and public since last Friday. It is a great improvement. It is clean in design, intuitive and easy to navigate. You can find it here:

Web Site of Milton Public Schools

Note: the Edline will still be available

A Conversation with Janet Lorden

Janet Lorden, candidate for Town Treasurer, sat down with us last week to discuss her candidacy. You can find the conversation here. Next up will be Charlie McCarthy. We also hope to speak with James McAuliffe. He has not yet responded to requests for an interview.

The Week’s Sports Scores

The Boys varsity Lacrosse team is struggling early in the season. They were blanked by Braintree 12-0 last Wednesday and also lost 12-4 to Norwood last Monday. The girls varsity is faring better. They beat Braintree 9-6.

In tennis, Wellesley topped MHS girls varsity 4-1.