New Finagle A Bagel Cafe and Bakery has deep roots in Cambridge

CAMBRIDGE -
11 First St., Cambridge map

East Cambridge will be welcoming many new businesses as it grows and develops, but it is especially exciting to welcome a new business with deep Cambridge roots. People who grew up around here know the neighborhood best, and that's why I was excited to hear that the COO of Finagle A Bagel, Tony Pereira, was born and raised right here in the Harrington Wellington neighborhood.

Tony joined the owners, myself and School Committee member Joe Grassi to welcome Finagle A Bagel's new concept store to First Street across the way from the Lechmere T stop.


Co-owner Alan Litchman, Tim, Co-owner Laura Trust, School Committee member Joe Grassi, and Finagle COO Tony Pereira.

Although Finagle A Bagel is an established local chain (they started in Faneuil Hall, and now have over 20 locations in Massachusetts), this location is a bit different. The concept for the new Cafe and Bakery is to make a more enjoyable dining and relaxing experience with booth seating, wireless internet, televisions, and an expanded menu.

They have also recently been granted outdoor seating, just in time for some warmer weather.



Their new store, in a photograph from their website.

A strong local company like Finagle will hopefully act as an anchor to help enliven the groundfloor retail coming to the area.

East End House Visits the State House

BOSTON - State House, Beacon Hill map
Additional photos here

I had the opportunity to host a group of students from the East End House (105 Spring St, Cambridge) for a tour of the State House. The group learned some Massachusetts history from the State House tour guides, including the mystery of what's under the Golden dome.

After the official tour, we took a trip to the House chamber and out onto the floor.



Dave Madden and the East End House students take a turn at the podium.

They had a chance to explore and ask questions from the same seats legislators have cast their votes from for over 200 years. Could we be seeing the next generation of legislators and public servants in this group?



We finished the Friday visit with hot chocolate and donuts back in my office. All in all it was the perfect ending to a busy week. They were a great group and I hope they had as much fun as I did.

November Calendar

CALENDAR UPDATE - From Carrie Dancy of East Somerville Main Streets: The Interpreting East Somerville reception has been moved to Nov. 20th from 5:30-7:00pm, and will still be head at Somerville City Hall. Hope you can join us!

There is also a new item, the Broadway Corridor Rezoning kickoff meeting on November 10th @6pm.

See below for details.
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This monthly calendar represents only a small portion of the many interesting things happening in Cambridge and Somerville. If you would like to add another event, or a link to your own calendar of events, please email my office at toomeyblog@gmail.com.

Other Local Calendars:

November in Cambridge
City Calendar

November in Somerville
City Calendar
The Growing Center

Green Line Extension Calendar

Tuesday, November 4th
General Election Day
Find your polling location by entering your address here
The general election ballot will have Barack Obama vs. John McCain, as well as all local candidates and 3 state-wide ballot questions.
For more info on the ballot questions, read my brief informational post.

Thursday, November 6th @ 6pm
Public Hearing on Cambridge Health Alliance Changes
Cambridge City Hall
795 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge map
Drastic budget cuts have forced the CHA to discuss reductions in services with the community.

Sunday, November 9th @ 6pm
Babe Ruth Banquet
St. Anthony's Band Hall
575 Cambridge St, Cambridge map
The annual banquet honors the participants and supporters of Cambridge Babe Ruth baseball.

Monday, November 10th @ 6pm
Broadway Corridor Rezoning Study Kickoff Meeting
Elizabeth Peabody House
277 Broadway, Somerville map
The City of Somerville is initiating a Rezoning Study of the Broadway Corridor from Fenwick and Thurston Streets in Winter Hill to the city line in East Somerville. The purpose of the study is to examine the existing zoning and explore the potential of implementing transit-oriented development (TOD) zoning along this important commercial and residential corridor.

Wednesday, November 12th @ 7-9pm
East Cambridge Planning Team (ECPT) Meeting
East End House, 105 Spring St, Cambridge map
ECPT meets to discuss East Cambridge issues twice every month on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday from 7–9pm.

Sunday, November 16 @ 4-7pm
2008 Cambridge Peace and Justice Awards
Dante Alighieri Cultural Center, 41 Hampshire St., Cambridge map
From the city website: The 2008 Cambridge Peace and Justice Awards Dinner, honoring an amazing set of individuals and groups for their contributions to peacemaking in our city.

Monday, November 17th @ 6pm
Public meeting on the Craigie St. Bridge/Drawbridge
Museum of Science (Room TBA)
The DCR will hold a public meeting to discuss the upcoming repair schedule for the Craigie St. Bridge.

Thursday, November 20th @ 5:30 - 7pm
Interpreting East Somerville: Community Photography Exhibit
Somerville City Hall
93 Highland Ave, Somerville map
The photos from East Somerville residents will go on display at City Hall, starting November 6th.
For more info:
Interpreting East Somerville website
My previous post

Wednesday, November 26th @ 7-9pm
East Cambridge Planning Team (ECPT) Meeting
East End House, 105 Spring St, Cambridge map
ECPT meets to discuss East Cambridge issues twice every month on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday from 7–9pm.

Poll #3: Constituent Services

What are you most likely to contact your Representative for?

A: 82% To voice support or opposition to state legislation
B: 18% To share your concerns about the neighborhood
C: Assistance navigating local bureaucracy
D: Just to say hello

It looks like the most common reason chosen by readers of this blog for contacting my office (or other State Representatives) has been to advocate for or share your position on state legislation, followed in distant second by sharing your concerns about the neighborhood.

Those are only two of the many reasons you may want to contact my office. We are here to help you with the complicated bureaucracy of our state, and to answer your general questions about government, about this district, and about the cities of Somerville and Cambridge. If myself or my office can't help you, we will direct you to the right place and make sure there is someone else who can.

Please feel free to call or email me anytime, my contact information can be found here.

2008 General Election Voter Information

The 2008 general election will be held this Tuesday, November 4th. It will mark the end of a long and historic election season that has generated enthusiasm and interest here at home and across the world. Here are a few questions people may still have:

Where do I vote?
There are dozens of polling locations in Cambridge and Somerville, and yours should be very close to your home address. To help you find your polling location, the state elections division has created an online resource:
wheredoivotema.com

What will be on my ballot?
This is a general election, so there will be offices up for election at every level. This will be your chance to vote for president after a long and grueling campaign, as well as three ballot questions.
Detailed information on the ballot questions can be found at the state's election website:
2008 Massachusetts Statewide Ballot Questions

Question 1: State Personal Income Tax
A YES VOTE would reduce the state personal income tax rate to 2.65% for the tax year beginning on January 1, 2009, and would eliminate the tax for all tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2010.
A NO VOTE would make no change in state income tax laws.

Question 2: Possession of Marijuana
A YES VOTE would replace the criminal penalties for
possession of one ounce or less of marijuana with a new system of civil penalties.
A NO VOTE would make no change in state criminal laws concerning possession of marijuana.

Question 3: Dog Racing
A YES VOTE would prohibit dog races on which betting or wagering occurs, effective January 1, 2010.
A NO VOTE would make no change in the laws governing dog racing.

Community Bocce Court

This past month, the long awaited (by some) public bocce court opened outside the King Open school on Cambridge St. Bocce is a great, simple game, and can be played by people of literally all ages, from children as young as three or four to senior citizens well into their nineties.

From Bocce

The first incarnations of the game date as far back as 5000 BC, when the ancient Egyptians threw polished rocks at a smaller target. The goal of the game then, as it still is now, was to get your rock or ball to land closer to the target than anyone else's. The game has evolved since then, taking many different forms along the way. The first official league and the Bocce World Championships formed in Italy in 1947, and the game has only grown in popularity since then.

From Bocce

Over the past hundred years in Cambridge, various bocce leagues, clubs and informal organizations have come and gone, although recently – especially after the closing of Bertiucci’s and its basement bocce court in Somerville – local players have not had courts available to them without leaving town. The new court is an excellent place for players of all levels of skill and seriousness to come to gather and play a game.

At the unofficial opening of East Cambridge's very own public bocce court, I tried my hand in a friendly match, and I learned very quickly that the game actually does require some degree of skill to win. Whether you are a long time player or a relative newcomer to the game like myself, the new court is an excellent place to bring a small group of kids or have a relaxing game of Bocce with friends on a weekend afternoon.

From Bocce

From Bocce

Visiting Le Cordon Bleu

Last spring I visited the brand new Boston campus of the world-famous Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts. Originally founded in Paris in 1895, Le Cordon Bleu has developed a reputation for academic and culinary excellence, and the residents of the larger metro-Boston area are very lucky to now have the institution’s newest campus in our own backyard.

When I first visited, the halls were quiet and the first group of students had just arrived. When I returned at the end of September, the halls were bustling, the classroom kitchens were filled, and good smells filled the air. I had the opportunity to speak with several chefs as well as students about their experiences so far, and their responses were overwhelmingly positive.

From Le Cordon Bleu

Chef Ying-Wei Luo, who is currently the pastry chef at the Charles Hotel in Cambridge and teaches Introduction to Baking and Pastry, invited me into his classroom to meet his students and try a freshly baked roll. The students were all very engaged in their work, and their rolls were excellent.

From Le Cordon Bleu

From Le Cordon Bleu

I also spent time speaking with a few students from Cambridge and Somerville, who were all very glad to have the opportunity to attend this world-class school of culinary arts right outside of Boston. All-in-all, this is a fantastic institution, and is a great addition to the already thriving academic community in Cambridge.

October Calendar

This monthly calendar represents only a small portion of the many interesting things happening in Cambridge and Somerville. If you would like to add another event, or a link to your own calendar of events, please email my office at toomeyblog@gmail.com.

Other Local Calendars:

October in Cambridge
City Calendar

October in Somerville
City Calendar
The Growing Center

Green Line Extension Calendar

Wednesday, October 8 @ 7-9pm
East Cambridge Planning Team (ECPT) Meeting
East End House, 105 Spring St, Cambridge map
ECPT meets to discuss East Cambridge issues twice every month on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday from 7–9pm.

Sunday, October 12th @ 10:30am
St. Bartholomew's 100th Anniversary Service
St. Bartholomew's Church, 239 Harvard St., Cambridge map
St. Bartholomew's Church in Cambridge is celebrating its 100th anniversary, and as the final event of its year-long celebration, Bishop M. Thomas Shaw, SSJE will be guest preacher at the Anniversary Homecoming Service.
More info

Wednesday, October 15th @ 6-8pm
Discuss Future Renovations to Clement G. Morgan Park
Fletcher-Maynard Academy, 225 Windsor Street, Cambridge map
From the city website: Renovations are planned to begin in spring 2009, and will include replacement of all the playground equipment as well as the "tot play" and waterplay area at Pine Street upgrades to pathways and lighting, new seating and furniture, additional grass, trees, and other plantings, new signage, and emergency call box and a community posting board. Community members are invited to join us for an "Open House" to meet with City Staff, review design options for the park, and tell us your thoughts.

Thursday, October 16 @ 7pm
Wellington Harrington Neighborhood Association (WHNA) Monthly Meeting
Vin-Fen, 950 Cambridge St, Cambridge map
The WHNA meets monthly on a Thursday. Check out their website for updates on the agenda.

Friday, October 17th @ 3:30pm
Cambridge Portuguese Credit Union 80th Anniversary
493 Somerville Ave, Somerville map
The CPCU celebrates it's 80th Anniversary with free food, raffle prizes, coat drop-off for the Somerville Homeless Coalition, and the chance to meet and learn about the CPCU and local businesses.
CPCU website

Wednesday, October 22 @ 7-9pm
East Cambridge Planning Team (ECPT) Meeting
East End House, 105 Spring St, Cambridge map
ECPT meets to discuss East Cambridge issues twice every month on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday from 7–9pm.

Wednesday, October 22 @ 2:30-3pm
Free Blood Pressure Screening
Citywide Senior Center, 806 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge map
Take part in important free preventative measures for your health. Anyone over the age of 60 will receive a free blood pressure screening.
Call (617) 349-6060 for information.

Poll #2: Northpoint Park

From Polls

Register to Vote: Deadline is October 15th!

More info on voting: Massachusetts Elections Division
To order a form: Elections Division Voter Registration Form Request

If you aren't registered to vote yet, time is running out to take part in this year's big general election. Along with local and national candidates, there will also be three statewide ballot questions on the November 4th ballot, where voters will have the chance to vote directly on initiatives eliminating the state income tax, decriminalizing the possession of marijuana, and prohibiting betting on dog racing.

If you are already registered and involved in the process, I hope you will take the opportunity to get others involved and remind anyone you know who may not yet be registered to get a form filled out and mailed to City Hall before October 15th.

If you need to get a registration form, there are several places you can pick them up. You can stop by my district office to get registration forms (Contact me if the office is closed to set up a time you can stop by), or you can order forms online from the elections division. You can also pick them up at Cambridge or Somerville City Hall or a local post office.

Interpreting East Somerville Through Photography

SOMERVILLE
More information:
Interpreting East Somerville web page
East Somerville Main Streets home page
Somerville Journal article
Update: Somerville Newstalk 10/8 mention

If you have a digital camera and find yourself taking pictures in East Somerville over the next few weeks, you could wind up in an art exhibit at City Hall!

East Somerville Main Streets along with the Mayor's office is sponsoring a community photography exhibit, featuring selected photographs of East Somerville (defined as Route 28 [McGrath Highway] to the west and north, Route 93 [Expressway] to the east, Washington St. to the south).

I think it's a great idea and a chance for people who live here and know the neighborhood to share their own perspective on it. It's not every day non-professional artists get a chance to be in an exhibit. Anyone can enter, and there is no age limit so it might be a fun trip to walk the neighborhood with the kids and a camera! The deadline for submissions is October 20th and the daylight hours are getting shorter and shorter, so the sooner the better.

How to enter, from the Interpreting East Somerville website:

Interpreting East Somerville is a juried exhibit. Entries will be judged on originality, photographic quality, and how well the images capture a unique flavor or perspective of East Somerville. As many entries as exhibition space allows will be considered.

1. Take photos somewhere in East Somerville!
(Route 28 [McGrath Hwy] to the west and north, Route 93 [Expressway] to the east, Washington Street to the south.)

2. You can submit up to 3 pieces for consideration.

Either email digital images in jpg format to:
InterpretingESO@hotmail.com

or drop off or mail a CD of digital files or sample prints of film images to:
East Somerville Main Streets
114 Broadway Ste. 112
Somerville, MA 02145
(617) 623-3869

3. Include your name, address, phone and email, and any special information about your entry.

4. Entries must be submitted by the actual photographer, or a friend or relative. Contact info for both the photographer and the person submitting the work is required.

Chosen entries will be asked, if possible, to provide a high quality print of the final piece. Unless specified, chosen photos will be reproduced at an 8x10 size. Collages, digitally retouched photos, and multidimensional works will also be considered.

The exhibition itself will be in Somerville City Hall starting November 6th.

Reach Out and Read: Improving Childhood Literacy

CAMBRIDGE - Windsor Street Health Center, 119 Windsor St. #1 map
Cambridge Chronicle blog post: "Rep. Toomey reads to children at Windsor Street Health Center"
Reach Out and Read official website

Reach Out and Read (ROR) is a fantastic national children's literacy program that focuses on young at-risk children who so often enter school unprepared to learn. By encouraging parents to read with their children from a very early age, and by providing developmentally and culturally appropriate books to children when they visit their pediatricians, Reach Out and Read addresses the very route of the problem of the gap in childhood literacy. Studies have shown that by exposing children to books at earlier ages, ROR has given many two-year-olds as much as a six-month head start developmentally, putting them on a course to be active, productive learners and members of their communities.

From Reach Out and Read

On Thursday September 25th I visited the Reach Out and Read affiliated Windsor Street Health Center in Cambridge to read aloud to a group of young children from the CAAS Head Start program. The three books that they had selected for me to read, Five Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed, If You Give a Mouse a Cookie, and David Gets in Trouble, were perfect for the occasion and for the age-group. It seemed like many of the children were familiar with the stories, and they chimed in to help me with some of their favorite lines.

From Reach Out and Read

It was a great experience, and I think that I probably had just about as much fun as the children did. I'm proud to have been able to participate in and to support this outstanding program, and I look forward to making many more visits like this one in the future.

2007-2008 Formal Legislative Session Update

At the end of July, the House and the Senate wrapped up the 2007-2008 formal session with a list of legislative accomplishments that will help to significantly improve our state’s economy, environment, health care system and aging infrastructure.

The extent of our broad-reaching achievements in the legislature is in part thanks to our new Governor Deval Patrick – it is great to again have a democratic partner in the executive office to help us work towards a better Massachusetts for all citizens across the state.

The following sections detail highlights of important bills and spending initiatives passed and signed into law during the 2007-2008 Formal Legislative Session:

• Local Bills
• Statewide Bills
• Bills that Require Further Attention
• FY 2009 Local Aid for Cambridge and Somerville
• FY 2009 Budget Highlights

In the increasingly difficult and unstable fiscal climate, it is now more important than ever to the residents of Cambridge and Somerville that their elected officials on Beacon Hill are working to ensure their safety, the quality of their schools and hospitals, their economic stability, the sustainability of their environment and their quality of life. I’m proud to say at the end of the 2007-2008 formal legislative session that we have taken significant steps to address each of these areas, and that the productive efforts of the legislature will have a positive and meaningful impact on the citizens of our communities for many years to come.

From the Green Communities Act to the Child Abuse and Neglect Bill, from the Environmental, Housing and Transportation Bond Bills to the Municipal Partnership Act and increased local aid and Chapter 70 school aid, the wide range of initiatives signed into law over the past year and a half will benefit children, families, taxpayers and municipalities throughout the commonwealth.

I would like to thank the hundreds of people who called, emailed, and wrote in over the last year for making your voice heard on these important issues in the state and in our district. Please feel free to look through this legislative update and contact my office if you have any further questions or to let me know about your priorities going forward into the next session.

Local Bills

Cambridge:


Public Salaries to Municipal Employees Serving Overseas in Iraq and Afghanistan:
This landmark local Home Rule bill authorized the City of Cambridge to pay full salaries and benefits to municipal employees serving in theaters of combat overseas such as Iraq and Afghanistan. The bill also ensures that any such employee will not lose any seniority or accrued vacation leave while serving our country.
Chapter 153 of the Acts of 2007


Somerville:

Establishment of a Municipal Hearing Officer:
The creation of the position of Municipal Hearing Officer in the City of Somerville provides a venue for residents to dispute citations for violations of local ordinances without being required to appear in district court.
Chapter 106 of the Acts of 2008

Updating the City’s Charter:
This expansive piece of legislation provided for many simplifications and modernizations of Somerville’s Charter and the Department of Public Works: it created divisions of highways, engineering, waterworks, and buildings within the Department of Public Works; it allows for the mayor, with the approval of the board of aldermen, to eliminate existing divisions and create new ones as deemed necessary by the city; it created the position of superintendent for each new division of Public Works; and, it mandates the annual appointment of the superintendent of each division by the mayor subject to the approval of the board of aldermen.
Chapter 112 of the Acts of 2008

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Read more about the 2007-2008 Formal Legislative Session:

• Local Bills
• Statewide Bills
• Bills that Require Further Attention
• FY 2009 Local Aid for Cambridge and Somerville
• FY 2009 Budget Highlights

Statewide Bills

Bond Bills:


Transportation Bond Bills:
Both the three-year $3.5 billion bond bill to finance and increase efficiency in long term projects for the state such as the Green Line Extension through Cambridge and Somerville, and the $1.5 billion bond bill to fund projects on municipal transportation projects will serve to help Massachusetts to meet the increasing demands of our state’s aging transportation infrastructure.
Chapter 86 of the Acts of 2008
Chapter 172 of the Acts of 2008

Housing Bond Bill:
This $1.3 billion bond bill was passed to create and encourage long term development of capital improvements and affordable housing resources, helping to make homeownership a more attainable goal to families across the state
Chapter 119 of the Acts of 2008

Bridge Repair Bond Bill:
This $3 billion bridge repair bond bill provides for the preservation of existing transportation infrastructure, and the assurance of safety on our state’s bridges.
Chapter 233 of the Acts of 2008

Higher Education Bond Bill:
This $2.2 billion bond bill will help the Commonwealth to control costs of higher education for Massachusetts families.
Chapter 258 of the Acts of 2008


Children and Families:

Booster Seat Bill:
This crucial public safety initiative is an important step in protecting child passengers on the road, and requires children up to the age of 8 or the height of 4’9” (whichever comes first) to be secured by child passenger safety devices. The proper use of booster seats has been proven to significantly decrease child fatalities in motor vehicle accidents.
Chapter 79 of the Acts of 2008


Child Abuse and Neglect Legislation:
This bill created a brand new cabinet level secretary responsible solely for child welfare, establishes minimum education requirements for social workers and toughens penalties for child abuse and neglect.
Chapter 176 of the Acts of 2008

Child Protection Legislation (Jessica’s Law):
Aiming to further protect children from sexual predators, this important legislation increased penalties for sex offenders, and enhanced online tracking of online sexual predators.
Chapter 205 of the Laws of 2008


Education:

Reorganization of the Commonwealth’s Education Governance Structure:
This reorganization has taken important steps to streamline, simplify and improve communication and coordination between every education sector of the Commonwealth. Most importantly, it created a cabinet level secretary to oversee the state’s education system and its reorganization.
Chapter 27 of the Acts of 2008

Reorganization of Early Education Quality & Care System:
As an extension of the overall education reorganization, this initiative works toward improving access to and the quality of early childhood education for all children in the Commonwealth, creating the new Department of Early Education and Care.
Chapter 215 of the Acts of 2008


Environment:

Global Warming Solutions Act:
With this bill, Massachusetts put in place a long term plan to curb greenhouse gas emissions. This is an important step forward in the fight to save our environment from the dangerous effects of harmful emissions produced by humans.
Chapter 298 of the Acts of 2008

Green Communities Act:
This broad reaching energy reform package establishes bold new clean, renewable energy goals for the Commonwealth, providing incentives to municipalities, businesses and individuals to invest in progressive energy saving technologies to meet the new benchmarks.
Chapter 169 of the Acts of 2008

Green Jobs Bill:
Unanimously supported by both braches of the legislature, this innovative initiative will encourage green start-up companies to expand in Massachusetts, and provide residents of all experience levels with exciting new and sustainable careers.
Chapter 307 of the Acts of 2008

Ocean Management Bill:
This bill clarifies existing ocean management laws to allow for clean energy development in areas that had previously been zoned only for traditional energy generation.
Chapter 114 of the Acts of 2008


Health Care:

Electronic Health Records for Health and Human Services:
Moving to further improve Massachusetts health care system, this bill modernizes and standardizes the state’s health care records for those enrolled in states programs. It will help to simplify record keeping and decrease costs to taxpayers over the next several years.
Chapter 130 of the Acts of 2007

Protecting Patient Confidentiality:
This common-sense legislation provides clients of mental health counselors with the same right to privacy and confidentiality as clients of psychiatrists and psychologists.
Chapter 142 of the Acts of 2007


Public Service:


Commonwealth Corps:
This bill established the Commonwealth Corps, a statewide volunteer service organization that works in partnership with the Massachusetts Service Alliance. The mission of the Commonwealth Corps is to engage Massachusetts residents of all ages and backgrounds in direct service to rebuild communities and address unmet community needs. The Corps will provide opportunities for skill building, leadership development and will encourage and enhance a lifelong civic vocation for Corps members.
Chapter 192 of the Acts of 2007

Increased Benefits to Families of Police and Firefighters:
Helping cities and towns to show gratitude to the loved ones of those killed in the line of duty for their thankless public service, this bill allows municipalities to raise funeral expense reimbursements to families of police officers and firefighters killed while on the job from $5,000 to $15,000
Chapter 110 of the Acts of 2007


Tax/Fiscal Policy:

Sales Tax Holiday:
For the fifth year in a row, the members of the legislature overwhelmingly voted to suspend the state sales tax for one weekend in August, providing consumers with an incentive to stimulate the local retail economy.
Chapter 211 of the Acts of 2008


Corporate Tax Reform:
This bill closed several so-called corporate tax loopholes that were being abused by larger companies at the expense of small businesses and individual taxpayers, increasing tax fairness in the Commonwealth.
Chapter 173 of the Acts of 2008


Investment in Life Sciences:
This 10-year, $1 billion bill invests in our state’s ever-growing life sciences sector, helping to draw new life science companies to the region and keep current ones here. This will have a significant impact growing the number of quality jobs and the state’s reputation as a world leader in life sciences.
Chapter 130 of the Acts of 2008


Mortgage Foreclosure Relief:
In response to the unprecedented spike in the number of home foreclosures, this legislation encourages banks to help borrowers, providing a three month window to cure defaults. It also mandates tough new licensing standards for mortgage loan originators.
Chapter 224 of the Acts of 2007


LIHEAP Fuel-Assistance Appropriation:
Passed in anticipation of a difficult winter season, this bill provided emergency funding to help more than 100,000 elderly residents and low income families pay to heat their homes over the coldest months.
Chapter 174 of the Acts of 2007


*Note: This list only reflects a sampling of some of the more important legislation passed by the House and Senate and signed into law by the Governor. If you have any additional questions about any legislation, whether it is on this list or not, please feel free to contact my State House staff at 617-722-2692.

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Read more about the 2007-2008 Formal Legislative Session:

• Local Bills
• Statewide Bills
• Bills that Require Further Attention
• FY 2009 Local Aid for Cambridge and Somerville
• FY 2009 Budget Highlights

Bills that Require Further Attention

Although the 2007-2008 formal legislative session was extremely productive, some bills never made it to a full vote, and must remain priorities for the 2009-2010 session. Over the past two years we were able to address many of the pressing concerns of the citizens, families, businesses and municipalities of the Commonwealth, but several other crucial matters still require further attention.

Here are a few highlights:

CORI Reform:

In the beginning of 2008, Governor Deval Patrick introduced legislation relative to reducing recidivism rates by providing better employment opportunities to citizens who have been convicted of criminal offenses. One of the most important parts of this bill would prevent employers from accessing information about fraudulent charges on which a defendant has been found innocent.

Although the bill gained some attention this year, it never made it to the floor of the House for a vote, and it remains a top priority hopefully to be addressed early next session.


Non-Lethal Defense Sprays:

In the interest of helping citizens protect themselves from violent and predatory criminals without needing to buy a firearm, it is essential that Massachusetts increase the availability of non-lethal defense sprays. While on the one hand it is important to work to decrease the number of illegal and unregistered hand guns and automatic weapons on our streets, another often neglected front in the battle against crime is providing people with legal ways that they can protect themselves and their families. Non-lethal defense sprays offer an effective and safe way for people to feel secure both while out walking on city streets and within in their own homes.

I filed a bill that will help increase legal access to such defense sprays, which has been reported favorably by The Committee on Public Safety, but still requires a vote before the House and Senate.


Urban Speed Limits:

In the wake of several tragic deaths on roads in urban districts, it is clear that we must take steps to increase the safety of pedestrians on sidewalks and in crosswalks. Vehicles operating at high speeds in highly populated areas cause a significant threat to safety for all pedestrians, and especially children.

Based upon the recommendation of various transportation agencies and safety experts, this bill will decrease roadway speed limits in urban districts to 25 MPH and will considerably increase the safety of the tens of thousands of pedestrians in urban areas every day.

*******

Read more about the 2007-2008 Formal Legislative Session:

• Local Bills
• Statewide Bills
• Bills that Require Further Attention
• FY 2009 Local Aid for Cambridge and Somerville
• FY 2009 Budget Highlights

FY 2009 Local Aid for Cambridge and Somerville

In the Fiscal Year 2009 State Budget approved by the House and Senate and signed by the Governor, both Cambridge and Somerville saw increases in the amount of aid that they receive from the state. There are three types of assistance that cities and towns receive from the state:

1. Chapter 70 funding. The Chapter 70 program is the major program of state aid to public elementary and secondary schools.
2. Additional Assistance.
3. Lottery Aid funded through Lottery revenues.

All three types of assistance are crucial to municipalities, and I’m very pleased that we were able to oversee increases in the bottom line for both cities that I represent.

Cambridge:

$9,313,701

Chapter 70 Funding:

$17,956,060

Additional Assistance:

$8,781,240

Total Lottery Aid:

$36,054,001

Total:

$800,348

Total Increase over FY 2008:

Somerville:

$20,597,265

Chapter 70 Funding:

$16,219,924

Additional Assistance:

$13,901,505

Total Lottery Aid:

$50,718,694

Total:

$341,626

Total Increase over FY 2008:

Fiscal Year 2009 Budget

Fiscal Year 2008 Budget

*******

Read more about the 2007-2008 Formal Legislative Session:

• Local Bills
• Statewide Bills
• Bills that Require Further Attention
• FY 2009 Local Aid for Cambridge and Somerville
• FY 2009 Budget Highlights

FY 2009 Budget Highlights

Helping to craft our state budget is one of the most important parts of my job. Every year, the legislators across Massachusetts hear from their constituents about important priorities for funding within the district. Citizens and advocacy groups are encouraged to call, write, or come visit the State House to make sure their Representative knows the importance of funding specific local and state-wide projects. From there, legislators work closely with each other to build broad support, negotiate, and assign the limited funds of the state. It is not aways an easy process, especially during a year when the revenue for the state is significantly down.

I am proud of the combined efforts and cooperation of the Cambridge and Somerville delegations in the House and Senate to ensure that our cities received funding for so many of the important programs we rely on. Whether it was affordable housing, nutritional assistance, youth programs, homelessness prevention, adult basic education, early childhood education, family planning, adoption services, elder protective services, urban park funding, or local health care, our delegations stood together to give Cambridge and Somerville a powerful voice at the state level.

The following are just a few of the highlights from our finalized state budget that directly affect the residents of the 26th Middlesex district. All budget items listed below I sponsored or co-sponsored in the FY 2009 budget requests and budget amendments. They are either state-wide programs with a local impact, or local programs specific to Cambridge and Somerville.

Adult Basic Education/ESOL
For contracts and grants to provide and strengthen adult basic education services, including reading, ESOL, writing, and mathematics, to a diverse network of organizations which have demonstrated commitment and effectiveness in the provision of such services. The state-wide funding effects many organizations within Cambridge and Somerville.

Youthbuild
A youth and community development program that addresses core issues facing low-income communities: housing, education, employment, crime prevention, and leadership development.

Horizons For Homeless Children
For Playspace Programs operated by Horizons for Homeless Children. The Playspace Program provides homeless children in Massachusetts with the nurturing, stimulation and opportunities for early education and play to help them learn and grow in healthy ways.

Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program (MRVP)
MRVP is the state's rental assistance program, operated by the Department of Housing and Community Development for low-income families and individuals. The MRVP offers tenant-based vouchers that can be used for any approved apartment, and project-based vouchers that are restricted to certain rental units or developments.

Family Planning
For comprehensive family planning services for low income uninsured, underinsured residents of the Commonwealth, including HIV counseling and testing, HPV immunizations, community-based health education, outreach, and follow-up with at-risk populations.

Citizenship for New Americans Program
Gives low-income immigrants the opportunity to learn English and American civics, as well as receive help with the citizenship application process.

Alternative Dispute Resolution
For the continued funding of seventeen alternative dispute resolution centers in Massachusetts, including the Community Dispute Settlement Center, Inc. of 60 Gore St Suite 202, Cambridge and the Somerville Mediation Program of 337 Somerville Ave, Somerville, whose core missions are to offer a community-based forum for dispute resolution through mediation without involving the Commonwealth’s court system.

Computer Centers and the Work Force Program
For the Cambridge Housing Authority Tenant Services to operate 2 Community Computer Centers and the Work Force program. The Work Force program is an award-winning nationally recognized youth development program for adolescents living in the Cambridge Housing Authority's subsidized housing.

Local Language-Specific Community Assistance
The following programs provide local language-specific assistance, including legal help, adult education, youth programs, and broader advocacy and involvement for immigrant rights.

Concilio Hispano
105 Windsor St, Cambridge
Massachusetts Alliance of Portuguese Speakers (MAPS)
92 Union Square, Somerville
1046 Cambridge St., Cambridge
Haitian Coalition
268 Rear Powder House Blvd Apt # 17C, Somerville
Centro Presente
17 Inner Belt Road, Somerville

Support Services to the Children and Families Served by DSS After Adoption
For the Center for Family Connections at 350 Cambridge St, Cambridge, to provide therapeutic and rehabilitative mental health services, targeted research on well-being outcomes and permanency planning for older hard-to-place youth and those aging out of the system.

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Read more about the 2007-2008 Formal Legislative Session:

• Local Bills
• Statewide Bills
• Bills that Require Further Attention
• FY 2009 Local Aid for Cambridge and Somerville
• FY 2009 Budget Highlights

September Calendar

This monthly calendar represents only a small portion of the many interesting things happening in Cambridge and Somerville. If you would like to add another event, or a link to your own calendar of events, please email my office at toomeyblog@gmail.com.

Other Local Calendars:

September in Cambridge
City Calendar

September in Somerville
City Calendar
The Growing Center

Green Line Extension Calendar

Saturday, September 6 @ 2pm-11pm
Sunday, September 7 @ 8:30am - 11pm
Cosmas and Damian Feast
Warren St, Cambridge map
2008 Feast Schedule of Events
Chronicle Article on the feast.
This huge Italian Feast is a two-day celebration with great food, music, and fun! Bring the whole family, and for more information call Sal DiDomenico at 617-661-1164 or visit www.cosmas-and-damian.com.

Sunday, September 7 @ 2-5pm
Swiss Beach Day at the Charles
Weeks Footbridge, Cambridge map
http://www.thinkswiss.org/thinkswim/index.html
Celebrate the unveiling of the exhibit "Think Swim, Think Swiss: Bringing Swiss-Style Swimming to the Charles River" with a Swiss Beach Day at the Charles. Find out about Swiss river swimming culture during an afternoon filled with activities and enjoyments. Free and open to the public.

Wednesday, September 10 @ 7-9pm
East Cambridge Planning Team (ECPT) Meeting
East End House, 105 Spring St, Cambridge map
ECPT meets to discuss East Cambridge issues twice every month on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday from 7–9pm.

Thursday, September 11 @ 7pm
Wellington Harrington Neighborhood Association (WHNA) Monthly Meeting
Vin-Fen, 950 Cambridge St, Cambridge map
This month WHNA will be speaking with members of the Cambridge Traffic Department about the traffic on Windsor St, along with an open discussion about the neighborhood.

Friday, September 12 @ 9-10am
Ladies Free Monthly Breakfast
Citywide Senior Center, 806 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge map
60+ Ladies Free Breakfast 9:00 a.m.-10:00 a.m. Food served 9:00-9:30 a.m.
Please call 617.349.6060 as a reservation is required.

Tuesday, September 16 @ 7am - 8pm
State Primary Day
Find your local polling station by entering your address here or by contacting me here.
Don't forget to vote!

Wednesday, September 24 @ 7-9pm
East Cambridge Planning Team (ECPT) Meeting
East End House, 105 Spring St, Cambridge map
ECPT meets to discuss East Cambridge issues twice every month on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday from 7–9pm.

Annual Oldtime Baseball Game is a big hit

CAMBRIDGE - St. Peter's Field map

In memory of Todd Schwartz: ForTodd.org

Oldtime Baseball web page

Cambridge Chronicle Article

For the 15th consecutive year, players and hundreds of fans gathered on St. Peter's Field for an oldtime baseball game and to support a great cause. This year all funds went to the Todd Schwartz Memorial Fund, which helps support the Jimmy Fund Clinic. Todd was a young man who lost his battle with cancer in 2002.

It was a beautiful evening and each team had an incredible collection of oldtime uniforms. This year pitted Team John Hancock versus Team Shapiro.


Hundreds of baseball fans settled around the foul lines on both sides.

Team John Hancock watches from the bench.

It was a great night to watch some baseball and catch up with some of my old friends, and even see one of my colleagues in action. My friend Anthony Galluccio, for Cambridge City Councillor and State Senator representing parts of Cambridge, Somerville, and the surrounding cities, suited up for the game in a classic Puerto Rican uniform:

Anthony Galluccio gets ready to take on Cambridge's own Bobby Fournier.

He went to bat against Cambridge pitcher Bobby Fournier and made solid contact, grounding into a putout from former Red Sox player Lou Merloni.

The game brings together college players and baseball stars from Massachusetts, the country, and even abroad. Cambridge and Somerville were well-represented by Danny Nugent, Bobby Fournier, Billy Fitzgerald, James Likis, and Senator Galluccio. Red Sox legend Johnny Pesky was an honorary manager, taking pictures with fans and signing autographs. I even spotted sportswriter Dan Shaughnessy in the crowd, watching his son Sam play outfield for Team Shapiro.

The annual game is a great time for a great cause, and it seems to get bigger and more popular every year!

Poll #1: East Somerville Soccer Stadium

What are your thoughts on the rumors of Robert Kraft building a soccer stadium for the New England Revolution in East Somerville?

56% - Great idea! I can't wait to walk to a Major League Soccer game!
31% - Not sure. I haven't heard enough about it yet.
9% - No thanks.
3% - Depends--can Bob Kraft do for the Revolution what he did for the Patriots?

The Cambridge Innovation Center

CAMBRIDGE: Cambridge Innovation Center, 1 Broadway - map

For anyone who may have missed it, this past Sunday’s Globe has a fantastic article highlighting the Cambridge Innovation Center. The CIC is one of the most important buildings in Cambridge. Tim Rowe has created an atmosphere that allows young start up companies to share ideas, feed off each other's energy, and drives them to success. Cambridge has a history of innovation and the CIC is a reflection of the entrepreneurial attitude that has made Cambridge a hot bed of activity for over a century.

Read the Globe Article: The Idea Factory

SCC Summer Membership Meeting: A Time for Action!

SOMERVILLE - West Somerville Neighborhood School, 177 Powderhouse Blvd, Somerville map

Somerville Community Corporation (SCC)
337 Somerville Ave, Somerville, MA
617-776-5931
SCC Staff

The annual Summer Membership Meeting drew a crowd of active community members from all over Somerville for dinner and workshops. This year the theme was "A Time for Action!" Translators were on hand for Spanish and Portuguese residents, and the large turnout reflected the diversity of Somerville.


A full house at the annual SCC Membership Meeting.

The entire group heard about the successes and the projects SCC and the residents of Somerville have worked on over the year. As a small taste of what the SCC is all about, people were then given the chance to join in workshops on some of the important issues affecting Somerville. The workshops focused on four areas:

• How the Green Line will impact Somerville
  
• Getting good jobs for Somerville residents (Danny LeBlanc)
  
• Making Massachusetts more welcoming for our immigrant neighbors (Tito Meza)
  
• Understanding your budget and credit needs (Thais DeMarco)
  

A Financial Literacy graduate leads the discussion in the budget and credit workshop with instructor Thais Demarco.

Each workshop had an open discussion and was welcome to everyone. The workshops are a great way for people to get an idea of the services and opportunities the SCC has for community education and involvement. The financial literacy course and workshop, for example, aims to empower people to take control of their budget in simple, practical ways that can help move people towards financial security.

If you are interested in being a part of future discussions, or enrolling in the course on financial literacy, or if you know someone who might, please get in touch with the SCC.

August Calendar

Correction: The East Cambridge Planning Team Meeting with Alexandria was incorrectly listed as Monday the 12th. The 12th is a Tuesday. Thanks to Fred Fantini for the correction.

This monthly calendar represents only a small portion of the many interesting things happening in Cambridge and Somerville. If you would like to add another event, or a link to your own calendar of events, please email my office at toomeyblog@gmail.com.

Other Local Calendars:

August in Cambridge
City Calendar

August in Somerville
City Calendar
The Growing Center

SomerMovie Fest August Schedule
Mayor Curtatone and the City of Somerville offer free screenings of movies, projected at parks around the city. All movies are on Thursday nights, starting at dusk.
Thursday August 7: Spiderman 3 @ Conway Park, Somerville Ave map
Thursday August 14: Hairspray @ Foss Park map
Thursday August 21: We Are Marshall @ Prospect Hill Park, Munroe St map
Thursday August 28: Enchanted @ Hodgkins Park, Holland Ave map

Tuesday, August 5
National Night Out
Cambridge: Rindge Field map
Riverside Press Park on Memorial Drive map
Somerville: Foss Park map
Hit the streets and parks with your neighbors and local law enforcement for the 25th Annual National Night Out. This is a great chance to have fun bringing the community together and raising awareness about crime prevention.

Wednesday, August 6 @ 7pm
Museum of Science Wind Turbine Community Meeting
East End House, 105 Spring St, Cambridge map
Join David Rabkin from the Museum of Science at the East End House to learn about the Museum of Science's plans to install five types of small wind turbines--2 in Cambridge and 3 in Boston. A great chance to learn about some innovative ideas for alternative energy.

Thursday, August 7 @ 11:00am
Summer in the City: Art of Black Dance and Music
Donnelly Field, 67 Berkshire St, Cambridge map
From the City of Cambridge calendar: The Cambridge Arts Council invites you to enjoy “Summer in the City,” a series of free, interactive and multicultural events and performances held in parks and open spaces throughout the city. On August 7th, join performers from Art of Black Dance & Music as they teach the common history of humankind through African-rooted dance, music, and folklore.
Rain site: King Open School, 850 Cambridge St map

Tuesday, August 12 @ 7:00pm
East Cambridge Planning Team (ECPT) Meeting on Alexandria
Kennedy School Cafeteria, 158 Spring St, Cambridge map
ECPT has organized a neighborhood meeting with representatives from Alexandria Realty to discuss the current proposal for biotech development in East Cambridge.

Wednesday, August 13 @ 11am
Somerville Mayor's Senior Picnic
Nathan Tufts Park, Powderhouse Circle, Somerville map
The Mayor's Senior Picnic is an annual event, inviting all Somerville senior citizens to enjoy a picnic lunch in the park complete with music, entertainment, food, and dancing. Sponsored by Mayor Curtatone and the Somerville Council on Aging, the Picnic is one of the year's largest events.

Thursday, August 14 @ 7pm
Wellington Harrington Neighborhood Association (WHNA) Monthly Meeting
Vin-Fen, 950 Cambridge St, Cambridge map
This month WHNA will be speaking with members of the Cambridge Police Department about crime concerns.

Thursday August 21 @ 7pm
Oldtime Baseball Game
St. Peter's Field, Cambridge map
From the City of Cambridge: The Oldtime Baseball Game features players wearing a dazzling collection of flannel uniforms that represent virtually every era in baseball history – including the Boston Braves, St. Louis Browns and Brooklyn Dodgers. Players are chosen from colleges and universities from the Boston area, with an occasional retired big-leaguer added to the mix. Plan on bringing a folding chair or blanket. Parking will be provided.
For directions, and more information, please visit http://www.oldtimebaseball.com

Rose Kelly of Cobble Hill celebrates her 100th Birthday

SOMERVILLE - Somerville City Club, 20 Inner Belt Rd. - map
Somerville Journal article: "Sox fan celebrates 100th birthday"

Rose Kelly of Cobble Hill Apartments celebrated her 100th birthday surrounded by family and friends at the Somerville City Club. Her family flew in from all across the country, including California, to join her in reaching this amazing milestone.


Rose Kelly, second from the left, was surrounded by friends and family for her 100th birthday.

Her friends and neighbors from Cobble Hill shared in the festivities and we all enjoyed a meal with music and good conversation. I had a chance to chat with my friend Bill Roche, Alderman for Ward 1 in Somerville, along with many of Rose's friends and familiar faces. With so many friendly people around, I can see what makes Cobble Hill such a lively community and a great place to live.


Rose's friends and neighbors at Cobble Hill Apartments with Alderman Bill Roche.

It was my pleasure to meet Rose and her wonderful family. Rose looks amazing for her age--I could hardly believe she was turning 100! In honor of her momentous day, I presented Rose with a citation from the Massachusetts State Legislature congratulating her and wishing her many more birthdays to come.



Happy Birthday Rose!

Video: Tim presents Rose with a citation from The Massachusetts State Legislature.

A Visit with SPELL Students at the Argenziano School

SOMERVILLE - 290 Washington St - map

I had the pleasure of visiting with two groups of students involved in the Summer Program for English Language Learners (SPELL) at the Argenziano school in Somerville.



The first was a group of rising third and fourth graders who had lots of great ideas about how to improve our state and their schools. Among some of the more enticing ideas were a Massachusetts state-wide pizza day, and a swimming pool for every classroom. The students all showed great interest in how our state makes rules, and I wouldn't be too surprised to see one or two of those faces down the line in the next generation of this state's political leaders.



The second was a group of rising eighth graders, mostly from East Somerville. They had all prepared questions for the visit, and were not shy about going right to the important issues--the first question I was asked is if I would ever like to be Governor. Although I was flattered by the question, I told the class that I've had my current job for nearly twenty years. I love the job I have and district that I represent, and I wouldn't want to do anything else.