The Medford City Council will be conducting Council Meetings on the following summer dates and times:

Tuesday, July 15, 2008, 7:00 PM
Tuesday, August 12, 2008, 7:00 PM
Tuesday, September 23, 2008, 7:00 PM
Tuesday, September 30, 2008, 7:00 PM

All meetings take place in the Howard Alden Memorial Chambers, 2nd Floor, City Hall.

For further information, please contact the City Clerk 781-393-2425.

Council Meetings can be watched live on TV-16. Replays are Thursday at 7:00 P.M. and Friday at 3:00 P.M.

Lawyers Says Client is Bipolar

- Allison Goldsberry

State Senator Jim Marzilli (D-Arlington) pleaded not guilty July 9 to charges of accosting and attempting to sexually assault four women on June 3 in Lowell.

Sen. Marzilli, 50, has been charged with four counts of annoying and accosting a person of the opposite sex, and one count each of attempting to commit a crime (indecent assault and battery), disorderly conduct, and resisting arrest.

“These are troubling allegations in which Senator Marzilli is alleged to have engaged in a string of highly inappropriate and sexually explicit acts against four separate women,” said Middlesex County District Attorney Gerry Leone.

Sen. Marzilli was arrested in Lowell on June 3 after allegedly harassing several women, including attempting to grope a woman on a park bench.

In an interview with WBZ-TV, one of the victims said Sen. Marzilli harrassed her while she waited for a bus on Central Street in Lowell. The 59-year-old woman said Sen. Marzilli approached her after looking at her several times and said hello. The woman said hello “to be friendly,” and then Sen. Marzilli, who had begun to talk away, turned around and allegedly asked the woman if she was wearing underwear.

The woman told the senator she was in fact wearing underwear and called him a “dirty pervert.” She said she did not report the incident to police until the next day after she had seen TV news reports about the senator’s arrest.

Sen. Marzilli has been free on $1,500 cash bail since pleading not guilty at an arraignment in Lowell District Court on June 4. His lawyer, Terrence Kennedy, maintains his client is innocent and says he is suffering from a “fairly serious mental health condition.”

The senator checked himself into McLean Hospital in Belmont several days after his arrest. An aide to the senator, Cindy Friedman, recently said Sen. Marzilli is suffering from bipolar disorder.

In a rare and unusual move, the state senate voted unanimously after Sen. Marzilli’s arraignment to launch an ethics investigation against the senator, according to a story published by the State House News Service. The results of the investigation will not be announced until after the criminal proceedings have been completed, which could take years.

Sen. Marzilli, a state representative for Arlington and Medford for nearly two decades before being elected to the State Senate in a special election last year, has dropped his bid for re-election to his senate seat in the fall.

CIRCLE to Join Tisch College, Will Study Youth Civic and Political Engagement

In what Tufts University is calling a “perfect civic match,” leading youth research center CIRCLE (the Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning and Engagement) has moved to Tufts’ Jonathan M. Tisch College of Citizenship and Public Service, boosting both institutions’ strength in the field of youth civic and political engagement.

CIRCLE and Tisch College are two of the nation’s leading organizations devoted to researching civic and political engagement and developing young Americans into active and responsible citizens.

The non-partisan CIRCLE, renowned for youth voter election data and analysis, conducts and promotes reliable, relevant and timely research on civic education, community service, young people’s use of the news and electronic media, and other aspects of youth civic and political engagement.

A national leader in civic engagement, Tisch College prepares students from all fields of Tufts University to become engaged public citizens and community leaders. Through a broad array of programming, Tisch promotes new knowledge in the field of civic engagement and gives students, faculty, and alumni the tools to be lifelong active citizens.

“This is an exciting and natural move for CIRCLE. Tisch College and Tufts University have taken an innovative approach to civic education and making active citizenship a defining strategic commitment of the University. Working together will strengthen and broaden CIRCLE and Tisch, opening up new doors and resources for civic and political engagement research initiatives that will influence scholarship and practice and thereby help to renew democracy,” said CIRCLE director Peter Levine.

“We are delighted to have Peter Levine joining us as director of research at Tisch College. Peter and CIRCLE are leaders in research on civic engagement, and their expertise will greatly enhance and strengthen our work at Tisch,” said Robert M. Hollister, dean of Tisch College.

“Research on civic engagement is vital for increasing understanding of the bases of healthy, positive development among today’s adolescents and young adults. Having CIRCLE here will be a great resource for the research that my colleagues, students, and I conduct. In fact, CIRCLE will be an invaluable asset for all Tufts faculty concerned with the health and welfare of contemporary youth and with their role in civil society,” said Richard Lerner, the Bergstrom Chair in Applied Developmental Science in Tufts’ Eliot-Pearson Department of Child Development and the director of the Institute for Applied Research in Youth Development.

As a new research arm of Tisch College, CIRCLE plans to expand the breadth of its research on civic and political engagement. Some future areas of study include the changing nature of life between ages 20 and 30 and what that means for civic and political engagement; the relationship between volunteering and political engagement among
young Americans; and the civic and political activities of groups often ignored in studies
on civic education, such as young people who do not attend college.

Tisch College was founded in 2000 to support the core Tufts mission of promoting civic engagement. Today, Tisch College is a national model for integrating active citizenship into higher education. A true university-wide organization, Tisch engages students, alumni and faculty to become civically involved in their communities and beyond. In the 2007-2008 school year, Tisch College facilitated nearly 150 community-based student projects, coordinated alumni mentoring programs in six major cities, and fostered collaboration among the 12 faculty members who hold endowed chair positions with a public service emphasis.

“This election year is sure to provide a fascinating opportunity to examine youth civic engagement. The combined efforts of CIRCLE and Tisch will no doubt be critical in helping increase young people’s participation in our most important civic liberty,” said Rebecca Rimel, president and chief executive officer of Pew Charitable Trusts.

- InsideMedford.com

The Wakefield All-Stars, pictured at left, were the 2007 MIT champions.

Ten Teams to Compete in 2008 Medford Invitational Tournament; Challenger Day in 2nd Year

- Ron Giovino, MIT President

Dear Friend of Medford Youth Sports,

The Medford Invitational Tournaments, Inc. is celebrating its thirteen year. Each year, we bring the best twelve-year-old baseball players in eastern Massachusetts together to play a two week tournament in the City of Medford. Our tournament has been recognized by the Boston Globe, Little League Baseball, the Eastern Mass Umpires Association, and countless community newspapers and organizations for its commitment to great baseball, sportsmanship, and having fun playing the game.

Thirteen Years of Excellence in Youth Baseball

The purpose of Medford Invitational Tournaments Organization (“MIT-Inc.”) is to promote youth baseball for boys and girls in the Medford and Greater Boston area. At the forefront of this objective is to ensure that Baseball, the national past-time and all the positive attributes of improving physical and mental prowess, sportsmanship, friendship, athletic competition and discipline is made available on a basis more regular than that offered through traditional organizations such as Little League, Babe Ruth and scholastic athletics. Simply put, our goal is to share our passion for the game with others. Our number one goal is to make sure that our young participants have fun playing baseball. Recognizing that the socio-economic setting of the cities and towns in which the founders wish to operate is diverse, it is of utmost importance that MIT programs be accessible to all boys and girls, regardless of financial status, race, color or religious belief.

The MIT is a non-profit organization. All proceeds from the baseball operations are given back to the community to support and promote youth sports activities. Each August, the Medford Invitational Tournaments, Inc. hosts its annual 12 year-old all-star tournament. This year’s tournament will include all-stars from Malden, Wakefield, Chelsea, Tewksbury, Charlestown, Somerville, Medford, Cambridge, Billerica, and Newton. The tournament runs for two weeks and is played at Columbus Park in South Medford, the official home of the Medford Invitational Tournament.

Last year, for the first time in our history, the MIT included players from Little League’s Challenger Division Baseball Program. The Challenger Division is a separate division of Little League Baseball to enable boys and girls with mental and physical disabilities, age 5-18 or the completion of high school, to enjoy the game of baseball along with millions of other children who participate in this sport worldwide. The tournament has invited players from all over the greater Boston area to joins us on this historic day. Thanks to our generous sponsors, the first Challenger Day was filled with an incomparable spirit of fun and athletic achievement. It was the greatest day of baseball I had ever seen. Please visit our website (www.mitbaseball.com) to view a slideshow of the event.

This year, we are committed to making our tournament even better than last year. In order to accomplish our goals, we need your help. We have received several requests from the business community asking us how they can help out. The MIT is accepting donations of money, services, and food. Last year’s program was underwritten by the great generosity of the business community. Our corporate sponsor, Wild Oats, provided all the food and refreshments for the kids. Unfortunately, Wild Oats is no longer in business.

During Challenger Day, we hope to set up tents in the outfield and feed almost 200 children and volunteers. Our goal is to provide shirts, hats, and trophies to all our participants. We are looking for varying levels of support from the business community.

All sponsors are recognized for their contributions. A special program will be prepared just for this event. All our sponsors will be listed in the program and recognized during the games. Our website, www.mitbaseball.com, includes a list of tournament sponsors.

We would also encourage gifts of merchandise or services.

We are so proud of this special event. We think it truly embodies what is good about sports and the City of Medford. We hope that you will all join us for this very special day. If you would like more information on how you can get involved, please contact me directly at 781-321-1836.

I would like to thank you in advance for your generosity to our community.

Jim Petroni, President of the Medford Kiwanis, presents a check for $300 to Paul MacLean of the North Medford Little League. Courtesy photo.

Story Updated 4:15PM Thursday, July 10, 2008

Reps Sciortino, Donato Support Mental Health Insurance Coverage

State Representatives Paul J. Donato (D-Medford) and Carl M. Sciortino, Jr. (D-Medford) announced today that the House of Representatives overwhelmingly voted to pass landmark mental health parity legislation that will require health plans to cover mental health and substance abuse disorders to the same extent as all other medical conditions.

“For too long, mental has been seen as less important than physical health. This bill will help those with mental health illness get the treatment they need,” said Rep. Sciortino.

“This legislation will allow individuals who need mental health services to receive treatment through their health plans while also changing the stigma around mental illness. Sicknesses of the brain require treatment just as every other part of the body does when struck by illness. That treatment should, and will be, covered by health insurance plans,” said Rep. Donato.

Representative Ruth B. Balser (D-Newton), the lead sponsor of the legislation and Chair of the House Mental Health and Substance Abuse Committee, called the bill both “health reform and civil rights legislation” because it seeks to increase access to health care for people who suffer from mental illness and addiction.

Reps Donato and Sciortino say the bill is the next step in health care reform because not only will all Massachusetts residents be required to have insurance coverage, but the legislation ensures that the coverage in comprehensive by giving full coverage for mental illness and addictions.

Sen. Jehlen Featured in National Archive of Video Stories

State Senator Patricia Jehlen (D-Somerville) shares her story in 1000 Voices, a recently released national archive of video stories that seeks to personalize complex social problems.

In the piece, “A Senator with Heart”, Sen. Jehlen shares how issues like family care and paid sick days have touched her own family and have informed her legislative priorities.

“I was honored to be a part of such a powerful project with the potential to start a more extensive dialogue on the tough issues that all families grapple with,” said Sen. Jehlen.

The project is sponsored by the Creative Counsel and the Fledgling Fund. Sen. Jehlen’s clip can be viewed on the project’s website.

In other news, Sen. Jehlen voted last week in favor of an energy reform package aimed at promoting and developing energy efficiency and renewable energy in the state.

According to a statement released by the senator, the Green Communities Act requires that electric companies purchase the most gainful and stable resources when purchasing power in an effort to save ratepayers money. The legislation also establishes a green communities program that will give communities the opportunity to take advantage of loans and grants to finance energy efficiency improvements and renewable and alternative energy projects.

Rep. Garballey Supports Child Protection Bill

State Representative Sean Garballey (D-Arlington), a member of the Foster Care Coalition, joined House Speaker Sal Dimasi, Senate President Therese Murray and others at a press conference last week to announce the unanimous passage of An Act Protecting Children in the Care of the Commonwealth.

The bill creates an Office of the Child Advocate, offers new mandates to protect against abuse and neglect, and calls for a Grandparents Commission in an effort to recognize the fastest growing group of relative caretakers.

The bill also changes the name of the Department of Social Services (DSS) to the Department of Children and Families and establishes an interagency child welfare taskforce to coordinate and streamline services to children and families who are receiving services from any agency in the state health and human services department.

Medford Delegation Supports Corporate Tax Reform; Clean Energy

Senator Jehlen and Reps Donato, Sciortino, and Garballey joined the rest of the state legislature in supporting legislation closing corporate tax loopholes, reducing the corporate tax rate, and clarifying the corporate tax code.

According to a statement released by the delegation, the bill closes loopholes that large corporations have used in the past to avoid paying state income taxes. These loopholes included allowing corporations to shift profits out-of-state and to define the corporation differently on state and federal tax forms.

The bill also reduced the corporate tax rate to 8%. The loophole closures will go into effect beginning January 1, 2009 and the tax cuts will be phased in over 3 years beginning January 1, 2010.

Medford’s delegation also joined the rest of their colleagues in supporting energy reform.

Legislators are calling the “Green Communities Act” “bold reform” aimed at reducing the state’s dependence on foreign oil and increasing the use and production of clean, renewable energy.

Among other provisions, the bill creates a Division of Green Communities within the newly-elevated Department of Energy Resources to establish a green communities program to allow cities and towns to take advantage of loans and grants provided by the state to finance the cost of energy efficiency improvements and renewable and alternative energy projects.

The bill also creates the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative Auction Trust Fund, which will consist of funds recovered through carbon dioxide allowance auctions, directs the state to replace state-owned and operated vehicles with more fuel-efficient ones, and directs the state energy secretary to establish a program so homeowners or tenants can purchase renewable energy products for the home with no up-front payment, and pay them off monthly on their utility bill.

- InsideMedford.com

Record Number Visits Site for June; Site is Year Old in July

A record number of readers visisted InsideMedford.com in June, capping off a great first year for InsideMedford.com

When InsideMedford.com first launched in July of 2007, 378 people visited the site that month. One year later, 6,530 people visited the site in June of 2008, by far the largest number of readers the site has ever received. That compares to 4,739 for May 2008.

InsideMedford.com has seen a steady increase in its readers every month since launching last year. We would like to thank everyone that visits the site, makes comments, submits story ideas, and purchases ad space.

InsideMedford.com wants to be an informative site for the Medford community. We always welcome your comments, story ideas, and feedback- let us know what you think by sending an email to news@insidemedford.com.

- Allison Goldsberry, Founder, Editor-in-Chief, InsideMedford.com

Acton: July 4 9:00 p.m. NARA Park

Amesbury: July 4 9:00 p.m. Woodsom Farm

Andover: July 3 9:00 p.m. Andover High School Baseball Field

Beverly: July 4 9:00 p.m. West Beach

Bolton: July 3 8:30 p.m. Memorial Field

Boston: July 4 10:30 p.m.

Braintree: June 28 9:00 p.m. Braintree High School

Danvers: July 3 Dusk Plains Park

Devens: July 3 Dusk Rogers Field

Gloucester: July 3 9:30 p.m. Stage Fort Park, Gloucester Harbor

Haverhill: July 3 Haverhill Stadium

Hingham: July 5 9:00 p.m. Hingham Bathing Beach

Ipswich: July 4 8:30 p.m. Crane Estate

Lexington: July 2 9:00 p.m. Lexington High School Football Field

Lincoln: July 4 9:00 p.m. Codman Field at the Brook School

Lowell: July 4 9:00 Potocket Blvd.

Lynn: July 3 Dusk Off Lynnshore Drive

Manchester: July 3 9:00 p.m. Singing Beach

Marblehead: July 4 8:45 p.m. Marblehead Harbor

Methuen: July 3 9:00 p.m. Nicholson Field

Middleton: July 5 Transfer Station on River Street

Nahant: July 4 9:00 p.m. Balley’s Hill

Newton: July 4 9:00 p.m. Albermarle Field

North Andover: July 6 9:00 p.m. Hayes Stadium

North Reading: July 4 8:30 p.m. Ipswich River Park

Randolph: July 3

Salisbury: July 5 9:00 p.m. On Beach

Wakefield: July 4 9:00 p.m. Over Lake Quannapowit

Waltham: July 4 9:00 p.m. Leary Field

Wilmington: July 5 9:30 p.m. Wilmington High School field

Winthrop: July 4 9:30 p.m. Coflin Park