Looking for something to do on St. Patrick’s Day?

Get your Irish on by heading over to John Brewer’s Tavern for what’s sure to be a good time.

Owner and Medford resident Bill Honeycutt has planned a special St. Patty’s Day celebration with a corned beef and cabbage dinner, live Irish music with the Irish Americans, and of course, green beer.

John Brewer’s Tavern is located at 7 Highland Avenue in Malden and 39 Main Street in Waltham.

- InsideMedford.com

K-5 Students Invited to Literacy Event

Patriots Player Sammy Morris to Read to Children

Medford Mayor Michael McGlynn read to children last year during Tufts University’s annual “Read by the River” literacy event. Photo courtesy Steve Eliopoulos.

The following announcement is from Tufts University:

Tufts Hillel will host the 11th annual “Read by the River” literacy fair on Sunday, March 14, from 12 noon to 3 p.m. in the Gantcher Center at Tufts University. New England Patriots running back Sammy Morris will be in attendance to read to the crowd. This is the second year that the event has been expanded to include elementary students from Somerville as well as Medford and organizers expect more than 850 kids.

WHAT:
Designed to promote the importance of early childhood literacy, student volunteers will transform the Gantcher Center at Tufts into a literacy event with the theme “Reading Around the World.” There will be 25 booths set up with games, arts and crafts, a scavenger hunt and bean bag toss. Contests this year will reflect the global theme with international landmarks, activity booths covering international themes and events, and trivia. Students will also have the opportunity to turn in book reports (found at www.readbytheriver.org) to receive free books as well as participate in reading circles.

WHO:
Students from kindergarten to fifth grade (more than 850 expected to attend)
New England Patriots running back Sammy Morris (scheduled to appear at 1:15 p.m.)
200 volunteers from Tufts University, the City of Medford fire and police departments, and the City of Somerville fire and police departments

WHEN:
Sunday, March 14, from 12 noon to 3 p.m.

WHERE:
Tufts University, Gantcher Center, 161 College Avenue, Medford, Mass.

SPONSORS:
Read by the River is a Tufts Hillel initiative that is made possible by many sponsors, including the New England Patriots, National Amusements, Scholastic, City of Medford, Medford fire and police departments, City of Somerville, Somerville fire and police departments, and Boloco Burritos. Local books stores, Scholastic and Tufts students have donated books for the event and National Amusements has donated free movie passes.

This recipe is part of a series of occasional recipes from Medford’s Frankie Imbergamo, a cookbook author whose “gravy and meatballs” recipe won a national contest and was featured on chef Emeril Lagasse’s TV show. Click on Medford Eats to see more recipes.

Frankie’s Italian Boiled Dinner

1 large smoked shoulder
4 heads of escarole
1 large onion
2 sticks of pepperoni, sliced

Place smoke shoulder in a large pot of water 3/4 full. Cook on medium heat for about an hour–add the onion peeled and chopped. Rinse the escarole, cut it up, place in pot and cook for about 45 minutes. Then add the pepperoni slices and cook for another 20 minutes.

Take out the smoked shoulder and let cool. Cut meat into pieces and place them back into pot–discard the bone.

Ladle into bowls and enjoy this wonderful Italian Boiled Dinner with a nice glass of Chianti and some crusty Italian Bread!

Buon appetito!!

Patrick, Reville Hold Q & A with Medford Teachers

Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick and state Education Secretary Paul Reville visited the Roberts Elementary School on Tuesday afternoon to have a conversation with Medford teachers. Dozens of teachers attended and expressed concern with issues such as testing English Language Learners, teacher certification, the MCAS exam, funding, and challenges with meeting standards while addressing different learning styles, among other issues. The governor, pictured above responding to a question, opened up the question and answer session by stating “Teachers aren’t the problem. Poverty is the problem,” referring to a mass teacher lay-off in Rhode Island that has angered some educators. The governor also said the education reform bill that was recently passed authorized a commission to look at revising the education funding formula in Massachusetts, which Patrick called “broken and messed up.” Education Secretary Reville is also pictured above with Governor Patrick.

The following is an announcement from State Senator Patricia Jehlen (D-Somerville, Medford):

Senate Approves Safe Driving Legislation

Bans Texting; Establishes Safe Guidelines for Seniors

The Senate last week passed safe driving legislation that:

- bans texting while driving,

- gives immunity to health care providers and public safety officers who report potentially unsafe drivers,

- requires drivers with three surchargeable accidents within two years to take a driver safety course or have their license suspended,

- and requires drivers over 75 to have a form filled out by their doctor, once before the age of 80, and every three years afterward, in order to renew their licenses.

Senator Pat Jehlen, chair of the Elder Affairs Committee, represents Medford. She said that those provisions would make the roads safer for everyone.

“Immunity for reporting is important,” she said. “When Missouri adopted this provision, there was a steep decline in fatal crashes, and almost all of those who were reported stopped driving. Reporting is very important because no registry test will ever recognize all disabilities, and because drivers may become dangerous between renewals, no matter how frequent.”

Jehlen met with several groups of seniors in her district, including at the Medford Council on Aging, to discuss safe driving legislation. She found that most did not object to reasonable changes, such as in-person renewal over age 75, but they argued that banning texting was at least as important, and they favored consequences for those who had frequent accidents.

A 2009 study by the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute found that teen drivers are four times more likely than adults to be involved in a crash because of texting, and truck drivers who text while driving are 23 times more likely to have an accident than someone who isn’t distracted. The legislation makes texting a primary offense, which means someone can be pulled over specifically for the act of texting while driving.

The bill also prohibits “junior operators,” those under the age of 18, from both texting and talking on a cell phone while driving; and operators of public transit are prohibited from any use of cell phones, except in the case of an emergency.

The bill requires a person between the ages of 75 and 80 to submit once during those five years an assessment form filled out by the person’s physician or health care provider. Based on that assessment, the registrar would determine if the person can safely operate the vehicle. After a person turns 80, the form would have to be filed on renewal every three years. Those who are denied their license can request a road test in an effort to demonstrate they have the skills necessary to continue driving.

Jehlen said that studies show road tests for seniors don’t reduce accidents, but in-person renewal reduces accidents and fatalities.

The bill now goes back to the House of Representatives for further action.

Editor’s Note: According to Sen. Jehlen, the Senate bill bans texting for everyone and all cell phone use for junior operators. This differs from House bill, and it would have to be discussed in a conference committee unless the House agrees to the provision.

The following Medford High School athletes were selected as Greater Boston League All-Stars for ice hockey:

First Team All-Stars:

Greg Wilson- Forward
Kyle Doran- Defense
Michael Gendreau- Goalie

Second Team All-Stars:

C.J. Bourque- Forward
Guy Leone- Forward
Billy Ivey- Defense
Brian McGoff- Defense

Other GBL All-Stars for the 2009-2010 Winter Season:

Boys Basketball
League Co-MVP- Andrew White
Tevin Moore

Girls Basketball
League Co-MVP- Tania Holmes
Nicole Lopilato

Gymnastics
Desiree Savoia
Stephanie Falasca
Anne Steele

Swimming
Robin Carpenter
Roger Zurawicki
Jaquison Xavier

Girls Ice Hockey
Brittani Lanzilli
Chelsea Hanson
Kristina Bove
Jessyca Jaynes

Indoor Track
DeAundrey Williams
Anya Pierre-Louis

Two Additional ‘Shopping’ Dates Added March 11, 24

The hair, the makeup, the nails, the jewelry…the list of expenses for a high school girl going to the prom is endless and can add up to a small fortune.

The Medford High School PTO tried to help girls out by holding the school’s first ever dress swap. According to PTO member Erin DiBenedetto, the event was a huge success, with about 100 dresses donated.

The first “shopping” day was held on February 27, with MHS PTO officers, grandmothers, mothers, friends and students helping girls find the best dress. DiBenedetto said fourteen girls heading to the junior and senior proms found dresses, and many girls have requested additional opportunities to check out the selection.

Two other shopping dates are planned for Thursday, March 11 and Wednesday, March 24 from 6:00PM-8:00pm in the faculty room off of the MHS library. It’s only $10 for a dress so the PTO can cover its dry-cleaning costs.

Above, a woman browses the selection, and the volunteers pose with the dresses. Photos courtesy Erin DiBenedetto.

Pat Buker, right, has worked for the schools for forty years.

Story Updated 9:41AM, Tuesday, March 9, 2010

Come fall, a new principal will be in charge of the McGlynn Elementary School.

Patricia Buker, a 40-year veteran of the Medfod Public Schools and current McGlynn Elementary School principal, is stepping down at the end of the school year.

“She is deserving of our gratitude and praise for her dedication to the children and families of Medford,” said School Superintendent Roy Belson in a statement.

Buker has served as a teacher, literacy coordinator, assistant principal, and principal throughout her career.

Superintendent Belson has announced a plan for selecting a new principal.

“It is our plan to select a new principal in sufficient time to enable opportunities for a smooth transition and orientation…our screening and selection process require time, and we need to allow for sufficient input by stakeholders prior to a final decision,” said Superintendent Belson.

An Advisory Committee will be created to help select the new principal. The committee will include parents, teachers, staff and administrators who are “representative of the McGlynn Elementary, and the programs and services provided at that school.”

The Advisory Committee will interview semi-finalists by April 30 and the School Committee will conduct interviews during the first week of May.

The position is being advertised through March 26 and candidates to be interviewed will be selected by April 16.

The new principal will likely be selected by May 13.

Buker released the following statement on the school’s website:

To: McGlynn Elementary Families and Citizens of Medford,

Part of me feels as if it was only last year that I walked through the door of the Fulton School and into the first classroom that was truly mine - truly my responsibility. I also found out that at the young age of just 21, I would be responsible for educating 92 four and five year old children who were split into AM and PM Kindergarten sessions. From that first day on, I have loved every minute of my tenure in the Medford Public Schools.

Nevertheless, I will be retiring on June 30thof this year.

It has been my privilege, over the past forty years, to witness and be a part of education in our City. Sometimes shocked, sometimes worried, sometimes amazed, sometimes encouraged, and frequently overjoyed, I have watched and taught and been a part of the lives of over 1,200 children, and if I must make sense of it all — if there must be something I have learned from it – then I have an answer for myself, an answer that will satisfy me as I look back.

In all that time, one thing has been consistent and remains consistent – children respond to love. From the first to the last, from the outgoing to the shy, from the privileged to the less fortunate, children have responded to love, do respond to love, and, I’m certain, will continue to respond to love as long as there are parents and children; as long as there are students and teachers; as long as the human spirit continues to reach out into the world.

In my four decade “stretch” in the elementary school, I have experienced much and learned much. I know I will remember what I have learned, but it will be secondary to the love I have received from the children who shared these premises with me, some of whom have their own children in school even now. That love remembered is what has made my forty years so precious; that love given and received has made them glorious.

It has been superb! Thank you for being a part of it all.

Sincerely,

Patricia Hafner Buker
Principal
John J. McGlynn Elementary

Jehlen Welcomes Massachusetts Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing to State House

Massachusetts State Senator Patricia D. Jehlen (D- Somerville) supported the efforts of the Massachusetts Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (MCDHH), the Disability Policy Consortium, and members of the Deaf community to the State House on Tuesday, February 23.

There were several speakers at the Deaf Community Legislative Day who highlighted the importance of the Deaf community’s participation in government and community affairs.

“It’s so important for all members of our Commonwealth to be represented,” Sen. Jehlen said. “I have learned a lot from them about the needs and abilities of Deaf and hard of hearing children and adults. I encourage them all to be active participants in the debate over state priorities.”

Information and photograph courtesy State Senator Pat Jehlen (D-Somerville, Medford).

The 1955 Medford High School baseball team, pictured above in a yearbook photo, was honored at the 2008 Mustang Hall of Fame Banquet. Above, front, from left to right: R. Calaveso, R. Asaro, S. Bernardo, Bill Monbouquette, Angie Marotta, Leo Mericantante, Charlie Pagliarulo. Back, from left to right: G. Hennessy, Richard DiGiacomo, J. DeMasi, R. Lamb, J. Pinto, T. Cangiano, F. Lynch, Coach Arthur Terrill. Ernie Ardolino not pictured.

The following is an announcement from the Mustang Hall of Fame:

The Mustang Hall of Fame was established in 1988 to honor the many exceptional athletes, coaches, and community leaders who have been associated with Medford High School athletics. The Hall of Fame currently has over 200 members and is seeking new nominees to consider for this honor.

Nominations are now being accepted through June 30, 2010 for induction at this year’s biennial banquet to be held on Sunday, November 21, 2010 at the Irish American Club in Malden.

Information and the official nomination form can be obtained at the Hall of Fame website (www.mustanghalloffame.com) or from any member of the executive board.

Remember, don’t procrastinate, nominate!

- Allison Goldsberry

A Medford man who lost his wife and was seriously injured in a crash last year is blaming Toyota and suing the company.

Gerald Murphy, 49, is one of many Toyota owners who says the company’s faulty cars caused a crash. Murphy said his Toyota Camry suddenly surged and accelerated rather than slowing down when he took his foot off of the gas while trying to exit the highway last fall.

Murphy was driving south on Route 93 around 1AM on October 18 when he says the car’s sudden acceleration caused him to lose control of the vehicle. The car veered to the right, struck the guardrail, then veered left, crossing all four lanes of traffic, struck the concrete center barrier, and then veered all the way across the highway again before coming to a stop in the breakdown lane, according to State Police.

Murphy’s 47-year-old wife Marianne was killed in the crash. Murphy suffered serious injuries and is now unable to work. A 14-year-old backseat passenger suffered minor injuries while a 21-year-old backseat passenger was unharmed.

According to the Boston Globe, Murphy is suing Toyota for $20 million and is seeking a jury trial.

Toyota has recalled millions of vehicles for gas pedals that stick, floor mats that get caught on the gas pedals, and other problems. The automaker faces a Congressional investigation and potentially hundreds of thousands of lawsuits.

Few Mustang Basketball Players Have Earned 1,000 Points

Despite a close, tough-to-swallow loss for the boys basketball team against Acton-Boxborough in the state tournament, the story of the night was senior captain Andrew White’s entrance into the elite 1,000-point club.

White had twenty-two points and eleven rebounds against Acton-Boxborough, earning his 1,000th point and finishing his career with 1,004 points. He earned his 1,000th point by sinking two free throws after being fouled. White said he had no idea at the time that he had reached 1,000 points with those two foul shots.

Only four other Mustangs have earned over 1,000 points in their high school careers in recent memory. It’s been over a decade since a Medford High basketball player reached the milestone. The last Mustangs to pull it off were Kristin McCormick and Jean Bain in 1995. The other 1,000-pointers were Alyssa Sluz, 1993, and Denise Pachan, 1994. White is only the second boy to reach the mark, after Bain in 1995.

Mustang News reporter Barry Ebua interviewed both White and his coach, Anthony Faradie. The interview and video of White scoring his 1,000th point are available on www.mhsmustangnews.com.

- InsideMedford.com