- Allison Goldsberry

Despite a rally in the second half the Medford High School Mustangs were not able to edge non-leaguer Newton South on Friday night and lost by one touchdown, 14-7.

Newton South dominated the first half of the game, scoring a touchdown in the first and second quarters.  Newton South’s Derek Russell went into the end zone on an 18-yard pass by Alec Rothman in the first quarter and Michael Heller ran in for thirteen yards to score in the second quarter.

The Mustangs held off Newton South in the second half and prevented them from doing anymore damage while scoring a touchdown in the third quarter.  Senior Giovani Sanders scored on a 34-yard pass from junior quarterback Mike Sullivan and senior Rodrigo Alegre nailed the kick for the extra point.

The loss leaves Medford 0-4 overall and 0-1 in the Greater Boston League as they head into next Friday’s game on the road against non-league competition North Andover (1-3).  The Mustangs face some more non-league competition when they head to Austin Prep (2-1) for a Saturday morning game on October 18 and then get into the thick of the GBL when they head to Somerville (2-2) on October 24 and host Everett (3-1) on Halloween, Cambridge (2-2) on November 7, and head to Malden (1-4) on Thanksgiving for the annual T-Day showdown.

New Initiative Announced Friday at Medford Senior Center

Story Updated 2:39PM, Friday, October 3, 2008

Mayor Michael McGlynn and Middlesex County District Attorney, pictured at left, will announce a new initiative aimed at preventing elder abuse on Friday in Medford.

Mayor Michael McGlynn joined Middlesex County District Attorney Gerry Leone and Elders Affairs Secretary Mike Festa on Friday at the Medford Senior Center to announce a new initiative aimed at preventing instances of elder abuse.

The LEAPS (Leaders in Elder Abuse Prevention) Initiative was created by DA Leone in an effort to pull together agencies, community organizations, and health care providers responsible for the care of senior citizens. Members of the LEAPS program will work together to better identify seniors who may be the subject of abuse or who are living in at-risk situations and will help them get the proper care and services to prevent negative situations from escalating. The various groups will also engage in trainings and information sessions to assure that all members are up-to-date on proper techniques and strategies to protect elders.

According to DA Leone, his office has seen a 71% rise in cases of elder abuse referred to it for investigation and prosecution over the past five years, from 123 in 2003 to 210 in 2007.

The most recent statistics from the Massachusetts Office of Elders Affairs indicate there were 11,503 reports of elder abuse and 3,713 newly confirmed cases of elder abuse during fiscal year 2005, an increase of over 16% from the previous year.

The healthcare providers who presently have joined the initiative so far are Mount Auburn Hospital, Emerson Hospital, Lahey Clinic, and Newton-Wellesley Hospital.

“When our office sees a case of elder abuse, it is already too late. And all too frequently, there were warning signs that a particular domestic situation could lead to abuse or injury to one of our seniors. Through this program, we are able to bring everyone together to better identify those warnings signs and assure that proactive care is provided to alleviate those negative situations…This isn’t a program that costs additional taxpayer money. It’s simply a common-sense program that brings people together in a collaborative way to better care for our seniors,” said DA Leone in a statement.

“The key to keeping seniors safe and independent in the community is to prevent incidents of elder abuse and intervene at the first sign of a problem. Raising awareness around elder abuse is critical to those early detection and prevention efforts. The Executive Office of Elder Affairs has a great partner in Middlesex District Attorney Gerry Leone and his staff. Through such public-private collaborations as the LEAPS Initiative, we can ensure that we have a strong, comprehensive safety net for our elders,” said Elders Affairs Secretary Mike Festa.

The Middlesex District Attorney’s Office in conjunction with Elders Services is in the process of training health care providers, local police, and others on strategies to help identify warning signs of elder abuse. LEAPS members are also educated on the services that are offered by Elders Affairs so that, if they identify a problem area, they can contact the appropriate resource and help assure that the senior is better cared for.

- InsideMedford.com

Medford Falls to Somerville Friday, 1-0

The Medford High School boys varsity soccer team narrowly lost to George Scarpelli and his Somerville Highlanders on Friday, 1-0. Somerville started out strong and fast and scored the only goal of the game before Medford gained control and fended them off for the balance of the game. Above, Marcello Cugno gets ready to defend the net while Brett Cavallaro, Philip Petrides, and Chris Vaudo look on.  The Mustangs are 6-4-1 for the season and head to Dracut on Thursday and Malden on Friday.

Mustangs Top Cambridge on Wednesday, 3-1

The Mustangs got a win on the road against Cambridge on Wednesday, topping the Falcons 3-1.  After a slow start the Mustang offense and defense gained complete control over the field of play and dominated in the second to hold off Cambridge. Cavallaro, Destin Pierrot and John Ghiozzi each scored for Medford. Cugno held off Cambridge at the net as the Mustang’s goalie. Above, Petrides leaps for the ball. Photos courtesy Mike Cugno.

Coach James Atkins is pictured at left in a photo taken last summer. Photo courtesy MedfordFootball.net.

DA Says Coach Used Chelsea Football Funds for Personal Use

Story Updated 2:53PM, Thursday, October 2, 2008

- Allison Goldsberry

Medford High School Football Coach and former Chelsea High School Football Coach James Atkins was indicted Wednesday by a Suffolk County Grand Jury for allegedly misappropriating money from the Chelsea football booster fund for personal use.

Suffolk County District Attorney Dan Conley said Atkins, 43, of Revere, was formally charged with five counts of larceny for allegedly withdrawing approximately $10,000 from the Chelsea Football Boosters Club to use for expenses that were unrelated to team activities from 2004 to 2007. An extensive joint investigation by the Chelsea Police Department and Massachusetts State Police together with Suffolk County prosecutors revealed that Atkins used the team’s funds for personal travel and entertainment purposes.

The Chelsea Police Department began an internal investigation in 2007 into Atkins’ alleged misappropriation of funds from the booster club after parents and school officials told authorities they were concerned about the coach’s handling of money raised during fundraising events. Chelsea police conducted an investigation and based upon their findings, they referred the matter to the Suffolk County DA.

“The charges against James Atkins are serious and troubling. Atkins abused the public trust in his role as a police officer, he violated the trust of the kids who looked up to him as a mentor and a coach, and the parents who put their faith in him. Were it not for the diligence of parents and school officials, and the hard work of prosecutors and detectives with both the Chelsea Police Department and Massachusetts State Police, he may have been able to continue to pilfer funds for kids to be used for his own entertainment,” Suffolk County DA Conley said in a statement.

Atkins was head coach of the Chelsea high school football team from 2004 through 2007 and was also the president of the boosters club. As boosters club president, he had sole access to a bank account established for the non-profit through TD Banknorth.

According to the DA, in the fall of 2006, parents who were involved in fundraising efforts became concerned about Atkins’ control of the fund and complained to him. Atkins responded to the complaints by transferring control of the account to a parent, but continued to carry an ATM card for the account. Evidence indicates that he used that ATM card numerous times for unauthorized personal purchases.

The boosters club funds were supposed to be used for the purchase of equipment and uniforms for the team, and to pay for activities for the players, including pre-season football camp.

In November of 2006, parents relayed their concerns to Chelsea High School officials, who notified Chelsea Police. High schools officials did not renew Atkins’ contract when it expired in 2007 and he was subsequently hired in Medford in the summer of 2007.

Shortly after Atkins was hired in Medford, he was placed on paid administrative leave by Medford and was not allowed to coach pending the outcome of an investigation by the Suffolk County DA.

Atkins was also placed on paid administrative leave from the Chelsea Police department on Aug. 13, 2007, pending the result of both an internal affairs investigation and a separate investigation led by State Police detectives and Suffolk prosecutors.

“Charges such as these - whether committed by members of the public or police officers - are to be taken very seriously and investigated with due diligence and the utmost of professionalism. Public accountability and trust is absolutely critical to the mission of effective law enforcement,” said Chelsea Police Chief Brian Kyes.

The indictments come midway into the Medford High School football season and just two months after school officials announced Atkins was cleared to return as the head football coach in Medford.  At the time School Superintendent Roy Belson said no charges had been filed and that Medford has waited long enough for the situation to be resolved. 

In August a spokesman for the Suffolk County DA refused to confirm or deny an investigation in the absence of criminal charges and said “there were never any charges and there aren’t any at this time.”

Medford officials are upset with how long the case has dragged on without answers or a resolution and thought the matter was behind them when they told Atkins he could coach in August.

“We’re upset that the process has ruined two football seasons for the kids,” said Medford Athletic Director Bob Maloney.

Maloney said assistant coaches Mike Marchese and Jamie Delverde will serve as interim head coaches for the team.  Atkins has been suspended without pay pending the outcome of the case.

Medford will still host Newton South Friday night at Hormel Stadium.  Maloney said he expects to talk to parents at the game and plans on sending out a letter to parents within the next twenty-four hours.

“We’re looking to keep the program going in a positive direction,” said Maloney.

Atkins is expected to be arraigned on the larceny charges in the Magistrate’s Session of the Suffolk Superior Court on October 22.

Timeline

August 2007- Medford High School Football Coach Under Investigation

August 2008- Atkins to Return as Head MHS Football Coach

In honor of Italian Heritage Month, InsideMedford.com will publish several recipes from Medford’s Frankie Imbergamo, a cookbook author and North End native of Sicilian descent whose “gravy and meatballs” recipe won a national contest and was featured on chef Emeril Lagasse’s TV show.

Frankie’s Bay Scallops with Bow Tie Pasta and Asparagus

1/4 Cup Oil
1 Bunch fresh asparagus, chopped into 1/2 inch pieces
1 Tsp butter
1 Garlic clove, chopped
1lb Bow tie pasta, cooked al dente and drained
Salt and pepper to taste
1/4 Cup Grated Romano cheese
Parsley for sprinkling

In a fry pan, heat oil until hot. Saute asparagus for ten minutes on a low heat. Remove asparagus from pan and place into a bowl. Reserve the oil in the pan.

Add butter to the oil in the pan. Add scallops and cook until tender and golden brown, about ten minutes on a low heat. Remove scallops and set aside. Reserve oil in the pan.

Add garlic to the oil and saute for about two minutes on low heat.

Place cooked pasta in a large bowl. Add the cooked asparagus, scallops, and garlic with the oil. Add salt, pepper, and Romano cheese. Toss gently.

Serve in dishes and sprinkle with parsley.

Frankie recommends enjoying this dish with chardonnay or white zinfandel.

Buon appetito!!

- Allison Goldsberry

Former Middlesex County Register of Probate John Buonomo has been indicted in connection with his alleged theft of public money, Middlesex County District Attorney Gerry Leone announced Tuesday.

Buonomo, 56, of Newton, was indicted Tuesday by a Middlesex County Grand Jury on charges of breaking and entering into a depository with intent to commit a larceny (12 counts), theft of public property by a city/town/county officer (eight counts), and larceny under $250 (eight counts).

According to DA Leone, Buonomo is accused of repeatedly stealing cash from copy machines and money machines in the Office of the Register of Deeds during June, July, and August. A video camera caught Buonomo in the act numerous times during those months.

“It is highly troubling that a public official would engage in the kind of brazen theft of public monies that we allege here. We believe that Mr. Buonomo violated the public’s trust by regularly accessing these cash machines without authority and stealing taxpayer money. I want to thank the Secretary of State’s Office, the Registry of Deeds, the Trial Court, and the Chief Justice for Administration and Management for their cooperation during this investigation. I also want to commend the members of the Massachusetts State Police in our PACT Unit for their comprehensive investigation – and that investigation continues,” said District Attorney Leone in a statement in August.

The Middlesex County DA’s PACT Unit launched an investigation in June when the Registry of Deeds noticed monthly shortages in receipts from their copy machines that are estimated to be up to as much as thousands of dollars.

Prosecutors say surveillance video caught Buonomo pocketing cash for himself on at least eight different occasions. According to the Registry of Deeds, Buonomo, a county-wide elected official, has no authority to access the cash machines or copy machines on the Registry of Deeds side of the building nor does he have the authority to remove money from the machines.

After Buonomo’s initial arraignment in August he was released on his personal recognizance based on the condition that he stay away the building of the Registry of Deeds and the Probate Office.

An arraignment date following his indictment has not yet been set.

If convicted, Buonomo faces up to twenty years in prison.

The case is being investigated by the Massachusetts State Police assigned to the Middlesex District Attorney’s PACT Unit and is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney John Verner, Chief of the PACT Unit.

According to a biography on the Probate Court’s website- a site in which Buonomo says he is paying for personally- he was first elected Register of Probate in 2000 to finish an unexpired term and was then re-elected in 2002 to a full 6-year term. Buonomo has a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from Northeastern and has been a public official for twenty-two years, including five years as County Administrator and more than a decade on Somerville’s School Committee and Board of Alderman.

Buonomo resigned just before the September 16 primary election for his seat. Medford resident Tara DeChristofaro will be the Democratic candidate for Middlesex County Register of Probate for the November 4 election.

Grand Finale October 18 at Chevalier Theatre

Local singer and piano player Michael Maloney is one of the finalists in the Medford’s Rising Star contest. Maloney, 18, is pictured at right with WROR’s Loren Owens, Wally Brine, and Hank Morse, after winning the radio station’s “Townie Tune” contest last year. Photo courtesy WROR.

Several talented Medford residents have made it through the first round in the Medford’s Rising Star contest and will show their stuff on stage in a special performance on October 18 at Chevalier Theatre.

In an effort to raise some money and generate some excitement in the community, the volunteer committee that organizes Medford’s annual winter extravaganza is putting on a talent competition this fall.

Dubbed Medford’s Rising Star, the contest is open only to Medford residents that have extraordinary- and likely unknown- talent. Auditions took place on September 27, and finalists from each of three different age groups have been selected to perform at the grand finale in October. A panel of experts will then select the top winner from each age group 6-12-year-olds, 13-17-year-olds, and 18+.

Organizers say “any talent that can be performed on a stage” is welcome. This includes bands, dancers, singers, jugglers, gymnasts, instrumentalists, and comedians, among others.

The winners will receive prizes and the opportunity to perform at several local events. All proceeds benefit the Community Family’s Buddy Coholan Memory Loss Center.

Hank Morse, Amy-Jayne McCabe, a senior community chorus, the Leather Spoons, Anthony Raymond Massa and other local talent will also be featured in the October 18 show. There will also be celebrity judges on hand to help select the next Medford’s Rising Star. Visit www.medfordrisingstar.com for more information, or call 781-775-2958 or 781-395-6541 to purchase tickets ($10.00/adult and $5.00/children 12 and under).

The finalists are listed below:

Group I: 6-12 years
Kevin Aliberti, 11, guitar
Nicole Avella, 12, vocal
Erica Budina, 12, piano
Frank Cervone, 9, vocal
Yachelle Cornet, 11, vocal
Arianna DiSisto, 11, vocal
Colleen Michelle Dooling, 6, vocal
Catherine Doyle, 12, vocal
Jacqueline Luongo, 12, vocal
Megan MacGilvray, 7, dance
Margaret Petrella, 12, vocal
Danielle Quinlan & Victoria DiPrizio, 12, vocal

Alternates:
Emily Serra, 10, dance
Talia Andreottola, 11, vocal
Shannon Brown, 9, dance
Mikayla Coyne & Nina Forcilatti, 11, vocal

Group II: 13-17 years
24 Hours, 15-17, band
Daniel Begin, 14, vocal
Kaleigh Bradley, 15, vocal
Kelsey Buckley, 14, vocal
Christine Deasy, 17, vocal/guitar
Nicole DeSantis, 17, vocal
Tess Diaco, 17, vocal
Katelyn DiBenedetto, 15, vocal
Shannon Froysa, 13, vocal
Yavanni Headen, 13, vocal
Laurel McGoff, 13, vocal
Kyla Middleton, 13, vocal

Alternate:
Clarisse Coughlin

Group III: 18 years and older
Michael Davis, vocal
Michael Maloney, vocal/piano
Don Walker, juggling

- InsideMedford.com

Representative Edward J. Markey (D-Malden) released the following statement on his vote of support for the financial rescue plan that was passed by the Senate and the House of Representatives and signed into law by President Bush on Friday:

Story Updated 3:32PM, Friday, October 3, 2008

“Our country is facing an economic downturn as serious as any that has ever faced this nation. And while nobody thinks this the rescue package before us today is a perfect solution, a failure to act now would not just punish Wall Street, but put hard-working Americans at risk of losing their homes, their jobs and their savings. Without decisive action now, employers could be forced to cut their payrolls, putting more Americans out of work.

From Framingham to Revere , my congressional district is experiencing a credit crisis. I have been talking to constituents, local real estate agents and local bank representatives who have all shared their own concerns about the uncertainties facing their own economic circumstances.. Home values are down, foreclosures are rising and although there are many prospective buyers, the credit freeze is paralyzing our local market.

The financial rescue package will help families buy homes and cars they can afford and finance their children’s education once again. This bill will also help boost the economies on Main Street in Malden , Medford , Melrose and all of the communities I represent.

When the Bush administration first presented its plan to Congress, it was a blank check without the necessary safeguards to protect taxpayers from billions of dollars in losses. But after round-the-clock negotiations, the final legislation includes essential taxpayer protections and requires tough independent oversight and transparency.

This vote is necessary but it is not the end – we must come back next year and work on reasserting oversight over the markets to ensure that we are never in this unfortunate situation again.”

Rep. Markey released the following statement on defeated legislation to provide emergency assistance to stabilize the economy on Tuesday, September 29:

“Nobody wanted to be in this situation. Nobody thought the bill before the House today was a perfect solution. But after careful consideration, I decided to support this bill because I believe that a failure to act now would not just punish Wall Street, but put hard-working Americans at risk of losing their homes, their jobs and their savings.

The unfortunate truth is that when the markets go up, Wall Street cleans up, and when the markets go down, Main Street gets cleaned out. Unlike the blank check that the Bush administration originally requested, the bill negotiated by Chairman Barney Frank protected taxpayers, prevented golden parachutes and limited excessive CEO compensation, helped prevent home foreclosures, and provided strong independent oversight and transparency.

Not just Main Street but the whole world is looking to us now. Our very system of capitalism is under assault. I hope we can come together to find a final solution. This bill failed today because a majority of Republican members voted against their leadership, against their own president, against their own Treasury Secretary and against their own Fed Chairman.”

Editor’s Note: Rep. Markey voted in favor of the legislation Monday, which failed to pass the House.