The Somerville News Blog

Local agency receives financial award to continue fight against homelessness

A collaborative, which is lead by the Somerville Community Corporation, was given the $50,000 award by the Metro Boston Network to end homelessness. ~Photo Courtesy of Somerville Community Corporation By Aaron Crear A Somerville based community development organization has been named as one of twelve local agencies to receive financial awards to continue their missions to fight homelessness in collaboration with four other local agencies. The collaborative, which is lead by the Somerville Community Corporation, was given the $50,000 award by the Metro Boston Network to End Homelessness. The initiative is part of the Metro Boston Housing Partnership's efforts to prevent homelessness in the Greater Boston area. The organization provides support programs to individuals and families who are in danger of becoming or are already left without housing. "The Somerville Tenancy Preservation Collaborative developed a strong proposal because it is cooperative in nature and consistent with the mission of the Network to coordinate efforts," said MBHP Executive Director Chris Norris. "It is a joint initiative among Somerville Community Corporation, which is the lead agency, and Cambridge and Somerville Legal Services, Community Action Agency of Somerville, Somerville Homeless Coalition, and Somerville Mental Health Association." The group's main focus is to provide assistance to people before they reach the point of eviction. "It is our hope that this initiative will create a uniformed system where landlords could make direct referrals to our organizations and we could work with these families to get services and resources in place at a very early stage before they are in crisis that would assist them in not only maintaining their housing but addressing the areas that are preventing them from becoming self-sufficient", said SCC staff member, Stacey Pires. The SCC provides assistance in several areas including financial assistance for delinquent rent and utility payments, mediation and negotiation with landlords, housing search and placements, and personal budgeting and credit management. The collaborative applied for the MBHP's funding to enhance its already extensive offerings. "A lot of these residents had very large arrears when they finally walked through our doors that caused us to have to leverage additional funds and services through other agencies just to stabilize. After many conversations we decided that we could provide direct service at these sites so that residents could access our services and receive help before getting to the stage of eviction of to a point where they could not help themselves", said Pires. The funds awarded will be directly used to aid residents of Somerville. It is the aim of the collaborative to impact recipients prior to shelters becoming their only option. The Metro Boston Network gave out awards to 12 organizations totaling $470,000. In addition, the Network also has $465,729 in emergency flexible funds available to the agencies and partners to leverage staff services and help residents obtain and retain housing. Once the contracts are finalize and accepted they will last 18 months beginning on July 1, 2009.

TheSomervilleNews.com poll of the week

In addition to breaking news, sports and opinion, TheSomervilleNews.com also features a daily poll in which you, the reader, tell us where you come down on local issues. This week's polls concerned your views on whether or not you agreed with the budget cuts that were made and if you felt elderly drivers should submit to a vision and road test when they reach 85. If you don't agree with the results, simply log onto TheSomervilleNews.com.

Give back to your young community through the Everybody Wins! Power Lunch Program

Everybody Wins! Power Lunch Program is a non-profit program in which volunteers from local businesses use their lunch break to read one-on-one to a child in Grades 2-5 at the Kennedy School. ~Photo courtesy of Darcy Madden By Hillary Coughlin Reading to a child is one of the best gifts you can give them. If you find yourself looking for an opportunity to give back to the young community of Somerville, there is a local program that combines giving back and promoting education. The Everybody Wins! Power Lunch Program is a non-profit program in which volunteers from local businesses use their lunch break to read one-on-one to a child in Grades 2-5 at the Kennedy School. The program was started in Somerville in 2002 and is only one of the 14 schools in 8 cities in Massachusetts to implement the program, including communities such as Billerica, Waltham, and Everett. Everybody Wins! Power Lunch Program was first created by New York business executive Arthur Tannenbaum, after he heard that reading to a child is the most important factor in their being able to successfully read on their own. Since Tannenbaum's launch of the program it has taken off and is now a nationally recognized program. As for the impact of the program on young students, the results speak for themselves. The program has its own system of gauging its effectiveness. The teachers at the participating schools survey the children at both the beginning and at the end of the program to compare results. These surveys have shown a 90% increase in children's attitude towards reading, their reading skills, and their articulation and self-esteem regarding reading. Barefoot Books is one of the local businesses that has employees that are volunteers for the program. Sarah Spencer, International Rights and Sales Manager for Barefoot Books said, "It's empowering for the children and so important to their future and those of the communities in which they live." The success of the program can be credited to the fact that it has a personal element to it. "The one-on-one factor is what makes the program so unique. Some volunteers have worked with the same student for as long as 6 years and they build very strong relationships," says Darcy Madden, the Executive Director of the Somerville program. Some of these dedicated companies who have employees that volunteer their time are Gentle Giant Moving Company, TJX Companies, Caldwell Bank, and CDC. Reading to a child not only enriches a child's life, it is also good for morale in the work place and is a fulfilling way to spend time as a volunteer. Donna Callahan, Recreation Supervisor from the City of Somerville Recreation Commission, described her experience as, "Knowing that I can in some small way impact the life of this student. Her classroom teachers have been so complimentary of me, our relationship, and the importance of having this type of program for all the students that are involved. I am humbled to be part of the Program's success at the Kennedy School." If you or anyone you know may want to become an Everybody Wins! Power Lunch Program volunteer please contact the Executive Director Darcy Madden at darcy.madden@ewmb.org. To get more information regarding the program at both the local and national level visit www.ewmb.org.

Somerville recognized for whipping the entire city into shape

Mayor Joseph Curtatone addresses attendees at the Shape Up Somerville – Healthy Kids, Healthy Communities kickoff celebration on Wednesday, July 1st at City Hall. ~Photo courtesy of the City of Somerville City officials laud the successes and plans for Shape Up Somerville By Julia Fairclough Recognizing local restaurants that serve healthy meals to children, expanding the presence of farmers markets and urging food retailers to add fruits and vegetables to their shelves are just a few goals to assure that Somerville's health program permeates the entire city. City officials last Wednesday gathered in the Aldermanic Chamber to celebrate the successes and goals of Shape Up Somerville, a city-wide campaign to increase daily physical exercise and healthy eating through programming, infrastructure improvements and policy work. Representatives from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation were at hand to talk about its Healthy Kids Healthy Communities program that offers grants of up to $400,000 to nine communities state-wide-of which Somerville was selected. The program is a major part of the foundation's five-year, $500 million commitment to reverse the obesity epidemic in the United States by 2015. "Everyone knows how important childhood obesity is in international health conversations," said Rich Bell, a foundation representative. Obesity prevention is one of the country's most pressing health challenge. Nationally, over 30 percent of adults are considered obese and over 30 percent of children are obese. Health problems due to obesity account for nine percent of medical expenditures annually. Somerville is at the forefront of the movement to address good community health through environmental changes, Bell said. There are over 100 communities doing the same thing, but mainly through piece meal attempts; a farmer's market or a school program, Bell said. But few are doing what Somerville has taken on by involving stakeholders across-the-board. In particular, the city will-through the Shape up Somerville program-implement the following, according to Mayor Joseph Curtatone: o Offer healthy eating incentives at local restaurants. Any restaurant that agrees to offer healthy dinners expressly for children will be recognized at the end of the year. Curtatone hopes to see five restaurants participate. o Add farmers markets throughout the city. Currently there are markets in Davis and Union Squares. A farmers market will soon come to lower Broadway in East Somerville. o Survey food retailers to see how they can add fruit and vegetables to their product lines. o Coordinate an agenda on how to safely use the city's open spaces. The city is currently holding a youth-led inventory of playground and park equipment. o Expand walking and biking opportunities. A Shape Up Somerville task force will work with all stakeholders in the city to develop a "neighborhood champions program," Curtatone said. "Think of the consequences if you take any community and you cut off access to healthy food choices," Curtatone said. "What do you think the result will be? We would see a health epidemic, health challenges and social consequences." Past Shape up Somerville initiatives include offering a Fitness Buddies program, walk/ride days, healthy alternatives to school lunches, a bike/walk path for the Green Line extension plans, adding eight miles of bike lanes in the city, installing bike racks and improving the city's parks, according to Curtatone. Most of the time it's the affluent or homogeneous cities that make such strides to improve the health of its residents, Bell said. "Somerville is working to change its culture and normal way of life, which is a great opportunity," Bell said. "We see how Somerville is reaching out to the schools, the parks, the streets, retail, city government-it sure is hitting this effort across many levels. This is truly ambitious." The leading sites for the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation program are urban and rural, large and small. They include Chicago; Columbia, Mo.; Louisville, Ky.; Seattle; Washington; and Baldwin Park, Central Valley and Oakland in California. The program will grow to approximately 70 communities when another round of funding comes through late next year. Many are expected to be from a swath of southern states where childhood obesity rates are particularly high. The leading sites will then work with the new communities to share the lessons they've learned and the most effective approaches. Read the full story at http://www.rwjf.org/childhoodobesity/product.jsp?id=36348 It takes a lot of work to change the culture and attitudes surrounding obesity, said Paulette Renault-Caragines, RN, MPA, Somerville's health department director. "You need to change the DNA in the community," she said. "We need to stress to parents that the $5 Happy Meal is not the only default meal," she said. It also boils down to using the correct terminology for parents so the issue isn't too socially charged and to get the point across in a matter-of-fact manner, Renault-Caragaines said. For example, the correct term is "obese" rather than "overweight." The schools are also urging that kids walk to school, which entails working on parents' perceptions about safety and to assure them that Somerville is a safe city, she said. Shape Up Somerville currently offers safe route to school maps at www.somervillema.gov, for example. The Shape Up Somerville program was launched in 2002 via a $1.5 million grant from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The program started with the schools and over the years has covered programs across the city.

Riots erupt in Cambridge Courthouse

By William Tauro There were sprinklers and pipes broken by inmates at the Courthouse located in East Cambridge this afternoon that resulted in a riot among the prisoners on the top floor. Sheriff's Department, State, Transit and local police department's riot units as well as the National Guard were called in to contain the situation and evacuate the building. Prisoners were shuttled by Sheriff's department transports as well as well armed guarded MBTA buses to other area jails.

The new Assembly Square station

~Photo by Bobbie Toner By Jeremy F. van der Heiden On Monday, June 29th, some of the guiding minds of Somerville gathered at the Capuano Early Childhood Center Cafeteria on Glen St. in Somerville to discuss the initial plans of the new MBTA station at Assembly Square. Various members of the local City of Somerville government, as well as some from the MBTA, Mystic View Task Force, and a solid amount of concerned Somerville residents attended this meeting of minds. The mood seemed to be mostly one of excitement toward the new project that aims to make a hot spot for Somerville retail, residence and office spaces more accessible to rapid transit riders. Though, for the most part the various Somerville residents seemed concerned with not only the funding for this project as is, but also the fundamental design that members of the MBTA and other organizations spearheading the project like ACOM had come up with thus far. The station right now is projected to be a $50 million project. According to Joe Nolan, a member of the Construction Department for the MBTA, the new station at Assembly Square has gathered about $40 million in funds so far, which already leaves a $10 million gap in the initial estimate of the cost to build the station. Still, this station is in the very early stages of production. The organizations in charge of the design will take another year just to design the station. The station will be right in between Sullivan Square Station and Wellington Station, filling a gap in a now non-accessible area where a new IKEA is being built. This area will also have a tremendous amount of retail outlets, as well as over 1.75 million square feet of office space and a vast amount of residencies. The idea, according to the project leaders such as Joe Cosgro, Patrick Dunford, a traffic engineer, and Kyle Davis, the deputy design officer of ACOM, is to pick a particularly busy and emerging node of business and focus as much public transportation around it to make it grow as much as possible. This technique, if executed, can be a great step for the City of Somerville to pull itself out of this great economic crisis it finds itself in today. One of the best parts of this equation is the cost to the taxpayers of Massachusetts. As mentioned, the project has gathered $40 million in funds to go toward the design and building of this new station. The MBTA will not need to pay any of this, a very bright point considering the $27 billion backlog to repair its existing infrastructure. Instead, the Federal Transit Authority will be contributing $25 million dollars, while the Federal Realty Investment Trust and IKEA will be picking up the other $15 million. This is a big step considering the vast shortages in funds for vital projects that the MBTA has been trying to take care of for an extended period of time. During the question and answer stage of the meeting, it was clear that the majority of concerns were toward the initial designs that the project overseers had come up with. The proposed station will be state of the art, and of course fulfill all MBTA guidelines, but will only have one headhouse. This poses somewhat of a problem in the sense that only having one headhouse would not make the spaces that are the target area of new accessibility not completely optimal in accessibility. Most of the residents of Somerville asking questions, as well as the Mystic View Task Force who were represented at the meeting, seemed to believe that having only one headhouse would be a complete waste of time and money. For optimal accessibility, the station apparently needs to have two headhouses. The members of the MBTA seemed to only be able to say that right now the money is so tight, that an addition to the new Station so big, one that could come close to doubling the costs is just not in the cards at the time being. The MBTA stated that it would continue to consider this change to the design. The next meeting will be held in the fall of this year, when the initial designs should be beginning to take some shape.

From revolution to achievement, Somerville is the All America City

By Julia Fairclough Charlie Chisholm remembers the days back in the late 1960s when he would pick up the Boston Globe and read about Somerville's corruption in its "Spotlight" series. That was when up to 27 candidates ran for Alderman at Large, major upheavals amongst city boards were not unusual, and there were probably only a handful of citizen activist groups. So imagine how amazing it was for city officials and residents alike when Somerville won the All America City award in 1972, just on the heels of what old timers called a "revolution." Thirty seven years later, or a little over a week ago, Somerville again earned the All America City award. This time around, the city earned the recognition because of its forward thinking, which is why those who have been around long enough find it so interesting to compare and contrast how far this city has come. "It's not about a city being perfect, but a move toward change," said Chisholm, a Somerville native, who was a School Committee member back in 1972. "Back then, it was a revolutionary time that prompted the award. This time around it is more about the cutting edge accomplishments. It seems we are engaged in best practices, now. Somerville has become quite the place." The All America City award is sponsored by the National Civic League, a non-profit organization that fosters innovative city building and reform. The All America City award, since 1949, has recognized the efforts of extraordinary communities. Each year the National Civic League honors ten communities for effectively addressing their most critical challenges. The overall theme Somerville chose this year was "Improved Communication." The city highlighted its commitment to the MBTA's Green Line extension through Somerville (which is slated to be complete in 2014); the efforts of the Somerville Cares about Prevention program to educate about and prevent substance abuse amongst the city's youth and the adoption of "SomerStat," the 311 hot line number initiative that streamlines how the public communicates with the city's offices. Over 30 years ago, people say it was Mayor S. Lester Ralph, who was not only new blood on the political scene, but breathed new life in the failing city. The "Spotlight" series exposed bad contracting practices on the part of the city. In 1969, three men ran for mayor; incumbent Joe Marino, Jim Brennan and Ralph. Ralph, a newcomer to politics, was a minister no less in a Catholic city. But he got up and confronted the two other candidates during one of the debates, saying he was the "rose between two thorns," Chisholm recalled. "He went on to beat Marino," he said, adding Brennan got knocked out in the primary. "It showed the public was fed up." Not only that, nine out of the 11 Aldermen lost in the election that year. The schools were also in terrible shape. In Chisholm's Ward 1, the East Somerville Community School was condemned. Ralph not only promised to replace the school, but he also built the Powder House Community School in West Somerville at the same time. Then he oversaw the building of the Lincoln Park Community School, followed by the Winter Hill Community School to make for four new schools in the city, Chisholm said. New staff were hired for the schools, there was more buzz about city office accountability, and citizens groups sprung up almost as quickly as the school construction. In those days, there was a lot of competition for every elected position, Chisholm said. Every post had a primary. Today, we're lucky if two people run for a seat, he said. But that could be due to increased public satisfaction with elected officials. Somerville's population is also more transitory in nature, Chisholm said, with people coming and going and not getting as involved in local politics. "Back then, there were so many problems to deal with, that folks were engaged more in politics," he said. "Today there is a certain level of contentment with city government...In terms of the award, we're looking at two different eras, two different times, two different yard sticks. It's not about the same award for the same type of thing, but the same basis of movement." Ralph describes those days as "very hectic." He admitted he didn't necessarily feel as if he got along with the rest of the city government, but had an excellent staff and feels like he got the job done. And why did he, a politically green pastor of an Episcopal Church, run for mayor? He said he had to persuade himself. He felt compelled. "It was after John F. Kennedy was shot and Martin Luther King was also killed," he said. "It was a traumatic time." Ralph identified with the people of Somerville. "I said to myself that I could not stay away from public service." Somerville is a very vibrant city. It is a great place to be in government, he said. The people are down to earth and very genuine. "We were a real community," he said. "I had a sense of accomplishment as a mayor and I felt great satisfaction in making change. It was a great experience. Politics can be a tough game sometimes, but it is still worth it." Jack Connolly, an Alderman at Large, was a junior at Boston College during the city's turbulent times. He was around to watch Ralph hire new staff at City Hall and the city clean up its act. Back then, public transportation was also an important focus, with officials talking about extending the Red Line into Davis Square, akin to today's focus on the Green Line extension. Residents got active and helped to make the Red Line happen, finally, in 1984, Connolly said. "Somerville really united (under Ralph) and people became connected to the neighborhoods," he said. "The award back then was for the transition that Somerville made to get back in touch with the people. It was about opening the doors to City Hall and involving the neighborhoods." Frank Bakey, who served as a Ward 2 Alderman in 1972, said that it was probably more difficult to win the award today. "(Mayor Joseph) Curtatone has done a great job, considering the financial limitations," he said. During Ralph's tenure, the city built the four schools, repaired 33 percent of the streets in Ward 2, and offered more community outreach. The movement back then was a huge expansion of services, as the city didn't have much to begin with, Bakey said. "It is much harder to win this type of award now," he said. "This year, we were up against a lot of competition. It's quite a tribute to the city. Somerville is now safe, clean, with amazing educational opportunities." It is unusual for a city to win this award twice, said Donald Norton, a long-time resident and city activist. He remembers when he was chair of the Civic Association for Ward 7 in 1970. The police department was mired with police brutality issues. More and more citizens groups were forming to move Somerville out of corruption. People often referred to Somerville as "Slumerville." "There was a big divide in the city," Norton said. "We don't have that now...The city needed the award back then to feel good."

Update on Tuesday's Bank robbery on Highland Avenue

2009 Lincoln Towncar used as the getaway car is seen here being towed away. ~Photo by William Tauro By William Tauro According to sources regarding yesterday's bank robbery on highland Avenue, two of the bank robbery suspects allegedly robbed a bank in Dedham first then drove to Somerville and robbed the East Cambridge Savings Bank. According to sources, when they robbed the East Cambridge Savings Bank on Highland Avenue the masked duo, upon exiting the bank, had a couple of pedal bicycles waiting outside of the bank and then peddled their getaway down the street where a third person, the getaway driver was waiting in a 2009 Lincoln Towncar. The trio then allegedly proceeded to the Sunoco Gas Station on Broadway where they held up and robbed them up as well. Then the team exited the city of Somerville by driving into Charlestown where their getaway car got stuck in traffic and caused them to be apprehended after a short foot chase by two Boston Police officers who just happened to be there doing a private detail in the shopping plaza who heard the radio broadcast about the robbery that Somerville police put over the air which eventually led the three suspects to a dead end alley that was blocked off by a big old fence!

Two challengers take on School Committee members

By Tom Nash While most members of the Somerville School Committee face no opposition in November, two new candidates have emerged to challenge both Ward 5 member Mark Niedergang and Ward 4 member James Norton. Anna Lavanga, former vice president of the John F. Kennedy School Parent-Teacher Association, is running for Niedergang's seat. Among her chief concerns, she said, was a lack of accountability for school officials. "The school system needs to be held responsible for what it does," Lavanga said. "The open door policy is non-existent. Parents are not getting their problems addressed. We need to protect the children from the school system." Lavanga, who grew up in Somerville and graduated from Somerville High School in 1987, began what she said was one of the first after school language programs for elementary students, teaching Italian. She said she would like to see more of such programs provided to students. "I'm just going to state what I believe in and (Niedergang) will state his record, and we'll let people choose," Lavanga said. In response to Lavanga's concerns about school accountability, Niedergang, the committee vice chairperson, said school staff members work hard to address parents' concerns but that the committee is always looking at ways to help the system improve. "We don't do enough parent outreach, especially to low income parents and immigrant parents," Niedergang said. "In order to get parents to participate in their child's education, the district needs to go to them. I've advocated for staff knocking on doors and trying to get parents involved." Christine Rafal, who describes herself as a curriculum writer and classroom researcher, said that she decided to run for Norton's seat to give voters a choice - adding that she has worked extensively with him in the past. "I obviously want to try to win, but I certainly respect (Norton) as an opponent," Rafal said. "I really want to offer the ward a choice because I think we both have good strengths." Rafal almost ran for the Ward 4 seat in 2007, when incumbent Charlene Harris failed to turn in her election paperwork and was forced to run as a write-in candidate, but said she changed her mind after taking out nomination papers. Two years later, Rafal said she's ready for the campaign, adding that while it's difficult to run against an incumbent she wants to give Ward 4 voters a choice "People are reluctant to put up a challenge," Rafal said. "It's a lot easier to wait for a seat to open up." James Norton, editor of The Somerville News and co-owner of real estate company ERA The Norton Group, has held the Ward 4 seat since winning a sticker race against Harris in 2007. He previously served in the position from 1994-95 after an unsuccessful run in 1989. Norton said he is confident that his record will stand out in the election, and that Rafal has yet to explain how she would be a better committee member. "She has no reason to run other than getting her name out there," Norton said. "If she comes up with reasons after the fact, she's grasping at straws." "I'm happy to stand on the issues facing the Somerville public schools today, tomorrow and the next day," Norton added. Both Niedergang and Norton said they look forward to running a campaign to share the committee's accomplishments with their constituents. "I take my hat off to Ms. Lavanga; I admire her for running," Niedergang said. "I think it's lamentable that there are so few people running for office this year. It gives me a chance to run on my record." Norton said he will be knocking on every door in Ward 4 while the committee is in recess during July and August.

Diversity on display at Winter Hill Community School

Winter Hill Community School celebrated it's student's diversity by hosting a Multicultural Festival for students and families and staff. By James Reddick The last week of school is always a cause for celebration for elementary and high school students. At the end of June, the two months of free time that lies ahead seems like an a span that surely will never end. At the Winter Hill Community School, the penultimate day of school provided even more reason to celebrate: the multicultural fair. Generously catered, by donation, by 15 restaurants around Somerville, from Chipotle to House of Tibet to Rodizio Bakery, the diverse menu mirrored the range of cultures of the parents and children in attendance. "My favorite food is definitely pizza," said one elementary school student, who ran off to play with his friends before providing his name, with a plate full of rice and beans, pad thai and Brazilian sweets. In a city in which over 29% of the population was born outside of the country, its diversity is to be heralded. Since the city's foundation, immigrants have been a cornerstone of Somerville's economy and of its character. Angelo Fedele, a 5th-grader whose family is of European descent, astutely said that the wide range of cultures represented at his school "helps you know what other cultures do. Diversity means a lot of people having fun," he added--an assertion hard to refute amidst the salsa dancing and plates filled with delicious food from every continent imaginable.

Somerville Women's Commission fundraiser introduces new co-chairs to community

Sonja Darai Director of Commissions, and the new Somerville Commission for Women co-chairs Correen Demers and Nancy Bacci enjoying the mixer at El Potro Restaurant on Saturday evening. ~Photo by Christina M. Acosta By Christina M. Acosta On Saturday evening, the Somerville Women's Commission (SWC) held a fundraiser at the El Potro Restaurant in Union Square. The mixer was to introduce new co-chairs Nancy Bacci and Correen Demers. Sonja Darai, Director of the Commission, is very excited to have the new co-chairs as part of the SWC. "I've enjoyed working with both Nancy and Correen. We have an energetic group of commissioners who are setting a very active schedule of activities and programming. Its quite exciting." Guests of the family owned restaurant, were treated to live music by the Knuckledusters and were also able to meet the Women's Commission members. "I've been involved with SWC for less than a year, but I'm very excited, and I think we're going to bring a lot of energy, ideas and really help get the SWC more exposure to the community" said Correen Demers. The mixer also raised money for the SWC programs including TADA, Teens Against Dating Abuse, at Somerville High School. A youth inspired program, TADA has just finished its sixth year. "The goal is to take an often silent problem, and give it a powerful voice in the high school. Students can join and learn about what dating violence is, what to do, and how to help others. Funding is important, with more money we can grow this program so we can have assemblies and educate more students," said Sonja. TADA has a very flexible approach to educating students by always trying different methods to reach students. Peer-to-peer teaching is an important aspect of the program as students can present the information they learned in TADA during health classes. The Somerville Women's Commission is a citizen group, dedicated to enriching women's lives by advocating for equality in all facets including education, health and politics working closely with local agencies and law enforcement. Comprised entirely of volunteers, the Commissioners are appointed by the mayor for three-year terms. To become involved with the Somerville Women's Commission attend one of the meetings held every third Wednesday of the Month at 7 p.m. at the City Hall Annex.

Somerville youth protest Recreation Department layoffs

Concerned Somerville children delivered speeches to protest the recently announced layoffs of Karen Harrington and Carol Lane at the BOA meeting last Thursday and returned again on Monday night to plead their case. ~Photo by Tom Nash By Beecher Tuttle On Thursday June 25th, nearly 100 concerned Somerville children and parents marched to City Hall to protest the recently announced layoffs of Karen Harrington and Carol Lane, two veteran youth and recreation employees. The march began at the Rec Center on Walnut Street and concluded as a group of impassioned local kids delivered a signed petition to the Board of Aldermen, asking them to rescind the decision to layoff the two employees. Harrington and Lane have each worked for the Recreation Department for over twenty years, working with multiple generations of Somerville kids in a variety of after-school programs including girls athletics. Several former students came back to Somerville to help support the pair. "I grew up in Somerville--she was always a part of my life," said Vicky Palmacci speaking of Karen Harrington. "She got me playing basketball, got me coaching basketball, and, as I got older, helped me get a job, helped me start my life, and helped me direct myself toward college. In another situation, that wouldn't have happened." After entering the Aldermen's Committee Room, the present and former Somerville students in attendance had to patiently wait for their opportunity to state their case. Sitting through the latter half of next year's school budget meeting and the potential cutbacks in that arena set a difficult stage for 12 year old Jennifer Leone and her friends as they delivered their speeches to the Aldermen. Leone reminded the group that the impending layoffs would effect more than the two people directly involved. "When you people were looking to layoff," said Leone, "I don't think you people were looking at how many little kids, preteens, and teenagers you were cutting programs for. What would you rather see kids do, paint, play sports, or be in their house or maybe even getting into trouble outside? These programs are very important and people love to go because of Karen and Carol. Everyone would hate to see them go. They are a part of Somerville." Some parents and students admit that they understand the need for cuts, but are confused on the why Karen Harrington and Carol Lane were the ones to be layed off. "I understand that there are cuts and layoffs," said one resident before the march, "but there are other people that are [in that department] that make more money that haven't been there as long. If you are going to do it by money, then do it by money. If you are going to do it by seniority, then do it by seniority. We just want it to be fair." Organizers of the march passed out pamphlets that showed the years of service and the 2008 salary information of all Recreation employees making over $50,000 a year. The Board of Aldermen seemed genuinely moved by the show of support and were equally inspired by the youth of Somerville participating so actively in the democratic process. Ward 6 Alderman Rebekah Gewirtz and Ward 7 Alderman Bob Trane were among those commending the kids and supporting their cause. "There are a lot of programs that they run that the kids just love," said Alderman Trane in a separate interview. "I think that it is very important to have a staff on hand, and, to me, Karen is a critical part of that mission." The impending difficulty for those who support Harrington and Lane is that the Board of Aldermen does not have the power to reverse a budgetary decision. "Some people think we can restore funding," said Alderman Trane. "Unfortunately we can't If we cut money out, we can make a recommendation of what we think we can do with that money, but that is the Mayor's decision. It goes back to the Mayor." As speeches were cut short on Thursday, supporters of Harrington and Lane returned on Monday during the Board of Aldermen's public forum to continue their fight. As of yet, no budgetary decisions have been made pertaining to the Recreation Department.

Three Suspects Captured after Brazen Bank Robbery

Stolen money on the front seat of the get-away car. Get-away car being looked over by police. ~Photos by William Tauro Somerville Police released a statement late Tuesday evening that three suspects were captured shortly after a brazen bank robbery in Somerville. On Tuesday, 6/30/09 at approx. 3:40 p.m. the East Cambridge Savings Bank located at 285 Highland Avenue in Somerville was robbed by two males wearing masks, gloves and displaying a handgun. One of the suspects vaulted the teller counter while the other suspect held the customers and bank employees at bay with the weapon. The suspects fled with an undisclosed amount of cash in a black Lincoln Towncar driven by a third suspect. That vehicle was a rented car. A dye pack was included with the stolen money given to the suspects which went off prior to the suspects entering their car. The money and dye pack were left near the scene. Somerville Police quickly notified surrounding police agencies of the bank robbery, including the registration number and description of the get away vehicle that was provided by witnesses. A short time later, two Boston police detectives on detail in Charlestown observed the suspect vehicle and stopped it. Two of the suspects were placed into custody while the third suspect fled on foot. After a short foot chase the third suspect was also arrested. Recovered in the vehicle were the masks used in the robbery. The suspects are identified as a James Rigano, d.o.b. 7/13/66 of Malden, Eric Leonard, d.o.b. 7/4/88 of Everett, and Terrence Dunnells, d.o.b: 7/21/79 of Cambridge, New York. The suspects were transported to Somerville Police station where they were booked on the charge of armed robbery while masked and later interviewed. The gun and clothing used in the robbery were recovered from a trash barrel in Cambridge by Somerville Detectives and agents from the FBI Violent Crimes Task Force. Two of the suspects have made incriminating statements in connection with today's robbery and two other recent bank robberies. Additional charges will be filed by the appropriate jurisdictions in those incidents. All three suspects will be arraigned tomorrow in Somerville District Court. Chief Anthony Holloway noted that this crime was brought to a quick solution by the keen observations of witnesses who gave police the plate number and description of the get away car and the prompt notification of surrounding police agencies. The quick work by two Boston Police officers on detail brought this crime spree to an abrupt halt without anyone getting hurt. The investigation is continuing in cooperation with the FBI Violent Crimes Task Force.

Aldermen scrutinize, pass budget after marathon session

home : news : news July 01, 2009 ~Photo by Bobbie Toner By Tom Nash After a contentious week-long series of meetings, the Board of Aldermen passed the FY 2010 budget 8-2 at midnight, June 30. The total approved budget for the city is $160,032,473, down from the proposed $160,272,078 after a marathon session of line item cuts that followed a week of department presentations. During the Finance Committee meeting that began June 29, a total of $239,605 in cuts were made during five and a half hours of deliberation. A public hearing, which saw a capacity audience, saw two speak in favor of the budget and eight against. Mayor Joseph Curtatone's administration said the budget is $4.98 million less than in Fiscal Year 2009 and reflects a 22 percent cut in state aid. Gov. Deval Patrick signed the state budget earlier on June 29, indicating proposals for local meals and hotel taxes could go forward. Curtatone said he would have those taxes ready for Board approval at their July 9 meeting. Until the final moments before the budget vote on Monday, aldermen argued about budget issues ranging from overtime spending to whether the mayor's office had kept them in the dark about litigation payouts - a topic which required a closed-door session. Ward 7 Alderman Bob Trane and Ward 6 Alderman Rebekah Gewirtz eventually voted against the budget, citing their disappointment in Youth and Recreation Department cuts. Alderman Tom Taylor was absent for the vote. The Public Speaks Out A group of children opposed to the layoffs of two Youth and Recreation Department employees spoke during the public hearing portion of the Board's Finance Committee meeting. They were also sponsored at the Board's June 25 meeting. A group of around 80 also marched to City Hall June 25 to protest the layoffs of Karen Harrington and Carol Lane, two long-time rec department employees. A petition to keep them had gathered 160 signatures. The two who spoke in favor two spoke in favor of the budget at the June 29 hearing were parents of rising sixth graders at the Brown school, which at one point faced the sixth grade being cut. The debate around the school was one of many issues that aldermen debated during a week of budget presentations from city departments. At the Board's June 25 meeting, Ward 1 Alderman Bill Roche asked if the city had considered whether the school could be closed altogether. Trane left the chambers after Committee Chairman Maryann Heuston refused to let him ask a follow up question on the school, telling him to "take a walk" as he got up. "Unfortunately the Alderman from Ward 2 likes to stifle debate, because she's so in line with what the administration wants," Trane said before rejoining the meeting. Cuts All Around As the June 30 deadline for approving the budget approached, aldermen continued to suggest cuts they had lobbied for throughout budget review process. No cut was too small, and some city officials spoke to the merits of some items after they had been struck - prompting Heuston to chastise them for being too slow. Roche found $11,129 in unnecessary salary payments. Gewirtz and others questioned the amounts being spent on police and fire department overtime but ultimately lost the battle. Trane won a fight for a roughly 10 percent cut in natural gas spending for the Public Works Department after the measure was voted down twice in earlier forms. At around 11 p.m., Alderman-at-Large Bill White asked why the Board was being asked to approve $112,500 in line item form for a legal settlement for a discrimination case in the police department without any explanation from the city solicitor beforehand. Gannon said that while the city felt the suit had no merit, it decided to settle with the plaintiff. White pointed out any claim more than $5,000 needs to go before the board for approval on an individual case basis. White threatened to cut the line item down to $0 prior to going into executive session, with Police Chief Anthony Holloway in attendance. The item was later approved. White had earlier challenged City Solicitor John Gannon to explain whether the city would move forward with a lawsuit against the Federal Aviation Administration challenging excessive airplane noise if they lost the current case. The city spent $77,000 more than the allotted $100,000 for outside legal counsel in FY09, mostly on the suit, which has cost the city $158,000 so far. "We're in this to win," Gannon said. The Parking Battle Continues During the earlier public hearing portion of the final budget meeting, resident Bob grilled the Board on letting the Traffic and Parking Commission force the changes through without public input. "That's the biggest joke I ever heard in my life," one senior resident said of the proposed citywide permit parking requirement. "What do you do when you have a large family, ration them out? This is a joke. Why force it down everyone's throat whether they want it or not?" The parking changes proposed to take effect August 1 were dealt with mostly at the Board's June 25 meeting. The aldermen rejected a resolution 5-6 that would have asked the Parking and Traffic Commission to reconsider citywide permit parking and extend meter hours in Davis and Magoun Squares. Sean O'Donovan, Tom Taylor, Dennis Sullivan, White and Gewirtz voted to send the resolution to the commission. Bruce Desmond, Jack Connolly, Walter Pero, Roche and Heuston voted against it. The changes, Heuston said, were a major factor in determining the budget and that the potential revenue had already been worked in. Gewirtz said the recommendations of a recently convened parking task force will be released by mid-July. The Vote As the clock struck midnight, the Aldermen approached the final vote on the budget, with all weighing in on the cuts being a "shared sacrifice" except for Trane and Gewirtz. Both said the 21 percent cut to the Youth and Recreation Department was unfair, with Gewirtz stressing it could lead to an increase in youth violence - which White said was unlikely. Gewirtz also pointed out the two top administrators in the department, James Halloran and George Scarpelli, are earning $70,000 a year. "I mean no disrespect to my colleagues on the Board," Gewirtz said. "I'm going to do this because of the kids coming up every night. As a form of protest I'm voting 'no' this evening." She also pointed out that the mayor's proposal to put $3 million in a "rainy day" fund went against the current cuts the Board had just issued. "It's raining now," Gewirtz said. "I'm a little confused," Roche said in response. "Nobody likes cuts, nobody likes layoffs. There's nobody around this board that's happy. What if we all voted no? What would that do? The city wouldn't have a budget. It's the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard." After the 8-2 vote, with Trane and Gewirtz voting against the budget, Gewirtz was the lone vote against the $3 million rainy day fund allocation. At the end of the meeting, Heuston noted that the state will likely make cuts to its local aid in the middle of the fiscal year, in January, when that $3 million may be needed. "I would submit that this is as fair and balanced a budget as it can be," Heuston said. The budget took effect July 1.

Mini Van crashes into porch!

By William Tauro This minivan belonging to, Scott Parisi of Somerville, still with trees and bushes sticking out of it's front end, is what's left of his Ford Windstar that crashed through a front porch located at 16 Fairfax Street late Saturday evening. Sources say that the driver, Mr. Parisi was attempting to back into a parking space but put the mini in forward then stepped on the gas pedal causing him to crash into the porch!

It May be Just A Green Answer to Saving Money

Simple Eco-friendly Tips to Save Somerville Residents Money This Summer By Christina M. Acosta Truth be told the economy isn't what it used to be, but that doesn't mean residents should not go out and enjoy themselves. Lighten up your carbon footprint and put money back into your wallet with these great ideas of how to go green this summer and after. Investing in a programmable thermostat can save a family on average, $180 a year, according to the Environmental Protection Agency; it also helps fight global warming by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. A programmable thermostat allows families to change the temperature in their homes at selected times. For example, it can be programmed to lower the heat or cold air when the family is away during the day and you can program it to raise or lower the temperature when people begin returning home. Programmable thermostats are simple to install and prices can start as low as $30 depending on the thermostat you choose. Many desktops are not created energy efficient, so take a minute to utilize the power management setting on your desktop, which can save you $40 to $80 each year. You can increase you money savings by choosing an idol time of a few minutes to automate when your computer enters an energy saving mode. Replace floodlights with motion sensor lights that turn off automatically. Floodlights left on all night not only increase your electricity bill, but also can negatively impact local wildlife. If your neighborhood squirrels aren't enough to convince you, motion sensor lights can also increase the security around your home by pouring light in the area when the sensors go off. Going green isn't only about saving electricity around your house. Water is another commodity that is often wasted. By installing low-flow water fixtures, you will see a drop in your monthly water bill. Many older toilets use 5 gallons of water per flush. Try replacing it with a low-flow model toilet that uses less than a gallon of water. Shower fixtures also come with low-flow options and start as low as $10. Remember that leaky faucets and pipes can drip over 3 gallons of water per day, which can add up when your water bill comes. It's worth taking the time to fix it your self, or calling in a local professional plumber to solve it. Recycling has hit an all time money saving high with the non-profit grass roots network called, FreeCycle. Made up of over 7 million members across the globe this group is made of people looking to give and receive free stuff in their own towns. From coffee grinders to winter coats to a full size metal headboard, all the items that would have otherwise been thrown out are here looking for new homes. Instead of tossing your old patio set, post it on the website and check if another Somerville resident could give it a second life. Not only does this reduce trash removal but it also supports the local community by offering free stuff for neighbors. Visit the Somerville group page at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/FreeCycle-Somerville-MA/. Water your plants and yard in the morning before the sun evaporates most of the water. If you have a garden that you water frequently purchase a chic rain barrel from your local garden store that will collect rain. You can then use the fresh rainwater to fill up your watering can. Remember to empty the barrel frequently, as stagnant water can be a breeding ground for insects such as mosquitoes. Traditional cleaning techniques are becoming an eco-friendly staple, which may mean doing things how your grandmother does them. Somerville resident Eda Lasser, who turns seventy-six next month, explained, "I have always washed my clothes with baking soda, vinegar and a little elbow grease. I have done it all these years because the chemicals in the soaps burn my hands and they smell awful." Laughing Mrs. Lasser went on to say, "Now a days these kids think it's a hip, tree hugging thing to do! If they only knew I've been doing it for sixty years and how much money I save. So yes, I suppose I'm a little green myself. Guess you can never be to old or young to be green." There are also manufactured eco-friendly cleaning products that are not has harmful as chemical based cleaning products so it greatly reduces the risk of harmful exposure to children or pets. Going green is about being smart and deciding how thrifty you want to be. Local resident Vanessa Williams explained, "What surprises me are the different ways to go green that actually save money, and yet we still don't take enough advantage of them. In this current economy, I think going green is the best thing we can do for ourselves, our wallets, and our world." Once you start making changes to be more eco-friendly, you will notice that you are not alone in your efforts. Being green saves money but it also reduces waste, pollution and saves natural resources that are limited. "I try to be as sustainable and green as possible by unplugging or turning off appliances that are not in use, utilizing a water filter and using a reusable water bottle instead of disposable bottles," said Heather Brigham, a resident of Somerville. "I also recycle, and take public transportation instead of driving. It's easy and important to have a sustainable lifestyle that is environmentally friendly and often budget friendly too!" Being eco-savvy is easier than you think: Always shut off unused lights Unplug chargers that are not being used since they continue to use energy when they are plugged in Shut the faucet off when you brush your teeth Wash your laundry in cold water then line dry clothes since automatic dryers use about 6% of household energy according to the EPA Use the dishwasher only when it is completely full Use dishtowels instead of paper towels Save gas by making sure your tires are properly inflated Print on both sides of paper Reduce, Reuse, Recycle! If you need a recycling bin visit the Department of Public Works between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. with proof of residency Always dispose of old paint, chemicals and oil properly. Remember that if you have left over paint, ask local community groups or neighbors if they could use the paint. You could also try posting it on FreeCycle.

Sex, drugs and Rock n Roll!

By William Tauro The La Quinta Inn & Suites Hotel located at 23 Cummings Street in Somerville is once again in the spotlight! Allegedly a prostitution ring sting was conducted by Somerville police that resulted in arrests made at about 9 p.m. on Friday evening. According to sources, the recently built hotel has been the center of attraction and hangout for pimps, prostitutes drug dealers and drugged up rock bands since it has been opened for business. Back a few months ago a local contracting company source told us that the hotel had a serious sewage blockage that was causing serious backups. When repairs began to correct the problem, crews cleaning out the sewage pipes and catch basins discovered that the system was completely clogged up with hundreds of condoms and syringe needles that were apparently flushed down the toilets by guests!

Comprehensive air quality testing for one year begins soon

Several air monitoring vans will be driving around the East Somerville neighborhoods closest to the highways. ~Photo courtesy of Mystic View Task Force By Martin Levenson East Somerville residents living near I-93 and intersecting highways, like Mystic Avenue, will soon have many visitors asking health-related questions. The Somerville Transportation Equity Partnership, a group of concerned Somervillians, has partnered with Tufts University to devise and implement a study of air quality in neighborhoods just off major highways in Somerville. It is thought that the added pollution from passing cars negatively affects the residents' cardiovascular health. This study will randomly test residents, but as Ellin Reisner of STEP says, "That doesn't mean you [those not chosen] won't benefit from research being conducted." As well as testing individuals in Somerville, the air will constantly be monitored by several vans driving in and around the East Somerville neighborhoods closest to the highways. Dr. Doug Brugge of Tufts University School of Medicine is excited about finally starting a study which he has been preparing for since 2008. On Monday morning at Mt. Vernon Restaurant, he announced data-collection would commence shortly. "Our current goal is to start in early to mid July," he tells a small gathering of concerned residents. "This is the start. We're going to be in Somerville conducting this study for a year. We'll be knocking on doors; we'll have air-monitoring vans driving on the streets," he says. Dr. Brugge has named his study CAFEH, Community Assessment of Freeway Exposure and Health; it has received a $2.5 million grant from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, an arm of the National Institutes of Health. Two other neighborhoods are slated to be identically tested after Somerville: Chinatown in Boston and South Boston, both near major traffic routes. Mayor Curtatone was present at Monday's kick-off festivities at Mt. Vernon Restaurant. Saying of the study, "I'm here to support the effort...to build awareness to the overall health of the community." And Mayor Curtatone was able to inject some hometown pride, saying that working together is "...going to start undoing the mistakes of the past, and that's really what makes us an All American city." John Durant, Associate Professor of Civil & Environmental Engineering at Tufts held short, informal tours in of one of the vans that will be driving around East Somerville neighborhoods collecting air quality data. The van it outfitted with computers and gadgets all designed to better interpret and collect pollutants in the air. "Our goal is to cover a swath of Somerville on either side of 93" says Durant. This swath translates to 400 meters on either side of I-93 and intersecting roadways. The people "knocking on doors" are concerned Somerville residents who volunteered. There are two parts to the "knocking on doors" portion of the study: one, the questionnaire, which asks about diet, exercise, smoking history, and general health. The second part of it, though, is thought to be considerably more important because it involves a blood sample. If those randomly selected do the first part but neglect to do the second part - giving blood - it may invalidate their contribution. "Without the blood we can't really get a clear picture of the study," adds Don Meglio, an administrator at Tufts School of Medicine and the organizer of the kick-off Monday morning at Mt. Vernon. A $20 gift card to a local supermarket is the reward for finishing the questionnaire. More money, in the way of a gift card, will be rewarded for giving a blood sample, informs Dr. Brugge. When asked what he really wishes to gain from this study, Dr. Brugge says, "...that it can be one piece which can affect national policy - that is our goal."

Somerville wins the All America City award

A City effort made Somerville one of the All American Cities chosen by the National Civic League Photos by Delio Susi By Julia Fairclough A winning combination of improving public transportation, working to reduce substance abuse amongst the city's youth and innovations to streamline communication with the city earned Somerville the "All America City" award this week. The last time Somerville won the prestigious award-given by the National Civic League-was in 1972, a time which some say mirrors this current age of new reforms, innovations and getting through tough times. Somerville was a finalist in this competition last year, but fell just short-coming in 11th place-of winning a place on the top 10 communities list. "Tough times don't last, but tough people do," said Alderman at Large Jack Connolly, who was among the 40 Somerville residents (ranging from ages 17 to 79, representing the high school, non profits, business and city officials) who flew to Tampa, FL this week to demonstrate why Somerville ranks above the rest. "No matter how tough it is with the recession, we have seen how people in this community really care." Mayor Joseph Curtatone added that during tough times when people are stressed is when people really come together. He also attributed Somerville's prestigious recognition to its residents. "The wonderful thing about Somerville is that there are so many engaged citizens who want to make the community better," Curtatone said, "And we've had that for decades." The National Civic League is a non-profit organization that fosters innovative city building and reform. The All America City award since 1949 has recognized the efforts of extraordinary communities. Each year the National Civic League honors ten communities for effectively addressing their most critical challenges. The overall theme Somerville chose was "Improved Communication." The city highlighted its commitment to the MBTA's Green Line extension through Somerville (which will be complete in 2014); the efforts of the Somerville Care about Prevention program to educate about and prevent substance abuse amongst the city's youth and the adoption of "SomerStat," the 311 hot line number initiative that streamlines how the public communicates with the city's offices. "We have learned how to communicate, and to do it well," Connolly said, pointing out that 50 languages alone are spoken in the hallways of Somerville High School. The city has always enjoyed a diverse population, but over the past couple decades the influx of people from all over the globe has accelerated at an unbelievable pace. And the city has met and exceeded those needs. "We have changed the image of the city by responding to the diverse population that lives here," he said. Gene Brune, who was the mayor from 1980 to 1990, remembers when the city won the award 37 years ago. At that time he was an Alderman; Lester Ralph was the mayor. The city back then had gone through some tough times, marked by political unrest in the 1960s and an administration that was not as "community oriented," Brune said. Ralph introduced new ideas and got away from the "business as usual" type of mentality. Brune himself was one of the reform candidates who believed in new programs and grass roots organizations. The city applied for the All American City award, and won. "It brought a new spirit to the city," said Brune, likening that era to today, where Curtatone is the "new blood" who has infused the city with innovative programs like 311 and keeping the extensive Green Line program on track. "The cycle has begun again," Brune added, "And this will be very meaningful to the city to instill more pride." Somerville representatives flew to Tampa last Wednesday for the three-day affair. The event included breaking up into workshops, seminars and receptions. "I will never forget the experience I had in Tampa and I'll be forever grateful to have been a part of it," said Maureen Bastardi, said Ward 1 School Committee Representative. In addition to meeting people from 28 other cities across the country and making friendships, Bastardi also got to know her fellow Somervillians better. "There wasn't an air of competition, but one of camaraderie," she said. "I've lost my voice from cheering so loudly and proudly. I always thought of Somerville as an All American City, but now we have the official title to prove it." Connolly said that the award will have a lasting impact for marketing and applications for grants and bonds for future projects. The Board of Alderman will hold a special presentation about this award just prior to convening its meeting on Thursday night.

Doctor speaks on the benefits of single payer healthcare reform

By Ben Johnson Last Monday night, Dr. Rachel Nardin, president of the Massachusetts chapter of Physicians for a National Health Plan, hosted an informational presentation and community discussion on Single Payer Health Plans, an alternative proposal for national healthcare reform in the United States. The event was sponsored by Somerville/Medford United for Justice with Peace, the Somerville Teachers Association, and Jobs for Justice Health Care Action Committee. Taking place in the Somerville Library, a modest crowd of about 25 gathered to hear what Dr. Nardin had to say about the current state of the United States Healthcare system and how a Single Payer Health Plan may be a feasible solution to the mounting healthcare costs affecting millions of Americans every day. "This is an issue I feel passionate about," explained Dr. Nardin. "From the 1970s to the present, the number of uninsured Americans has been rising steadily. But in my opinion, a bigger problem is the underinsured." The underinsured include people who have insurance that does not sufficiently cover the healthcare and costs they require. According to Nardin, as of 2007 42% of adults ages 19 - 64 are uninsured or underinsured. That is equivalent to the population of the 12 largest states in the U.S.A. combined. Nardin, using a Powerpoint presentation filled with graphs and startling statistics went on to explain that approximately 18,000 adult deaths per year are the direct result of not being insured. In addition, the United States consistently has had the lowest life expectancy and highest infant mortality rate of any industrialized nation over the past decade. "We rely on a multiplicity of private insurance companies and this requires a huge amount of administrative costs," Nardin explained. "We have to have an army of people at the insurance companies and an army of people in the hospitals dealing with denials and seeking payments. What we spend on administrators is far and away more than any other country." By some estimates, up to 40% of costs in the healthcare industry are administrative. Nardin thinks this is frivolous. "There are huge amounts of money that, I would say, is being wasted on this army of administrators." In a Single Payer system, a plan that Nardin promotes, the "multiplicity" of insurance companies and the plenitude of administrators are replaced by a Government agency that essentially becomes the paying mechanism for healthcare costs. It would theoretically be funded by slight employee and company tax hikes in addition to current healthcare taxes. The money would then flow into a Government trust fund that would pay for universal healthcare coverage. This system, while similar to the socialist healthcare systems in place in Canada and England, has one fundamental difference - the hospitals and doctors would not be government employees. "The payment mechanism is the only thing that is socialized; not the hospitals or doctors." Said Nardin. "With a national system, like with a Single Payer plan, you can do what you do when you have a system - logical planning. What we have now is a fragmented system; there's no cost control, no rationing of resources." Concerning Barack Obama's proposed healthcare reform, Nardin said, "It is reform I would call incremental. It would leave the current system that is bankrupting us in place." Obama's plan for healthcare reform would mandate that everyone be insured. There is also much talk and debate over a 'Public Plan' that would essentially be a default insurance for anyone who couldn't afford any other plan. In this scenario, private insurance companies could continue to compete freely, but some fear too many people would choose to use the free public plan, driving insurance companies under. To Nardin, this reform is incremental in that it does not directly address the issue of the underinsured. With competitive insurance companies in place, there will always be the market incentive to deny coverage for certain people and illnesses to avoid losses; someone will always be underinsured. With Obama's reform plan, Nardin believes "We are treating the symptom - the uninsured - but we are ignoring the disease" which is the system itself. When the meeting was open to community discussion an air of deep concern verging on discouragement permeated the room. The enormity of the problems in the American healthcare system seemed to be weighing down upon the audience. "I feel discouraged because there seems to be huge, monumental power with people who don't want any of this," stated one woman. "I just don't see how we can get anything done. We're just not going to get there." In response to this, someone in the audience took it upon themselves to quote the immortal Winston Churchill. "Americans can always be counted on to do the right thing...after they've exhausted every other option." This seemed to lighten the mood. Nardin then said, "Don't get too discouraged. We're not taking to the streets yet, it might not happen this year or the next; but if we don't do something we are heading for a disaster. Change will have to come."