Wentworth Way groundbreaking ceremony last Thursday. Left to right: Wayne Johnson, Tim Williams, Laura Barbara, Abbe Burt, Andrew Berry, Philippe Jordi, Richard Leonard, Jeff Kristal, Tristan Israel, Fielding Moore, Rob Doyle, Geoghan Coogan, Nell Coogan.

Mass in Motion/Community Transformation Grant announcement at the State House October 2011. Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket will both be receiving funds. (L to R) MA DPH Commissioner John Auerbach, Preventative Health Caucus Co-Chair Senator Harriette Chandler, Public Health Co-Chair Senator Susan Fargo, Senator Katherine Clark, Representative Timothy Madden, and United State Assistant Secretary for U.S. Health, Health and Human Services, Howard Koh.

BOSTON- State Representative Tim Madden is pleased to announce that Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket will receive a federal grant of $75,000 to expand efforts of active healthy living and quality clinical preventive services as part of the Mass in Motion program. The funds will also be used to promote tobacco-free living by providing resources to community prevention programs. Both Islands hope to transform the places where their citizens live, learn, work, and play in order to lead healthier, more active lives.

For more information about the Grants please click on Mass in Motion and Community Transformation.

A new guide for teens, developed by the Office of Attorney General Martha Coakley, entitled: “When You Turn 18.” The It is designed for high school seniors who will soon reach the important milestone of the age of legal adulthood.  The Guide gives an overview of some of these new opportunities to participate as an adult and gives some tips for handling money and finances, understanding the legal obligations involved when signing a contract, fully participating in our civic life, and much more.

It is available on the AGO’s website at http://www.mass.gov/Cago/docs/Community/turn-18-pdf-final.pdf.

Representative Madden said that these grants support a variety of cultural activities that benefit local residents. The announcement was made as part of a statewide funding program by the MCC.    

“I am happy to see support for cultural organizations and community groups, as their work enriches our lives and improves our communities through the arts, humanities, and sciences,” stated Representative Madden. “Additionally, I would like to commend those who pursued these grants and acknowledge them for all their efforts”.

Martha’s Vineyard Chamber Music Society: Jane Coakley, General Manager

Silver Screen Film Society, Inc.: Richard Paradise, Executive Director 

The Vineyard Playhouse Company, Inc.: M.J. Bruder Munafo, Producer/Artistic Director

The Yard, Inc.: Alison Manning, General Manager

The Cape Cod Theatre Project, Inc.: Christine Mascott, Managing Director

Woods Hole Film Festival, Inc.: Judith Laster, Executive Director

BOSTON—The Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government announced today they will be hosting a “Listening Session” on Cape Cod.  The Committee members hope to hear from Cape Cod residents on any of the bills currently pending before the Committee, or any other issues facing Cape towns.  The event will take place on Friday, September 30, 2011 from 11:00am – 2:00pm in room 213 of the Lorusso Applied Technology Building at Cape Cod Community College in West Barnstable.

Committee members are particularly interested in hearing from local residents on major zoning reform measures currently being considered by the Committee.  The Comprehensive Land Use Reform and Protection Act (S.1019) and the Land Use Protection Act (S.1008/H.1443) would streamline, clarify and update the zoning laws currently on the books in Massachusetts.

The session will be hosted by the Committee chairs, Sen. James Welch (D – West Springfield) and Rep. Michael Kane (D – Holyoke).  Committee vice chair Sen. Daniel Wolf (D – Harwich) and Committee members Rep. Cleon Turner (D – Dennis) and Rep. Timothy Madden (D – Nantucket) along with other committee members are expected to attend.

“It has been our priority to increase transparency within all branches of state government and to provide more opportunities for the public to discuss their position on legislation or concerns in the community,” said Senate President Therese Murray (D – Plymouth). “Commonwealth residents are encouraged to attend regular public hearings, watch live webcasts of formal sessions and review all bills, including the state budget, that are available online. This listening session takes our effort one step further and I hope Cape residents take advantage of this opportunity.”

 “I look forward to the opportunity to hear directly from local Cape residents about the most important issues facing their towns,” said House Chairman Michael Kane (D – Holyoke).  “Many of the bills we are now considering would have far reaching effects throughout the Commonwealth and receiving input directly from residents is invaluable to our process.”

“Interacting with Cape Cod residents about issues of concern to them will help us as we continue through the legislative process,” stated Senate Chairman James Welch (D – West Springfield).  “This is an example of how we in state government can be more accessible to all residents of the Commonwealth.” 

“So many of the issues before the Municipalities and Regional Government committee are near and dear to the hearts of Cape Codders and bringing the committee to the people is really what government should be all about,” said Senator Daniel Wolf (D – Harwich). “I think this will be a great experience for both the committee and my constituents and I look forward to a healthy discussion about some very important issues here on the Cape.”

“I have very much enjoyed serving on this Committee,” added Rep. Turner (D – Dennis).  “I am looking forward to hearing from my fellow Cape residents at this event.”

“I appreciate the Chairs bringing the Committee out to the Cape,” said Rep. Madden (D – Nantucket).  “It will provide easier access for Cape and Island residents to comment on issues that concern them. I look forward to the event”.

In addition to zoning reform measures, the Committee is also is considering numerous animal control and regulation bills including S.1033, An Act further regulating municipal animal control.  Other important bills pending in the Municipalities Committee include S.1018/H.1447, An Act Relative to the Effective Enforcement of Municipal Ordinances and Bylaws as well as H.577 and H.578, two bills filed by Rep. Turner to address an issue involving subdivisions with private roads and other amenities such as private beaches.

To see a complete list of all the bills currently before the Municipalities Committee please go to http://www.malegislature.gov/Committees/Joint/J10.

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Upon learning of the allocation, Representative Madden said that he “would like to applaud the leadership under Wayne Lampson and his staff for pursing this grant. Not only will it be good for the environment, but it will also be good for the ratepayers.  As we well know, the ratepayers are the ones funding the operations for the Steamship Authority.”

 Senator Wolf commented that “we’re all very pleased to see this important piece of the puzzle fall into place. This grant, creating a No Discharge zone that covers all of the waters surrounding the Cape and Islands is now feasible.”

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