Whittier Advisory Committee Meeting

On Tuesday, I attended a Whittier Advisory Board Meeting. These meetings give the superintendent (Bill DeRosa) a chance to discuss with the members current issues, future plans, and the educational direction Whittier is heading in.

The Whittier Advisory Board meets for breakfast at the school's Poet's Inn.

Bill DeRosa, Whittier Superintendent, describes Whittier's MCAS success.

Advisory Board Member Ann Ormond listens to Beverly DeSalvo, Whittier's Vocational/Technical Coordinator.

Advisory Board Member Joe Bevilacqua and Rep. Harriett Stanley.

Carol Doyle, long-time special education teacher at Whitter, listens to an update.

Whittier's Principal, Maureen Lynch; Coordinator of Data & Assessment, Katrina Jensen; and Advisory Board Member, Ed Mahoney.

Newburyport Chamber of Commerce

     Last week, I was a panelist at a Greater Newburyport Chamber of Commerce & Industry breakfast. The topic was: Healthcare Reform Has Passed. Does that put us all in the breakdown lane? David Morales, Commissioner of the Division of Health Care Finance & Policy (DHCFP) and George Ellison, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Anna Jaques Hospital, rounded out the panel.
     So are we in the breakdown lane? Not yet – but we have to drive carefully.  Winter is coming, national health reform is here and the pavement will be slick.  Not to overdo the analogy, but the 2006 Massachusetts health plan paved the way for national health care reform. And, as the Bay State now tries to deal with tough cost containment issues, we’re running into potholes.
• The good news is that Massachusetts has the highest rate of health insurance coverage in the country – at 97.5%. (The national average is 83%.)
• The bad news is that Massachusetts' health care costs exceed the national average by 15–27% per person.
• More tough news is that health insurance costs for a family of four now equal that same family’s mortgage payment.
• Better news is that we probably have all the data we need to put the brakes on costs. We just need the political will to do it.

The event was held at Michael’s Harborside in Newburyport.  Here is a view from the deck of the Merrimack River just after sunrise.

Commissioner David Morales introducing what DHCFP is all about.

The panelists chat with Delia O'Connor, president of Anna Jaques Hospital.



Grabbing coffee before grabbing attention with candid conversation!

George Ellison and David Morales.

2010 Groveland Patrolmen's Dinner

Every year, the Groveland Police Association sponsors a night of dinner and dancing for Groveland's seniors.  This year it was held at Pentucket Middle School.  The Pentucket cooking staff staff did an excellent job with the roast pork and stuffed chicken dinner!  Seniors of all ages had great evening.

Harriett, Don, Bruce, & Bette with some outstanding volunteers and big kahunas!

Sharing a dance at the 2010 Patrolmen's Dinner.

Harriett and Bruce with two Grovelanders enjoying dinner.

Groveland C.O.A. Director Lynne and secretary to Groveland's Chief of Police, Tracy -- kudos for an amazing dinner!

A group of Grovelanders out for a "night on the town."

Members of the Groveland Police Association and volunteers enjoying the dinner, too.  The Groveland Police Association provides funding for projects and events that are not in the town's budget.

Enjoying dessert!

Harriett spends a few minutes at the "VIP" table.

Senator Tarr and Selectman Don Greaney serving dessert.

Dinner's over -- time to dance!

No hiding from the camera!

Who's the stiff in the suit?  Harriett, Senator Tarr, and Selectwoman Bette Gorski.

The music was great, thanks to Mr. Berube.

Memories in the making.

A Legislator Who Really Cooks!

Despite the rainy weather, we had another full house at the Rowley Council on Aging for lunch yesterday. Guests enjoyed pork roast, au gratin potatoes and a smorgasboard of desserts. As always, many thanks to Mary Ellen and the Rowley COA staff for hosting us to cook lunch for them and the Rowley seniors!

The Rowley COA was decked out for Fall. Here are all the guests enojying the lunch.



The Usual Suspects...

Jim & Henry--always friendly (and helpful) faces at the Rowley COA.





Those are some happy customers!



In September, we were next door serving my home-made Beef Stroganoff at the Newbury Senior Center.

Enjoying a sunny first day of Fall and ready for lunch!

Next week, we'll be on the road again cooking for the Georgetown Senior Center (located at the First Congregational Church on Andover Street). All are welcome! The main course will be a traditional lasagna and a seafood lasagna. Give Colleen a call at 978-352-5726 to reserve a seat.

Autumn Office Hours

Just a reminder that Representative Stanley will be holding Office Hours in the District this Monday and Tuesday. For times and locations, please visit my earlier post.

Don't Forget! --- Summer Office Hours

Just a reminder that my staff or I will be holding summer office hours in August.  Please see a previous post for times and locations.