I've seen Jimmy Tingle in action on many occasions, and he never
disappoints.  Go if you can, for free or not!

Cheers,   Brandon Wilson

Hi Friends,

This event is free and exciting, and I hope you can make it!  Tell your
friends!

Please free to forward and post to other sites if you like.

Thank you,

Chris
---------------------------

Special Invitation

FREE Tickets to the filming of "Jimmy Tingle's American Dream"

At Jimmy Tingle's OFF BROADWAY Theater

255 Elm Street
Davis Sq., Somerville
(Red Line Davis T Stop)
jtoffbroadway.com


On Thursday, Feb. 1, 2007 at 7:30 PM &
Friday, Feb. 2, 2007 at 7:30 PM

Doors open at 7pm.  Since the shoot will start at 7:30, be sure to get
there early.

You must RSVP to 617-591-1616 and mention chris britt. Tickets subject
to availability.

If you reach the voicemail, leave your name, phone, number of tickets,
chris britt, and which night you will be coming.  You will be contacted
only in the event of a ticketing conflict.


Description:

  "Jimmy Tingle's American Dream" his hilarious and topical one-man show,
directed by Larry Arrick, will be captured on film this weekend.  You
always knew that Jimmy was sharp -- now his acuity will be captured in
state-of-the art hi-definition.  This weekend, be a part of his one-man
show that will be captured for a future film project and DVD.

Close to 10,000 people have already seen the one-man show "Jimmy
Tingle's American Dream" since it began its run at the theater.  Now is
your chanceto see the show that people have been raving about!

P.S.   And remember, the laughs are on us!

FYI, 2 interesting things in this invite from MIT:
- Panel discussion with focus on K-12 science and technology
education on 2/27.  I doubt that you have to be an alumni to attend
this, if you do, I might be able to help.
- Link to MIT's K-12 outreach program.  I took a quick look and there
appeared to be a large number of programs available.  Might be a good
resource for any teachers on this list.

Also check out the FIRST Competition link if you are interested in
high-school robotics competitions.  I helped run a team with CRLS+MIT
a number of years ago, could be a good opportunity for SHS?

Mike
-----Original Message-----
From: MIT Graduate Alumni Events [mailto:gradalumni@...]
Sent: Thursday, February 01, 2007 4:47 PM
To: Michael Chiu
Subject: MIT Graduate Alumni Network and Learn


MIT graduate alumni will be gathering on February 27th to network,
learn and share at Educating for Our Future, a special reception and
panel presentation/broadcast. Don't miss out!

Did you know MIT has a wide variety of K-12 outreach programs
including the Women's Technology Program, Lemelson-MIT InvenTeams,
and S.E.E.D. Academy?

The Graduate Alumni Broadcast: Education for Our Future is an
excellent opportunity to join fellow alumni for networking, community
building, and learning about MIT's focus on maintaining and
strengthening K-12 science and technology education. Register today
at http://alum.mit.edu/broadcast.

The event will be broadcast from a live panel discussion in Cambridge
to cities around the country and will feature faculty members
discussing various aspects of maintaining and strengthening K-12
science and technology education.

Panelists:

Catherine Drennan, Associate Professor, Chemistry--Keeping girls
engaged in science and technology
Woodie Flowers ME '73, Pappalardo Professor of Mechanical
Engineering, Mechanical Engineering--FIRST Competition
Mitch Resnick EE '88, LEGO Papert Professor of Learning Research, MIT
Media Lab--Lifelong Kindergarten Research Group
Isaac Colbert HM, Dean for Graduate Students--Introductory Remarks
Dedric Carter '99, Executive Director, Office of Engineering Outreach
Programs--Moderator
Participating cities :

Los Angeles, CA
Mountain View, CA
Miami, FL
Atlanta, GA
Chicago, IL
Cambridge, MA
Kennebunkport, ME
Ann Arbor, MI
New York, NY
Philadelphia, PA
For more information and to register, visit
http://alum.mit.edu/broadcast. Questions? Write gradalumni@... or
call 617-252-1149.



Remove yourself from this mailing.

FYI, I got this and forward along in case anyone has an interested 12-18
year-old.

Anne

TEEN ACTING WORKSHOP

 

Saturday, March 10th, 1:30-4:30pm

 

For students aged 12-18

 

This three-hour workshop will include improvisation and scene work.  This
class will provide a fun and supportive environment for teens to express
their creativity and to learn the foundations of acting.

 

COST: $75 (a $25 deposit is needed to register)

 

LOCATION: the Essayons Theatre Company studio in Davis Square, Somerville

 

To register, or if you have questions, please email:  etcactingclass@...

 

ABOUT THE TEACHERS

Amanda Good Hennessey received her MFA in Acting from the Actors Studio
Drama School in NYC.  Amanda, an actor and playwright, is also Co-Artistic
Director of Essayons Theatre Company, a company that creates its own
theatrical works.  She has performed on stage, in films, industrials and
commercials.  She most recently appeared in SpeakEasy¹s hit show, The WOMEN,
(which just received 5 IRNE nominations - Independent Reviewers of New
England) and also in THE CHILD KING, a feature film that premiered in the
Los Angeles International Children¹s Film Festival this past October.  In
addition to teaching acting to adults with her husband, Amanda also teaches
acting to teenagers at the Huntington Theatre Company¹s after-school program
and is also a playwriting mentor for young playwrights there.  She also
teaches at Boston University.

 

Art Hennessey is the Founder and Co-Artistic Director of Essayons and is
also a  playwright, director and actor.  His play I GO SOLO was nominated
for an IRNE in 2003 for best new play and his short play TRUMPETER won best
play in the 2004 Short Takes Festival at Arlington Friends of the Drama. 
His plays BAG OF BONES,  STAGEY READINGS and TRUMPETER were finalists in the
Actors Theatre of Louisville¹s National 10 minute play contest.

 

ABOUT ESSAYONS THEATRE COMPANY

Essayons Theatre Company seeks to create theatrical works through a process
of collaboration with actors, directors, musicians and writers.  All plays
produced by Essayons are new and have been created by members of the
company.  Essayons¹ most recent production ­ EUROPHOCHYLUS, MASSACHUSETTS ­
was nominated as ³Best New Play for a Small Company² in 2004 by the
Independent Reviewers of New England (IRNE).  This is the second year in a
row that an Essayons¹ production has received an IRNE nomination.  Art
Hennessey¹s play I GO SOLO was nominated as ³Best New Play for a Small
Company² in 2003.  Essayons has performed in MA, NYC and Seattle, WA.

 

If you are interested or have any questions, please email
etcactingclass@....

------ Forwarded Message
From: "annebeckmann@..." <annebeckmann@...>
Reply-To: <annebeckmann@...>
Date: Mon, 5 Feb 2007 13:24:46 -0500
To: <baldwinbeckmann@...>
Subject: FW: [somartscouncil] Teen Acting Workshop

Original Message:
-----------------
From: Amanda Good amandabensongood@...
Date: Sat, 03 Feb 2007 22:33:35 +0000
To: somartscouncil@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [somartscouncil] Teen Acting Workshop



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             <p><div><DIV class="RTE">
<P class="MsoNormal"><FONT face="Times New Roman" size="3">TEEN ACTING
WORKSHOP</
FONT></P>
<P class="MsoNormal"><FONT face="Times New Roman"><FONT
size="3"> <o></o></FONT></
FONT></P>
<P class="MsoNormal"><FONT face="Times New Roman" size="3">Saturday, March
10th, 1:30-
4:30pm</FONT></P>
<P class="MsoNormal"><FONT face="Times New Roman"><FONT
size="3"> <o></o></FONT></
FONT></P>
<P class="MsoNormal"><FONT face="Times New Roman" size="3">For students
aged 12-18</
FONT></P>
<P class="MsoNormal"><FONT face="Times New Roman"><FONT
size="3"> <o></o></FONT></
FONT></P>
<P class="MsoNormal"><FONT face="Times New Roman" size="3">This three-hour
workshop will
include improvisation and scene work.<SPAN>  </SPAN>This class will provide
a fun and
supportive environment for teens to express their creativity and to learn
the foundations of acting.</
FONT></P>
<P class="MsoNormal"><FONT face="Times New Roman"><FONT
size="3"> <o></o></FONT></
FONT></P>
<P class="MsoNormal"><FONT face="Times New Roman" size="3">COST: $75 (a $25
deposit is
needed to register)</FONT></P>
<P class="MsoNormal"><FONT face="Times New Roman"><FONT
size="3"> <o></o></FONT></
FONT></P>
<P class="MsoNormal"><FONT face="Times New Roman" size="3">LOCATION: the
Essayons
Theatre Company studio in Davis Square, Somerville</FONT></P>
<P class="MsoNormal"><FONT face="Times New Roman"><FONT
size="3"> <o></o></FONT></
FONT></P>
<P class="MsoNormal"><FONT face="Times New Roman"><FONT size="3">To
register, or if you
have questions, please email:<SPAN>  </SPAN></FONT></FONT><A href=
"mailto:etcactingclass@..."><FONT face="Times New Roman"
size="3">etcactingclass@<
wbr>aol.com</FONT></A></P>
<P class="MsoNormal"><FONT face="Times New Roman"><FONT
size="3"> <o></o></FONT></
FONT></P>
<P class="MsoNormal"><FONT face="Times New Roman"><FONT size="3"><SPAN
style="COLOR:
black;">ABOUT THE TEACHERS</SPAN><SPAN style="COLOR:
black;"><o></o></SPAN></
FONT></FONT></P>
<P class="MsoNormal"><FONT face="Times New Roman"><FONT size="3"><SPAN
style="COLOR:
black;">Amanda Good Hennessey received her MFA in Acting from the Actors
Studio Drama School
in NYC.  Amanda, an actor and playwright, is also Co-Artistic Director of
Essayons Theatre
Company, a company that creates its own theatrical works.  She has
performed on stage, in films,
industrials and commercials.  She most recently appeared in SpeakEasy¹s hit
show, The WOMEN,
(which just received 5 IRNE nominations - Independent Reviewers of New
England) and also in
THE CHILD KING, a feature film that premiered in the Los Angeles
International Children¹s Film
Festival this past October.  In addition to teaching acting to adults with
her husband, Amanda also
teaches acting to teenagers at the Huntington Theatre Company¹s
after-school program and is also a playwriting mentor for young playwrights
there.<SPAN>  </
SPAN>She also teaches at Boston University.</SPAN><SPAN style="COLOR:
black;"><o></o></
SPAN></FONT></FONT></P>
<P class="MsoNormal"><FONT face="Times New Roman"><FONT size="3"><SPAN
style="COLOR:
black;"> </SPAN><SPAN style="COLOR: black;"><o></o></SPAN></FONT></FONT></P>
<P class="MsoNormal"><FONT face="Times New Roman"><FONT size="3"><SPAN
style="COLOR:
black;">Art Hennessey is the Founder and Co-Artistic Director of Essayons
and is also a<SPAN>  </
SPAN>playwright, director and actor.  His play I GO SOLO was nominated for
an IRNE in 2003 for
best new play and his short play TRUMPETER won best play in the 2004 Short
Takes Festival at
Arlington Friends of the Drama.  His plays BAG OF BONES,  STAGEY READINGS
and
TRUMPETER were finalists in the Actors Theatre of Louisville¹s National 10
minute play contest.</
SPAN><SPAN style="COLOR: black;"><o></o></SPAN></FONT></FONT></P>
<P class="MsoNormal"><FONT face="Times New Roman"><FONT size="3"><SPAN
style="COLOR:
black;"> </SPAN><SPAN style="COLOR: black;"><o></o></SPAN></FONT></FONT></P>
<P class="MsoNormal"><FONT face="Times New Roman"><FONT size="3"><SPAN
style="COLOR:
black;">ABOUT ESSAYONS THEATRE COMPANY</SPAN><SPAN style="COLOR:
black;"><o></
o></SPAN></FONT></FONT></P>
<P class="MsoNormal"><FONT face="Times New Roman"><FONT size="3"><SPAN
style="COLOR:
black;">Essayons Theatre Company seeks to create theatrical works through a
process of
collaboration with actors, directors, musicians and writers.  All plays
produced by Essayons are new
and have been created by members of the company.  Essayons¹ most recent
production ­
EUROPHOCHYLUS, MASSACHUSETTS ­ was nominated as ³Best New Play for a Small
Company² in 2004 by the Independent Reviewers of New England (IRNE).  This
is the second year
in a row that an Essayons¹ production has received an IRNE nomination.  Art
Hennessey¹s play I GO
SOLO was nominated as ³Best New Play for a Small Company² in 2003. 
Essayons has performed
in MA, NYC and Seattle, WA.</SPAN><SPAN style="COLOR:
black;"><o></o></SPAN></FONT></
FONT></P>
<P class="MsoNormal"><FONT face="Times New Roman"><FONT size="3"><SPAN
style="COLOR:
black;"> </SPAN><SPAN style="COLOR: black;"><o></o></SPAN></FONT></FONT></P>
<P class="MsoNormal"><FONT face="Times New Roman"><SPAN style="COLOR:
black;"><FONT
size="3">If you are interested or have any questions, please email
</FONT><A href=
"mailto:etcactingclass@..."><FONT
size="3">etcactingclass@<wbr>aol.com</FONT></A><
FONT size="3">.</FONT></SPAN></FONT></P>
<P class="MsoNormal"><FONT face="Times New Roman"><SPAN style="COLOR:
black;"><A href=
"http://www.essayons.org/" target="_blank"><SPAN><FONT
size="3"></FONT></SPAN></A></
SPAN><SPAN style="COLOR: black;"><o></o></SPAN></FONT> </P>
<P class="MsoNormal"><FONT face="Times New Roman"><FONT size="3"><SPAN
style="COLOR:
black;"> </SPAN><SPAN style="COLOR:
black;"><o></o></SPAN></FONT></FONT></P></DIV></
div><br clear="all"><hr> <a href="http://g.msn.com/8HMBENUS/2755??PS=47575"
target="_top">
Check out all that glitters with the MSN Entertainment Guide to the Academy
Awards® </a>

</p>
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Get involved with the Somerville Conversations Project!

The Somerville Conversations Project is series of roundtable community
dialogues taking place in March and April of 2007 -
Join us as we celebrate and strengthen our community through dialogue!

Facilitators - both new and experienced - are needed to lead discussion
sessions.  Each small discussion group will be led by two (adult) or three
(one adult and two youth) facilitators.  Youth between the ages of fourteen
and nineteen are invited to apply for a stipend.  Training for both youth
and adult facilitators is scheduled to take place on February 24
(alternative arrangements can be made if necessary).  Our aim is for both
facilitators and participants to reflect the diverse backgrounds and
experiences of the people in our city.

Youth applying for a stipend must submit completed applications by Thursday,
February 15, 2007.  All other persons interested in facilitating should
submit their applications by Thursday, February 22, 2007.  An application
form is attached here, and applications are also available online at
http://www.ci.somerville.ma.us/CoS_Content/documents/facilitator_app_CP07.do
c or by calling 617-625-2200 x2165.  Completed applications should be sent
via e-mail (humanrights@...), fax (617-625-1023), or mail
(19 Walnut Street, Somerville, MA 02143).


*************************************************
More about the Conversations Project:
*************************************************

Started in 1996, the Somerville Conversations Project is a series of
community roundtable discussions. Residents come together in facilitated
discussions to share experiences and communicate about their hopes and
concerns. The mission of the Conversations Project is:
	 · To promote dialogue between groups that have little contact
with one another
	 · To create relationships between diverse people and build a
respectful community
	 · To encourage residents to learn from the experiences of
their neighbors
	 · To promote leadership and civic participation in our city

Beginning in March of 2007, approximately two hundred people will
participate in group discussions of ten to twelve people.  Groups will
reflect the diverse population of Somerville - long-time residents, new and
old immigrants, people of all ages and backgrounds. Each group will be led
by trained facilitators and will meet for four two-hour sessions.  Dialogue
will center around the changing face of Somerville and the roles of youth
and young families in our community. The Conversations Project is hosted by
the Human Rights Commission and is open to anyone who lives or works in
Somerville.

Persons interested in participating in the group dialogue sessions or
volunteering are encouraged to contact Mary Lu Mendonca at
mmendonca@... or by phone at 617-625-6600 x2165.

  <<facilitator_app_CP07.doc>>

________________________________
Mary Lu Mendonca
Executive Director
Somerville Human Rights Commission
19 Walnut Street
Somerville, MA 02143
(617) 625-6600 ext. 2165
Fax: (617) 625-1023

Dear all,

I wanted to to remind folks that representatives from the Parent Information
Center will be at the Healey School tomorrow, Friday February 9 to register
children for kindergarten. You do not have to register at the school of your
choice, but under the new system each school will be set up as a
registration site at different dates in the next few weeks. The Healey,
which is the home of the Choice Program, will have its turn tomorrow.


Cheers,
Adam

SteveSongs Family Concerts during February Vacation
Week!

Come to a SteveSongs Family Concert.  Acclaimed
singer-songwriter Steve Roslonek will be performing on
Saturday, February 24 at 10:00 a.m. and 1:00p.m. at
Cohen Auditorium, 40 Talbot Avenue (off College Ave.),
Tufts University, Medford.

With his original and innovative songs, quirky sense
of humor and magical ability to relate to children at
their own level, a SteveSongs concert is an experience
that is sure to please audiences of all ages. It’s a
kid’s concert that’s fun for grown-ups too!   And it’s
the perfect way to wind down your school vacation.

Tickets are $7 in advance, $9 at the door; lap babies
free.  For tickets call or visit Balch Arena Box
Office (617-627-3493); for online tickets go to
www.stevesongs.com.   Buy tickets early to guarantee
the concert time of your choice.

End your vacation on a high note!  All proceeds from
these concerts will benefit the Eliot-Pearson
Children's School Scholarship Fund.  Please call
617-627-3434 for more information.




________________________________________________________________________________\
____
Any questions? Get answers on any topic at www.Answers.yahoo.com.  Try it now.

Get involved with the Somerville Conversations Project!
Facilitator positions still available!


Would you like to make a difference in your community?  The Somerville
Conversations Project is series of community roundtables taking place in
March and April of 2007.  We are seeking both facilitator and participants
of all ages to join this important dialogue on "Youth and Young Somerville".


How does it work?
Each small discussion group will be led by two (adult) or three (one adult
and two youth) facilitators.  Each group will meet four times, in weekly
sessions beginning the week of March 18 and extending through mid-to-late
April.  Groups will discuss the issues confronting youth and young families,
and the impact of these developments on the city as a whole.  A final
Congress will be held in late April for all groups to convene, celebrate,
and share their findings.  Discussion sessions will take place in various
locations throughout the city, primarily on weekday evenings.  Exact
times/days/locations for each group are TBA depending on the availability of
facilitators.

Who can join?
Anyone who lives or works in Somerville, or is affiliated with an agency or
company serving Somerville residents is welcome to participate as a group
member or facilitator.  Groups will reflect the diverse population of
Somerville - long-time residents, new and old immigrants, policy-makers,
businesspeople, law enforcement personnel -- people of all ages and
backgrounds.  Professional development credits may be available for
teachers.

How do I sign up?

  - Facilitators can be new or experienced, and must submit applications are
by Thursday, March 1, 2007.  Training will be provided (training dates are
scheduled for February 24 in the morning and during the week of March 5-9 in
the evening.)  **Youth between the ages of fourteen and nineteen who are
interested in serving as facilitators are invited to apply for a stipend.**
Facilitator applications are available online at
http://www.ci.somerville.ma.us/CoS_Content/documents/facilitator_app_CP07.do
c or by calling 617-625-6600 x2165.
- Participants must apply by Friday, March 9, 2007.  Participant
applications are available online at
http://www.ci.somerville.ma.us/CoS_Content/documents/participant07.doc or by
calling 617-625-6600 x2165.
- Completed applications should be sent via e-mail
(humanrights@...), fax (617-625-1023), or mail (19 Walnut
Street, Somerville, MA 02143).

Additional information
The Conversations Project is hosted by the Human Rights Commission and the
city of Somerville.  2007 marks the seventh round of Conversations, which
have been happening on a semi-biannual basis since 1996.  Check out our
website (http://www.ci.somerville.ma.us/Section.cfm?org=RIGHTS&page=699) or
contact Mary Lu Mendonca (information below) for more information or if you
have questions.

Join us as we celebrate and strengthen our community through dialogue!

________________________________
Mary Lu Mendonca
Executive Director
Somerville Human Rights Commission
***please note new address***
City Hall Annex
50 Evergreen Avenue
Somerville, MA 02143
(617) 625-6600 ext. 2165
Fax: (617) 625-1023

Get involved with the Somerville Conversations Project!
Facilitator positions still available (deadline extended!)


Would you like to make a difference in your community?  The
Somerville Conversations Project is series of community roundtables
taking place in March and April of 2007.  We are seeking both
facilitator and participants of all ages to join this important
dialogue on "Youth and Young Somerville".

How does it work?
Each small discussion group will be led by two (adult) or three (one
adult and two youth) facilitators.  Each group will meet four times,
in weekly sessions beginning the week of March 18 and extending
through mid-to-late April.  Groups will discuss the issues
confronting youth and young families, and the impact of these
developments on the city as a whole.  A final Congress will be held
in late April for all groups to convene, celebrate, and share their
findings.  Discussion sessions will take place in various locations
throughout the city, primarily on weekday evenings.  Exact
times/days/locations for each group are TBA depending on the
availability of facilitators.

Who can join?
Anyone who lives or works in Somerville, or is affiliated with an
agency or company serving Somerville residents is welcome to
participate as a group member or facilitator.  Groups will reflect
the diverse population of Somerville - long-time residents, new and
old immigrants, policy-makers, businesspeople, law enforcement
personnel -- people of all ages and backgrounds.  Professional
development credits may be available for teachers.

How do I sign up?

  - Facilitators can be new or experienced, and must submit
applications are by Thursday, March 1, 2007.  Training will be
provided (training dates are scheduled for February 24 in the morning
and during the week of March 5-9 in the evening.)  **Youth between
the ages of fourteen and nineteen who are interested in serving as
facilitators are invited to apply for a stipend.**  Facilitator
applications are available online at
http://www.ci.somerville.ma.us/CoS_Content/documents/facilitator_app_C
P07.doc or by calling 617-625-6600 x2165.
- Participants must apply by Friday, March 9, 2007.  Participant
applications are available online at
http://www.ci.somerville.ma.us/CoS_Content/documents/participant07.doc
  or by calling 617-625-6600 x2165.
- Completed applications should be sent via e-mail
(humanrights@...), fax (617-625-1023), or mail (19
Walnut Street, Somerville, MA 02143).

Additional information
The Conversations Project is hosted by the Human Rights Commission
and the city of Somerville.  2007 marks the seventh round of
Conversations, which have been happening on a semi-biannual basis
since 1996.  Check out our website
(http://www.ci.somerville.ma.us/Section.cfm?org=RIGHTS&page=699) or
contact Mary Lu Mendonca (information below) for more information or
if you have questions.

Join us as we celebrate and strengthen our community through dialogue!

________________________________
Mary Lu Mendonca
Executive Director
Somerville Human Rights Commission
***please note new address***
City Hall Annex
50 Evergreen Avenue
Somerville, MA 02143
(617) 625-6600 ext. 2165
Fax: (617) 625-1023

-------------- Forwarded Message: --------------
From: MomsRising <momsrising@...>
To: mmcwhinney@...
Subject: 'Mom's Mad. And She's Organized.'
Date: Thu, 22 Feb 2007 22:43:24 +0000

Dear MomsRising member,

You're in the news!  Today's New York Times includes a lengthy article about MomsRising.org, the house parties to screen the Motherhood Manifesto film, and our growing membership--in none other than the Style section.  The buzz about MomsRising is growing.  As the article title says, "Mom's Mad. And She's Organized."

*Read the full story by clicking here: http://www.nytimes.com/2007/02/22/fashion/22mothers.html?_r=1&oref=slogin 

SEND THE STORY TO OTHERS:  Help us create even more of a buzz and build the movement by sending the story to others through the New York Times website (or just send on the link in this email).  Right now, our story is # 7 on the list of "Most Emailed Stories" of the day--let's get it to # 1. 

*Here's How to Send the Story to Others Via the New York Times Website: If you're already a registered user on the New York Times website, just go to the story link above and click the "Email" link on the upper right side of the story.  - And, if you're not already a registered New York Times web user, you'll be prompted to do so when you click "Email"--it takes just a second to register, and then you can forward the article via email far and wide.

HERE ARE SOME QUOTES FROM THE ARTICLE: "A generation of mothers who are largely perceived as postfeminist in every way, from sex to economic discrimination, has begun a consciousness-raising that is almost old-fashioned were it not for the technology involved.  Raised to believe that girls could accomplish anything, these women have reached parenthood, only to find they face many of the same pay, equity, and work-family balance issues that were being fought over decades before....  For the women who are fired up about workplace inequalities, there is an easy way to fight back, without even leaving the house.... 'For women, I know we want to lead more meaningful lives and make a difference, but it's easy to feel overwhelmed,' she said. 'But MomsRising makes it feel manageable.  Plus, it creates a community, which is really fun.'"

GET INVOLVED--SPREAD THE WORD--HOLD A HOUSE PARTY: Inspired by the story? Want to hold a house party to screen the film just like the moms in the article? 

*Sign on to hold a house party at http://www.party2win.com/MomsRising  

It's easy, fun, and it is powerful movement building. You'll even find how-to materials on that house party web link above.

Here's to making 2007 the year of the family!

Thank you - The MomsRising Team

 

*Your donations make the work of MomsRising possible--and we deeply appreciate your support. Every little bit counts.  To donate today on our new, secure website go to: https://secure.democracyinaction.o rg/dia/organizations/momsrising/shop/custom.jsp?donate_page_KEY=2156 

-You have received this email because you are a supporter of MomsRising, if you would like to unsubscribe or to update that information click here. 

 

 

-------------- Forwarded Message: --------------
From: aljgrossman@...
To: mmcwhinney@...
Subject: FW: [Fwd: [GBCC] West Side Story Movie/Sing Along Benefit by the Mystic Chorale!]
Date: Sat, 24 Feb 2007 22:27:53 +0000

 

 

-------------- Forwarded Message: --------------
From: "The Master Singers" <msingers@...>
To: aljgrossman@..., harrietandalbert@..., RJShaw321@..., susanehh@...
Subject: [Fwd: [GBCC] West Side Story Movie/Sing Along Benefit by the Mystic Chorale!]
Date: Tue, 20 Feb 2007 13:05:00 +0000

---------------------------- Original Message ----------------------------
Subject: [GBCC] West Side Story Movie/Sing Along Benefit by the Mystic
Chorale!
From: "Jo"
Date: Thu, February 15, 2007 12:37 pm
To: GBCC@yahoogroups.com
--------------------------------------------------------------------------

WEST SIDE STORY MOVIE/SING ALONG BENEFIT- only 4 weeks away!!!

Sunday, March 18, 2007, 3:30pm
Somerville Theatre, 55 Davis Square, Somerville

West Side Story is considered t o be one of the best song and dance
films of all time and is definitely a must see for anyone who loves
musicals or dance. Watch Tony and Maria in this modern Romeo & Juliet
story as they try to beat the odds and keep love alive. Join the
Sharks and the Jets, Office Krupke and the rest of the audience as we
laugh and cry and root for love's triumph ! Most of all sing to your
hearts content and enjoy yourself at this second annual benefit for
the Mystic Chorale, a non-profit community chorus.
Bring the family, bring your friends, come in a group and have a great
time!!! Watch the movie and sing the songs with 800 audience members
while song lyrics are projected on the movie screen. Come in costume
(optional) as your favorite male or female character and win prizes in
the costume contest. Receive goodie bags with fun props to help act
out each of the songs in the movie.

For more information about the Mystic Chorale or t h is event visit our
website at www.mysticchorale.org.

Tickets:
$35- Premiere Seating (the best viewing seats in the Theatre and
support the Mystic Chorale even more!)
$20- General Admission
$15- Seniors/Students

Tickets Available At:
Somerville Theatre Box Office (3-9pm daily)
Cash only accepted at this location, no fee added to tickets
617/625-4088

Ticketmaster
617/931-2000
www.ticketmaster.com
(service fees added to ticket cost)

By Mail:
(no fee added; checks only; orders received after 3/10 will be held at
Will Call)
Send your check and a self-addressed stamped envelope to:

Mystic Chorale
West Side Story Tickets
43 Fellsview Ave
Medford MA 02155
Be sure to indicate Premiere, Adult, Child/Senior


For more information about this event contact wss@... or
call 781/316-2500

*Incorporated in 1999, The Mystic Chorale is a non-profit,
vo lunteer-run community chorus, the mission of which is to make music
a participatory experience, promote singing as an act of compassion
and explore through song, the
musically-rich and diverse cultures of the world. The music we sing is
from many eras, cultures and spiritual traditions.*

Hey, folks!

Just checked the Somerville Public Schools website and saw
that the School Committee's public hearing on long-range
planning goals is, as advertised, on March 8th at 7 p.m.
but AT THE HEALEY SCHOOL.

- Sarah

What's wrong with the school committee's long term plan?

In my opinion, not nearly enough focus on data.

The goals and priorities were not selected based on concrete, evidence-based
analysis.  The seem to be a somewhat randomly selected list of ideas, not a
strategic plan.  Objectives are not written as measurable targets with
baseline starting points.  There is no clear relationship between the
Superintendent's draft annual report on the schools and the strategic plan.
Success ill defined is evasive.

I plan on being there at the meeting next Thu (7pm Healey) to express this
view.  I'd welcome some dialogue about this point between now and then and
any support for this position from people in agreement at the meeting.

BTW - I am writing this message from my hotel room at the National Center
for Education Statistics annual conference.  All 50 states are here talking
about the impact of data on education. I've attached an article below from a
recent EdWeek that summarizes a paper describing the key characteristics
that successful school systems that use data effectively share.

g.



Education Week

Published: February 14, 2007
Data-Wise School Systems Seen as Sharing Key Traits
By Lynn Olson

Schools and districts nationwide are being exhorted to use data to improve
instruction. But what does that advice look like in practice?

That¹s the question addressed by a new study that examined two midsize urban
districts and two nonprofit charter-management organizations with records of
improving student achievement over time and of grounding their
decision-making in data.

While the effective use of data can look quite different from place to
place, the researchers concluded, the school systems studied had all built a
strong foundation for data use by setting specific, measurable goals for
student performance at the system, school, and classroom levels, among other
commonalities.

³The more explicit and targeted the goals are, the more likely they are to
provide focus for data-driven decision-making,² says ³Achieving With Data,²
conducted by the Center on Educational Governance at the University of
Southern California and commissioned by the NewSchools Venture Fund, a San
Francisco-based venture philanthropy.

The researchers spent part of the 2005-06 school year examining practices
within each of four systems of schools: the Garden Grove, Calif., school
district; the Aldine, Texas, school district; the New Haven, Conn.-based
Achievement First charter-management organization; and Aspire Public
Schools, a CMO based in Oakland, Calif.

They found that data-driven decision-making was made much easier when clear,
grade-by-grade curricula were adopted systemwide, when high-quality
materials were aligned to the curriculum, and when pacing guides clearly
described the breadth and depth of content to be taught.

Both the Garden Grove and Aldine school districts, for example, have
systemwide curricula, pacing guides, and instructional materials. Aspire has
produced a set of instructional guidelines for science, language arts,
humanities, and mathematics based on California content standards.

The researchers cautioned, though, that school systems must strike a balance
between a core curriculum and enough flexibility for educators to use
different instructional strategies based on what the data tell them.
Building a Culture

Each of the school systems also built a culture that values regular and
consistent use of data. And all of them had invested in a user-friendly
data-management infrastructure, focused on making data timely and
accessible. Most also had a dedicated individual or team responsible for
supporting data analysis and use by both central office and school
personnel.

The four school systems also devoted time to selecting the right data to
collect, including student test data, data on instructional practices, and
data to monitor progress toward specific goals. All four systems, for
example, used data from periodic, or interim, assessments aligned to content
standards.

By drawing on a mix of data, school systems were able to use the information
for multiple purposes‹including instructional, curricular, resource
allocation, and planning decisions. Some sites also offered rewards and
incentives for improved achievement that arose out of data-driven decisions.

In addition, each of the school systems invested in professional development
to support the use of data, provided time for teacher collaboration, and
connected educators across schools to share data and improvement strategies.

³The one big challenge was, in fact, getting all teachers to buy in and use
data, and to have enough professional development so that the teachers could
feel comfortable,² Amanda Datnow, an associate director of the center and
one of the report¹s authors, said in an interview.

At the same time, she noted, some teachers have become enthusiastic data
users. ³We went into schools and teachers would be literally meeting us with
notebooks of information that they wanted to share with us,² she said.

All of the school systems also developed tools and processes to help
principals, teachers, and other staff act on data. These included explicit
data-analysis protocols and goal-monitoring reports for administrators,
teachers, and, in some cases, students.

Nonetheless, managing and prioritizing data continued to be a challenge.
Particularly as school systems expanded the types of data collected and used
for school improvement efforts, Ms. Datnow said, ³not all of the
data-management systems were ready to grow with their needs on the ground.²

Hello all - I know this group cares about the future of our great city. Thus,
please
take a minute to forward along this note to anyone you know who could help
Somerville
or consider applying yourself. Also, bookmark our city's jobs site and consider
coming to work here full time! (http://www.ci.somerville.ma.us/jobs.cfm)

Working for the city is a satisfying and lively experience. It is exciting to
see the results of
our efforts each day.

Thank you and let me know if you have any questions or comments.

Stephanie Hirsch
SomerStat Director, & Union Square/Lincoln Park resident and parent
617-512-4847 - cell
617-625-6600 (ext. 2103) - work

*********

City of Somerville Special Projects Interns:

OVERVIEW: The City of Somerville is soliciting spring and summer interns to
carry
out a number of mission-critical city projects. The city will hire seven interns
who will be assigned projects with significant responsibility. Interns will also
attend regular workshops on municipal management coordinated by the city's
SomerStat
Department. SomerStat is a performance improvement program created by the Mayor
of Somerville. Interns will earn a stipend of $3,000 to $5,000, depending on the
position, their experience, and their number of weeks worked. Interns may start
anytime between early spring and early summer.

WHY WORK IN SOMERVILLE: Working with Somerville is a great introduction to the
inside
operations of city government. In a Boston Globe column, the city was named the
best-managed municipality in the Commonwealth (see:
http://www.ci.somerville.ma.us/Division.cfm?orgunit=SOMSTAT)
The city has achieved a great deal, in part because it has drawn on the talent
of
young people and career changers who bring enthusiasm and new perspective to our
work. Please consider helping us make Somerville a nationwide example of
innovative
municipal problem solving.

TO APPLY: Please e-mail a resume and cover letter ASAP to Stephanie Hirsch,
SomerStat
Director at shirsch@.... Please state in your letter any
preference
you for projects or departments. The application deadline is MARCH 16th, however
earlier applications will be reviewed promptly.

PROJECTS: Interns will work on the following projects:

POLICE POLICIES AND PROCEDURES: Work at the Somerville Police Headquarters to
develop
policy and procedure materials that will govern police practices and support
police
training (Police).

POLICESTAT ANALYSTS: Assist the Somerville Police crime analyst and Police Chief
on analysis of data for internal PoliceStat meetings (Police).

SOMERSTAT ANALYSTS: Work with the SomerStat team to monitor performance of key
city
departments (Fire, Library, Health, Recreation and Youth) and support those
departments'
efforts to adopt best practices (SomerStat).

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS: Assist the Health Director with emergency preparedness
projects,
including staffing support to the Local Emergency Planning Committee and
assistance
with the National Incident Management System (Health).

RODENT CONTROL: Staff city's rodent control taskforce to implement Integrated
Pest
Management approaches (Health).

BUDGET PREPARATION: Assist in preparation of FY08 budget and administer and
analyze
results of employee and department head surveys (SomerStat).

OPERATIONAL ANALYSIS: Prepare an analysis of the feasibility, costs, and
benefits
of shifting the city towards a centralized payroll system (Finance).

PERSONNEL SPECIAL PROJECTS: Assist Personnel Director in development of a model
for performance evaluation of employees (Personnel).

 

Marty Martinez is a truly talented thinker, speaker and do-er.  He knows city government from the inside and the outside.  He has particular concern for Somerville youth.  He has worked on health issues, affordable housing, and lots of other things that I regard as very important for the future well-being of Somerville and particularly the well-being of our children. 

 

What is an Alderman, you may ask?  An alderman serves as your local representative to municipal government.  There are 7 Ward Alderman in Somerville, one for each Ward.  There are also 4 Aldermen at Large, each of whom represents everyone in the city.  It's a big job, as you might guess.

 

Details on the Party:  it's next Tuesday, March 13, from 7:00 to 9:00 at the Somerville Museum, on the corner of Central Street and Westwood Road.  (Our lovely museum in the block of Central running between Highland Avenue and Summer Street.  Very easy to find.)  The Women's Party for Marty is sponsored by Senator Pat Jehlen and also by Representative Denise Provost, who is supporting Marty for this Alderman seat that she just vacated.  (And men can come too if they'd like.)

 

Please call Marty's campaign office, 617-513-3296, or visit his website for more information -- www.MartyforAlderman.com , or call me if you'd rather -- 617-776-4783.

 

I do hope you can come to this event.  In any case, please be prepared to cast your vote in this important primary election on April 10, with the general election on May 15.

 

Many thanks,

 

Melissa McWhinney

from massfamilyvoices@yahoogroups.com, please
distribute widely.

Hola!

There is a brand new website that provides information
and supports to Spanish-speaking families with
children on the autism spectrum. Please help get the
word out by sharing this information with your
extended networks.

  www.manitasporautismo.com.

This site was created by families for families and has
information in Spanish about AUTISM. They are
developing a chat room and forum area. A dad of a 15yr
old will moderate the chats & forums. A mom of a 21 yr

old will moderate educational issues. Two doctors from
Mexico who will answer questions about AUTISM. A great
advocate will help answer questions about IEP & Faith
Based inquiries. A section about FOOD & SUPPLEMENTS
is being developed.

If you have experience and/or expertise you'd like to
volunteer,  or information you'd like to see included
on the site contact: Maria Teresa at
abinader4@...




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