School  expert downplays division; challenges in next year noted

The Arlington School Committee moved forward Sept. 4 to seek a newsuperintendent and heard differing views about the committee’ssolidarity. An official with long experience in school matters praisedthe committee’s relative strengths as a committee member raised doubtsand noted key challenges in the school year ahead.

The action was swift and unanimous. In special session, the committeevoted, 6-0 (Sue Sheffler was not present), to name a subcommittee thatwill consider how to fill the position of superintendent of schools,left vacant Aug. 7, Nate Levenson unexpectedly resigned. Named tothe panel were Denise Burns, committee chair; Jeff Thielman and LebaHeigham. 

A 50-year-old Arlington woman was injured Aug. 30 after a car lurched forward, hitting the front of Trader's Joe's in Arlington Heights and pinning her, Arlington police reported. Keum Hwang was struck after Adrienne Tashjian, 83, of 15 W. Chardon Road, Winchester, was attempting to park her 2008 Cadillac, and she accidentally pressed the gas pedal instead of the brake, police said. As a result, her vehicle lurched forward, striking Hwang at about 5:35 p.m.

Union leader cites power, notes it's a negotiation year

Who are the new teachers, staff? (PDF list for Aug. 29, 2008)

Three workers toil on Sunday, Aug. 31, to get the Stratton playground, under construction since late June, ready for the opening of school. New sod is in place, but it's not set yet for children's feet.

The unpaid hands of volunteers reach across Arlington, supporting a series of services. Among many groups one could name are recreation, conservation, transportation and our schools.

Volunteers drive the efforts of more than 100 boards and commissions for the town and schools. Many work largely out of the public eye (though some do get more than their share of political scrutiny). YourArlington wants to know what Arlington volunteer group deserves praise. 

Let the public know your choices by clicking on the comment link at the bottom of this story and by listing the groups you favor -- and, briefly, why you favor them.

An unidentified Arlington woman who has tried twice -- without success -- to turn accusations targeting Sen. J. James. Marzilli Jr. into formal charges has appealed the latest rejection from Middlesex District Attorney Gerry Leone, Wickedlocal reported Aug. 29. For the full story, click here >>

Marzilli’s attorney has stood his ground, reportedly saying he intends to seek sanctions that could be as high as $20,000 against attorney Wendy Murphy over her most recent appeal to the Supreme Judicial Court. For that story, click here >>

Brion Cangiamila, a former state rep (1991-1993) and ex-selectman (1993-1999), has officially announced his candidacy for a write-in candidate on the Republican ballot for senator in the General Court for the primary election Tuesday, Sept. 16.

  “Beacon Hill just does not get it,” the Billerica resident wrote in a press release. “People are struggling to get by with the high cost of fuel, food and home-related costs.”  Cangiamila lost in the Special Election last December to Sen. J. James Marzilli Jr., Democrat of Arlington, after longtime Sen. Robert Havern, Democrat of Arlington, resigned to head a Boston lobbying firm.

A algae that fouled Spy Pond last September has shown up a little earlier this summer. Christine Connelly Sharkey, the town's health director, said high levels of microcystis algae detected at Spy Pond during water sampling performed by volunteers from the Mystic River Watershed Association continue to foul the Arlington water spot.

This particular type of algae can be toxic if ingested in high doses and can cause skin irritation and a rash after wading or swimming, she said in a news release issued Aug. 13. She told YourArlington on Aug. 25 that the advisory continues.

Arlington's triple-A from Standard & Poor's could mean the town will save $250,000 per year over an unspecified period, Charles Foskett, head of the town Capital Planning Committee, has told Selectmen Diane Mahon. "A higher bond rating can save us 0.5% or more in interest when the bonds re sold, and since we have $50 million or so in outstanding bonds, on the average that would save typically, maybe more," Mahon wrote to the Arlington e-mail list Aug. 20.