Category: Newton News

News happening in Newton Massachusetts.

Top Docs in Newton & Wellesley

NEWTON-WELLESLEY HOSPITAL PHYSICIANS NAMED TO BOSTON MAGAZINE’S TOP DOCTORS LIST

Thirty five Newton-Wellesley Hospital physicians were recently named in the December, 2014 Boston Magazine “Top Doctors” list.

This year’s Boston Magazine list was again generated from a survey conducted by Castle Connolly Medical Ltd, a healthcare researcher that also publishes America’s Top Doctors, a guide to the country’s top 1% of medical specialists. Castle Connolly’s physician-led research team uses mail and phone surveys and electronic ballots to ask physicians and the medical leadership of leading hospitals to identify highly skilled, exceptional doctors. From that group, it identified 649 top Boston-area doctors across 50 specialties.

Following are the physicians affiliated with Newton-Wellesley who were included on this list:
Jennifer Rosenblum, MD, Adolescent Medicine

Johnson T. Wong, MD, Allergy & Immunology

Daniel Steinberg, MD, Allergy & Immunology

Moussa C. Mansour, MD, Cardiac Electrophysiology

G. William Dec Jr., MD, Cardiovascular Disease

Robin Jones, MD, Pediatric Neurology

Lawrence S. Friedman, MD, Gastroenterology

Ross Berkowitz, MD, Gynecologic Oncology

Jesse Jupiter, MD, Hand Surgery

Evan D. Schumer, MD, Hand Surgery

Katherine Economy, MD, Maternal Fetal Medicine

Thomas L. Beatty Jr., MD, Obstetrics/Gynecology

Phyllis W. Scherr, MD, Obstetrics/Gynecology

Marc Leibole, MD, Ophthalmology

Timothy E. Foster, MD, Orthopaedic Surgery

William L. Healy III, MD, Orthopaedic Surgery

Mark Rounds, MD, Otolaryngology

Anthony J. Guidi, MD, Pathology

Daniel Doody, MD, Pediatric Surgery

Allan Goldstein, MD, Pediatric Surgery

Jonathan Caine, MD, Pediatrics

Karen L. Sadler, MD, Pediatrics

Joanne Borg-Stein, MD, Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation

Daniel Driscoll. MD, Plastic Surgery

Jay Loeffler, MD, Radiation Oncology

Carol Anania, MD, Reproductive Endocrinology

Mark Hornstein, MD, Reproductive Endocrinology

Keith Isaacson, MD, Reproductive Endocrinology

James M. Becker, MD, Surgery

Kevin Hughes, MD, Surgery

Henning Gaissert, MD, Thoracic Surgery

John Wain, MD, Thoracic Surgery

Cameron D. Wright, MD, Thoracic Surgery

Christopher Kwolek, MD, Vascular Surgery.

Newton-Wellesley Hospital, a member of Partners HealthCare, provides a wide range of services, including medical, surgical, obstetrical, orthopaedic, neonatal, pediatric and psychiatric care. Newton-Wellesley has been serving its community for over a century. The medical staff of the Hospital includes nearly 1,000 physicians practicing a full range of specialties. NWH is a major teaching hospital for Tufts University School of Medicine and also has established post-graduate training programs for Harvard Medical School residents.

For more information or to schedule an appointment with a physician, contact CareFinder at 617.243.6566 or visit here.

December 16, 2014
NSTAR’s 30% Rate Increase
My guest blogger today is John H. Tourtelotte of Newton Solar Challenge.

NSTAR’s 30% Rate Increase: What can we do about it in Newton?

By now we’ve all seen the latest news on NSTAR’s major rate increase that will take effect this winter in Newton and throughout the region.

Why is the rate increase happening? What can we do about it at the community level and household level?

The “popular press”, including the Boston Globe and New York Times, has explained in recent articles that the 30% NSTAR electrical utility rate increase (and National Grid 37% rate increase) are a result of a shortage of natural gas distribution in New England to supply homes, businesses and natural gas fired power plants during periods of heavy demand in the winter months.

As a result, natural gas power plants face higher “fuel” costs, which power plant operators pass on to electrical utilities, which in turn then pass these costs to electrical utility customers. Many experts forecast that the shortage of natural gas is at least a ten year problem in New England due to lengthy planning and approval timelines for new natural gas pipelines to transport natural gas into New England.

So, let’s take a closer look at NSTAR’s planned 30% rate increase. Let’s also take a look at how “retail” electrical utility rates are calculated for residential customers in Newton. Then, let’s think about what we can do about it at the local level and at the household level.

For Newton residents, the current NSTAR residential rate of approximately $0.18 per kilowatt hour (kWh) is one of the highest rates in the U.S. This current $0.18 per kWh rate is before calculating the planned 30% rate increase.
- 46% of the $0.18 per kWh rate that we pay is allocated to “transmission and distribution” charges (T & D). These T & D charges represent the cost to move electrons through regional electrical distribution systems and across local wires on poles. T & D costs also include other charges, such as utility overhead and profit, pension and healthcare obligations, and staffing costs. The major utilities in New England are for-profit, publicly traded companies which have provided strong returns to their shareholders.
- 51% of the $0.18 we pay is for “energy supply” charges paid to out-of-state and in-state power plant operators and power providers. The current shortage of natural gas, which is used to “fire” the majority of our power plants in New England, affects the energy supply cost category.
- The remaining 3% of the electrical utility cost structure consists of “transition charges” and energy efficiency & renewable energy program costs.
- The Globe and NY Times tell us that the 30% rate increase is due to the limited supply of natural gas distribution, which is partially correct. What the press does not make clear is that the utility industry’s T & D costs typically rise at a rate higher than core inflation. (Again, T & D charges are about 50% of our total electrical charges). Many in the industry feel that there is substantial deferred maintenance in local electrical utility networks, suggesting continued increasing T & D charges. Even if the 30% rate increase is partially reduced after the winter season, consumers should expect continued cost escalations due to the nature of utility T & D cost structures.
We should all reflect on how wasteful it is to ship electrical power from regional power plants over wires to Newton and then within the local distribution system inside Newton. Over 10% of electrical power is lost in utility transmission and distribution networks (Source: NY Public Service Commission & EPRI, 2012). This T & D loss is on top of the inefficiency of even the most modern natural gas fired electrical generation plants (50% thermal efficiency).

What can you do about rising utility costs? What can we, as a community, do? How can we make “structural” changes to the way energy is generated and consumed in our community?

Energy efficiency is a “layup”! You should absolutely take advantage of the free home energy audits, $2,000 of free insulation, LED lighting upgrades and other programs available through the State’s “MassSave” program.

Then, by adopting solar on your home or business, you can provide up to 100% of your annual home or business electrical needs. You can draw from the utility grid when needed and provide excess power back to the grid and your community during times of high production of solar power.

The great thing about electricity is that it flows to the nearest source of demand, so solar energy generated in Newton will stay in Newton! Dollars saved on home utility bills will also stay in Newton for the benefit of local merchants, your children’s college education and your retirement plan.

Residential solar with the Newton Solar Challenge is a financial “no brainer” for those whose homes are appropriate. Homeowners who take advantage of “solar ownership” through Newton Solar Challenge will be immediately “cash flow positive” when using a solar loan from a local bank (or) will receive a full payback on investment within five years if they choose to invest cash.

We are challenged as a community by a 30% rate increase, global warming, and a desire, but no clear plan, for energy independence. What can you do about it? How can you take action with your community? How can you support the City of Newton’s stated goal of a 20% energy reduction across the residential sector within the next five years?

Join us in the Newton Solar Challenge and go solar with your neighbors! To learn more about how we simplify the solar purchase process, provide preferred pricing for Newton residents using high-quality installers and American-made equipment, and make low-cost “solar loans” available for Newton residents, please visit us at our website and Facebook.
December 12, 2014
Jennifer Price Lame Duck at NNHS?

Dear North Community:

As I hope you know, I love Newton North and have been honored to serve as Principal for the last 8 ½ years. Yet, I have reached a point in my career where it makes sense for me to think about leading a district. As a result, I decided to apply to a small number of Superintendent positions this fall, and will be named as one of several finalists in a few districts over the next week.

Given Massachusetts open meeting law, my name will be made public even though the interview process is still in progress. I will inform you immediately if I am going to be named as a Superintendent. In any case, the position would not begin until July 1^st.

Please know that my heart is struggling with all of this, even if my head is telling me that this exploration makes sense professionally. Thank you, as always, for your support. I can personally tell you that it means so much.

Best,

Jennifer Price

Jennifer Price went viral as Effie Trinket for The Hunger Games all high school book and event.

December 11, 2014
Whole Foods Donates Turkeys to Needy Families

On Tuesday, November 25, 2014, Whole Foods Market Newtonville donated twelve turkeys and all the fixings for Thanksgiving to the Boys & Girls Club of Newton to give to families in need. Jessica Cann, Marketing Team Leader & Community Liaison at Whole Foods Market Newtonville, along with fellow co-workers Eddy Boonchuilier and Larry of the Meat Department put together all the packages – each done with care and sincere thought.

Les Whitham, Club Program Director, greeted all the staff with open arms and was amazed to fill the Club van with all the items. Relaying numerous stories of gratitude from the receiving families, Les too was overjoyed by this very generous gesture. “It is such a great feeling to be able to tell some of our member families that they do not need to worry about what will be on the table for Thanksgiving. In fact, one father was brought to tears when he was told he would be receiving such help – such generosity is truly touching.”

Diane Marangoly, Club Assistant Development Director further added, “In the city of Newton, many people are unaware that hardship still exists. Over 34% of Club members come from families who meet eligibility requirements for federal and state assistance. The support of Whole Foods Market Newtonville during a time when pressures run high for those in need is truly meaningful and certainly most appreciated.”

Please consider making a meaningful contribution to your local Boys & Girls Club.

About The John M. Barry Boys & Girls Club of Newton

The John M. Barry Boys & Girls Club of Newton is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that provides affordable programs for youth ages 6-18. The Club’s mission is to inspire and enable young people to reach their full potential as productive, caring and responsible citizens. Activities are designed to help kids develop positive self-identity, educational and social competence, a sense of well-being, and a moral compass while addressing the different interests and needs of children, from elementary through high school. The Club works in conjunction with local schools to help members succeed academically, give back to their community, and choose healthy lifestyles. Caring adult guidance provides a safe environment, a sense of belonging, and engaging educational programs—after school, during school holidays and in a summer day camp.

Serving more than 125 young people daily, the Club offers over 140 age-appropriate activities in the arts, food preparation, athletics/fitness, education, computer competence, vocational guidance, leadership and life skills, and supervised social recreation, with special programs for young children, teens and girls only. The cost of membership is $125 per family per year, no matter how many children in the family; summer day camp costs $210 a week, per child.

John M. Barry Boys & Girls Club of Newton, 675 Watertown Street, Newton, MA.

Phone: 617-630-2066. Website: www.newtonbgc.com

December 9, 2014
Newton Holiday Lighting Ceremony

Newton Holiday Lighting Ceremony

Thursday, December 4, 2014

4:00 PM – 5:15 PM

Newton Cultural Center at City Hall

1000 Commonwealth Avenue, Newton

Join in a spirited sing-along of holiday favorites with the award-winning Stacey Peasley Band. Beloved by audiences young and old, the band’s joyful style is sure to get the whole family singing along.

Then, join Mayor Setti Warren as he flips the switch that turns the City Hall grounds into a winter wonderland of twinkling lights. Admission is free. Light refreshments.

Please bring a non-perishable item for the Newton Food Pantries.

December 4, 2014
Newton Needham Chamber offers MBA scholarship

The Newton Needham Chamber has entered into a partnership with Northeastern University’s D’Amore-McKim School of Business to offer a $20,000 MBA scholarship to an employee at a qualified Chamber member company annually.

“We are thrilled to partner with the Newton-Needham Chamber to provide this annual scholarship to a Chamber member who joins our world-class Executive MBA program,” said Hugh Courtney, Dean of the D’Amore-McKim School of Business.

“These scholarship recipients will be exposed to cutting-edge business concepts and applications and prepare themselves to drive profitable growth in their organizations and the Newton-Needham communities.”

The D’Amore-McKim Executive MBA degree is a 16-month, cohort-based accelerated program for seasoned professionals that are ready to bring their career to the next level.

The next program starts in January 2015 and meets one day per week — one Friday and three Saturdays per month. To qualify, the applicant must be employed by a Chamber member company.

“The Newton-Needham Chamber is excited to enter this partnership with Northeastern and we’re honored that we were selected to participate in this pilot program,” said Greg Reibman, president of the Newton-Needham Chamber. “As the innovation economy keeps evolving – and businesses here face new challenges — I can’t think of anything more appropriate.”

Admission to the program is based on strong academic ability, a progressive career, and what the candidate will bring to the classroom. The application package includes one essay, two letters of recommendation, official transcripts, resume and interview. The GMAT is not required.

Admission is sometimes granted to highly accomplished individuals who have not earned an undergraduate degree. Tuition is all-inclusive and includes the 60-credit curriculum, all books & materials, travel expenses (air fare, hotel, most meals) for two international trips (Mexico – 7 days and China – 12 days), two domestic residencies (Northeastern’s conference facility – 4 days and Washington, DC – 3 days), and parking and meals on campus. The rate for the EMBA class which starts in January 2015 is $94,500. The Newton-Needham Chamber of Commerce scholarship is $20,000. Other financial assistance is available.

There will be a webinar explaining the scholarship program on Weds. Nov. 12 at noon. Email info@nnchamber.com for registration details. To learn more, go here.

November 6, 2014
The Onion Features Lincoln Eliot Elementary School

Wow, a Newton elementary school is featured in The Onion, the well known satirical website!

image from The Onion

Elementary Schoolers Depressed After Getting Look At Voters Filing Out Of Gymnasium

NEWTON, MA—Looking out their classroom windows at the masses of dejected and weary adults throughout the school day, students at Lincoln Eliot Elementary School told reporters this afternoon that they could not help but feel deeply depressed after catching sight of local voters filing out of their school’s gymnasium. “They look so sad,” said second-grader Tyler Quinn, who explained that it made him feel “really bad” to see midterm voters’ frowning faces and tired-looking eyes as they slowly shuffled out of the building’s rear exit and across the school property. “Oh, no. It must be real bad in the gym if they all come out looking like that. I don’t ever want to vote.” At press time, several third-graders were noting that while the sight of the downtrodden voters heading off toward the parking lot was heartbreaking, it was at least a relief to see that there weren’t very many of them.

November 5, 2014
2014 Children’s Champions Honored

During the John M. Barry Boys & Girls Club of Newton’s 60^th Annual Meeting, five long-time Club supporters were inducted into the first class of Children’s Champions Honorees. Each year, a small class of visionaries, leaders, and top performers who are/were responsible for helping the organization grow and thrive throughout its 100 year history will be granted this honor.

The 2014 Children’s Champions Honorees include: Pasquale “Pat” Proia, and the late Adelaide Buckingham Ball; Joseph E. Biotti, Jr.; Samuel Crocetti; and Robert L. Tennant.

Adelaide Buckingham Ball was the first woman elected to the Newton’s Board of Aldermen in 1953. Adelaide joined the Club’s Board of Directors in the early 1950s, and she was one of a handful of individuals who was responsible for getting the Club a National Charter, turning it into a National Boys Club of America. Adelaide served as secretary, Chairman and finally president of the Board for the organization. With her presidency, she became the first woman to serve as a president of a Boys Club of America.

Joseph E. Biotti, Jr., became involved with the Boys & Girls Club Board of Directors in 1981, and stayed active until his death in 2002. During his 21-year tenure on the Board, he served in many different capacities, including Board President 1992-93. One of his proudest accomplishments was the effort to secure the current Watertown Street location for the new Club facility. In addition to co-chairing the Building for Kids Campaign, which raised $2,000,000, he volunteered his time on a daily basis during the construction of the new facility to supervise all aspects of the renovations and construction.

As Executive Director of the Newton Boys Club from 1957 to 1984, Sam Crocetti’s name was synonymous with the Club and there was not a youth in Nonantum who did not know “Babe,” as he was so fondly called. Joining forces with then Club President, Giles Mosher, they were able to buy and renovate the old St. Jean’s Church. With a new larger location, Sam offered a full range of sports programming along with photography, printing, woodworking, arts and crafts, gymnastics and later computers. The Newton Club was one of the first in the nation to offer programs for girls, well before it became a Boys & Girls Club. After retiring, he was appointed by Governor Ed King as State Boxing Commissioner.

Pat Proia has been a part of the Club and involved with its kids for at least sixty years – starting out as a volunteer at the age of 16. He would later participate in the Club’s renovation of St. Jean’s Church before earning the position of Assistant Executive Director. During his tenure, he was honored by the Boys Clubs of New England for having the best programming for three consecutive years, and in 1967, he established the first Newton Keystone Club. This group, which is comprised of local teens who seek to be active in the community, is still active today. Pat was ahead of his time, understanding the value of community service and its importance in building stronger leaders. Although he left the Club to become an entrepreneur, he returned as a member of the Board of Directors in 1990 and has spent the last 25 years active in leadership roles. Pat is a broad thinker and once he locks onto an idea and decides for himself that success is possible, nothing will stop him from finding a way to get the job done.

Robert L. Tennant, Sr., was a lifelong Newton resident who founded the R.L. Tennant Insurance Agency in West Newton. He firmly believed in giving back to his community and served as a Newton Alderman for 23 years. He was President of the Newton-Needham Chamber of Commerce, Master of Norumbega Lodge, and Chairman of the Newton Red Cross, but his real passion was the Newton Boys & Girls Club. He joined the Club Board of Directors in the 1960s and served in numerous capacities, including its President in 1964-1966. He was known for his fund raising ability and he was always amazed on how far the Club could stretch a charitable dollar

The honorees and/or family members who were present received a plaque commemorating the occasion. A mock-up of the permanent installation that will be built in the lobby of the Club was also on display. The Children’s Champions recognition wall is designed to ensure that future generations will learn of and appreciate each of the Honorees’ good deeds. As countless generations make their way through the Club in future years, the Honorees will stand as a shining example for them to aspire to imitate. The sacrifices they made in support of Newton’s young people will never be forgotten.

To suggest an Honoree and/or to join the selection committee, please contact David Sellers, Executive Director, at dsellers@newtonbgc.com

October 31, 2014
Newton: #8 Smartest Suburb in Country
Newton is one of the smartest suburbs in the country! I grew up in Seal Beach, California and that made #9! I’m feeling very intelligent today!

Here are the 10 smartest suburbs in America:

1. Santa Monica, CA
2. Evanston, IL
3. Berkeley, CA
4. Cambridge, MA
5. Towson, MD
6. Cupertino, CA
7. Scottsdale, AZ
8. Newton, MA
9. Seal Beach, CA
10. Alameda, CA

#8 Newton, Massachusetts

Source: Flickr user Daniel J. Sierdaski

Of all of the suburbs we looked at, this one had the very highest percentage of residents with bachelor’s degrees or higher: 75.04 percent. That’s almost three times the national average.

This city isn’t just impressive at the college level—it also scored well for its public schools, with a rating of nine out of 10, and, with a 95 percent high school graduation rate, ranked the ninth best in this category.

#9 Seal Beach, California

Seal Beach is yet another suburb disproving any stereotypes that you thought might be true about Southern California. Well, at least as far as intelligence goes.

Tied with our other California city, Cupertino, schools in Seal Beach had the highest ranking from GreatSchools.org, a perfect 10.

Locals probably spend all of their time studying it up in one of the city’s public libraries, for which it ranked fifth most per capita. No, just kidding, they’re probably all at the beach—just instead of Cosmo, they’re reading Chaucer.

Methodology

Movoto started by collecting data for 109 different suburbs using business listings, Greatschools.org, and the U.S. Census American Community Survey. Then, they ranked them from one to 109 in the following criteria:
- Colleges and universities per capita
- Public libraries per capita
- Museums per capita
- Percentage of students with bachelor’s degrees or higher
- High school graduation rate
- GreatSchools.org rating (based on test scores for the area)
They averaged these rankings into one overall Big Deal Score, where the lowest score was the best and brightest suburb, none other than Santa Monica.

If you’re curious about how they defined a suburb, they considered any large population center near one of the nation’s 50 largest cities, but also factored in whether or not the place was called a suburb on Wikipedia, in the list of inner-ring suburbs, or in any official capacity.
October 21, 2014
Rabies Alert in West Newton from Raccoon
The following is from the City of Newton:

A raccoon captured on September 11, 2014 has tested positive for rabies. The raccoon was found near the Auburndale Ave entrance of the Dolan Pond conservation area in West Newton. If you, or your pet, may have had an encounter with a raccoon in this area on or around the above date, please contact the Massachusetts Epidemiology Program at (617) 983-6800 or the Newton Health & Human Services Department at (617) 796-1420.

Rabies is a very serious viral disease that affects the brain and spinal cord of mammals. The virus is spread when an animal with rabies bites or comes into salivary contact with another animal or person. The virus can also spread if the affected animal’s saliva gets into a scratch or other wound, or the eyes, nose or mouth of another person or animal.

Newton residents who live around or regularly visit the Dolan Pond Conservation Area should ensure that their household pets have been recently immunized against the rabies virus. If pets have not been recently vaccinated, please ensure that they are vaccinated with the rabies booster as soon as possible to prevent the virus from spreading. For more information, please refer to the following tips, courtesy of the Massachusetts Division of Animal Health.

If you are bitten or scratched by an animal:
- Wash the wound with soap and water right away for ten minutes.
- Call your health care provider or local board of health. They can help you determine if you need to be treated for a rabies exposure.
- If your pet is bitten or scratched by another animal:
- Call your veterinarian to help you determine if the animal needs medical attention.
- In some cases, it may be necessary to confine your animal and watch it to see if it develops signs of rabies. Animal Control can help you determine if this is necessary (617-796-2109)
- How can you prevent rabies in Massachusetts?
- Teach children to never approach animals they don’t know – even if they appear friendly.
- Report any animal that behaves oddly to your local animal control official.
- Enjoy wild animals from a distance. Do not keep wild animals as pets. This is against the law in
- Massachusetts.
- Make sure your pets are vaccinated against rabies. By law, all dogs, cats and ferrets must be regularly vaccinated against rabies.
- Don’t feed or water your pets outside. Even empty bowls will attract wild and stray animals.
- Keep your pets in a fenced yard or on a leash, and do not let them roam freely.
- Keep your garbage securely covered. Open garbage will attract wild or stray animals.
- Keep your chimney capped and repair holes in attics, cellars, and porches to help keep wild animals like bats and raccoons out of your home.
Photo credit: Catsbow via Flickr
October 17, 2014