The eulogy given by Edward Kennedy Jr. was a wonderful tribute to his father. His story about conquering the challenge of the snowy hill for a boy that had lost his leg was truly heart wrenching, but showed all at once some of the finer qualities of Senator Kennedy, and how he dealt with adversity and helped his loved ones to do so as well.
Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy
Governor Deval Patrick talks about the loss of Senator Edward Kennedy. The request made by the Senator to allow the seat to be filled pending the special election appears to be gaining some ground, with the Governor speaking in favor. The positive signals being sent by both branches appear to bode well for the potential change.
City of Methuen Mosquito Spraying
The City of Methuen through the Northeast Massachusetts Mosquito Control and Wetlands Management District will be performing a city wide, mosquito spraying on Wednesday, August 26 beginning after 8:00 pm and ending before 5:00 am Thursday morning. This is a preemptive measure the City is taking to reduce the number of adult mosquitoes. No action is required by residents.
Senator Edward Kennedy has died after a long battle with brain cancer, ending one of the most successful Senate careers in the history of our country. Senator Kennedy is the last of the brothers that had such a huge impact on American life. Ted Kennedy, known as the lion of the Senate, was a national figure who could have easily done the work as a Senator from that perspective. But despite that national stature Senator Kennedy was an enormous figure for Massachusetts and its citizens, and he never failed to deliver for his home state, many times without fanfare. Massachusetts has lost Senator Kennedy, and our state has lost enormous political clout in Washington. President Obama issued a statement on Senator Kennedy’s passing.
Michelle and I were heartbroken to learn this morning of the death of our dear friend, Senator Ted Kennedy.
For five decades, virtually every major piece of legislation to advance the civil rights, health and economic well being of the American people bore his name and resulted from his efforts.I valued his wise counsel in the Senate, where, regardless of the swirl of events, he always had time for a new colleague. I cherished his confidence and momentous support in my race for the Presidency. And even as he waged a valiant struggle with a mortal illness, I’ve profited as President from his encouragement and wisdom.
An important chapter in our history has come to an end. Our country has lost a great leader, who picked up the torch of his fallen brothers and became the greatest United States Senator of our time.
And the Kennedy family has lost their patriarch, a tower of strength and support through good times and bad.
Our hearts and prayers go out to them today–to his wonderful wife, Vicki, his children Ted Jr., Patrick and Kara, his grandchildren and his extended family.
MAYOR MANZI NAMES JESSICA DONOVAN AS AUGUST’S ARTIST OF THE MONTH
Methuen College Student’s Work on Display in the Mayor’s Office
Mayor William M. Manzi has named Jessica Donovan as August’s Artist of the Month. Jessica is a Methuen High School graduate and is entering her sophomore year at Westfield State College where she is studying both English and Art.
While at Methuen High, one of her paintings won a silver key in The Boston Globe Scholastic Art Contest. She was also presented with a Collaborative Visual Arts Award, and one of her paintings was displayed at Heritage Park in Lawrence. She was selected to compete for Art All State and won a Methuen High School Art award her senior year. Jessica credits her high school art teacher for inspiring her interest in art. “My teacher, Mrs. Henderson, who I had for three years really helped me understand and develop a love for art.” Donovan said.
Mayor Manzi stated, “Jessica is one of the many talented students who have graduated from Methuen High and are interested in giving back to their community. I encourage more young people to participate in our program.”
President Obama is expected to re-appoint Ben Bernanke as the Chairman of the Federal Reserve this morning, ending speculation on a job critical to the U.S. economic recovery. Bernanke is a Republican first appointed by President George W. Bush. The Washington Post obtained the statement to be issued by the President this morning:
“As an expert on the causes of the Great Depression, I’m sure Ben never imagined that he would be part of a team responsible for preventing another,” Obama plans to say. “Ben approached a financial system on the verge of collapse with calm and wisdom; with bold action and outside-the-box thinking that has helped put the brakes on our economic freefall.”
Senator Chuck Schumer of New York praised the appointment:
“He is smart, thoughtful, and not an ideologue — the kind of person we need as we work to turn the economy around,” Schumer said in a statement Monday night.
Bernanke has not been universally praised, but the financial markets appear to be supportive of his re-appointment.
The Rte. 93 Rotary Project is a critical project for this region. As many who have attended countless meetings know the Commonwealth of Massachusetts was ready to move forward with its Short Term Improvement Plan, which would be the interim project before the permanent solution is designed and built. As part of that Short Term Plan the Commonwealth was prepared to build a temporary ramp which would have been built very close to adjoining neighborhoods, in particular Noyes Street. In light of the concerns of the neighbors relative to both construction and then post construction noise issues, as well as financial issues, Mass Highway has made the decision to scrap the ramp portion of the Short Term Improvement Plan. The other items included in the Short Term Plan, including signalization, will remain. My thanks to Senator Baddour, who has worked with the City, State, and residents to achieve some consensus.
I am pleased to announce that Methuen was funded two times in this round of CDBG funding, with the City receiving $650,000 that included $307,858 for housing rehab (12 units), $72,672 for code enforcement, $40,000 for Methuen’s Arlington Neighborhood, $40,000 for the Day Care Program at the Methuen YMCA, $12,000 for the Methuen Senior Center Transportation Program, and $14,600 for the Nevins Library Adult Literacy Program. We also received $283,000 for remediation of the Appleyard site in our downtown. Congratulations to Karen Sawyer and her staff for all of their hard work on this grant application. My thanks to the entire State Delegation, Rep. Barbara L’Italien, Rep. Linda Campbell, and Senator Steve Baddour, for all of their hard work on this grant application. Senator Baddour’s office has been instrumental, with the Senator arranging meetings and offering constructive advice throughout the grant application process.
And as an add on I was certainly remiss in not thanking warmly Rep. Niki Tsongas for her hard work for Methuen in securing the Appleyard portion of that grant. She has done a great job for the Fifth District.
Calling hours were yesterday for Methuen teacher Dennis Bistany. There was a huge outpouring of people from all over the Merrimack Valley to offer condolences to the Bistany family. A great teacher and a great man, his loss is felt by the Marsh community where he taught, and by our entire City. Our deepest sympathy to his family. The funeral is today.
Bill Manzi.com 