Welcome!
To better serve you, I regularly update this page to
provide the latest campaign and legislative news concerning Melrose and Wakefield. Please also check out my new addition - a jobs page. As our communities continue to see rising unemployment, I will post jobs that I hear of. If you have a job you would like listed please email the posting to Rep.KatherineClark@hou.state.ma.us
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concerns by contacting us. I look forward to hearing from you. Stand up for Katherine!
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Rep. Clark's New Office Hours
Melrose- Office hours will be held at the Melrose Public Library every other month on the second Wednesday from 7:00-8:00 PM. The hours will be held in the Trustee's Room. Rep. Clark's next office hours at this location will be on Wednesday, February 10th.
Melrose- Office hours will be held at the Milano Senior Center the second Friday of the month at 11:00 AM. Rep. Clark's next office hours at this location on Friday, February 12th.
Wakefield- Office hours will be held at the Wakefield Beebe Library every other month on the third Tuesday of the month from 7:00- 8:00PM. The hours will be held in the small conference room downstairs. Rep. Clark's next office hours will be on Tuesday, March 16th.
Wakefield- Office hours will be held at the Wakefield Senior Center every month on the first Friday of the month at 11:00 AM. Rep. Clark next office hours at this location on Friday, February 5th.
Constituents are encouraged to stop by. If you have any questions, please call (617) 722-2220.
As the Caucus Treasurer, Katherine stands with the other board members of the Caucus of Women Legislators. December 23 - The Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) lowered the hockey rink rental fees for Melrose Youth Hockey. Katherine and Mayor Dolan worked to pass emergency regulations to keep youth hockey affordable. To learn more, click here. December 16 - Katherine interviewed Middlesex District Attorney, Gerry Leone, for her local cable television show, "In the House." In the interview, they discussed DA Leone's background, Melissa's Bill, the Sexual Dangerous Persons Statute (SDP), and other important pieces of legislation related to the DA's office. Please check the WCAT and MMTV schedules for the showtimes. November 19- Katherine accompanied Sylena Keeping, Associate Director for Hallmark Health VNA and Hospice, and nurse Katie Noonan, on a Hallmark Health Home Visit, to Barbara in Wakefield. November 14-Cradles to Crayons Community Collection Drive: On November 14, Rep. Clark organized a community wide collection drive for Cradles to Crayons (C2C). Visit the photo gallery to view images from the event and click here to read more about the successful drive. Click here to read Rep. Clark's "Honor our Veterans" editorial. Upcoming Events Eastern Star offers Lobster Roll Lunch
Recent Headlines Click here for in-depth newsroom
January 28- The Northeast Metro Tech High School Football Team visisted the Massachusetts State House. Katherine joined other legislators in honoring the team for capturing the Division 4 Super Bowl championship football title. While on their visit, the team toured the State House, received citations and resolutions from the Massachusetts House of Representatives and Senate, and met with Speaker of the House, Representatiev Robert DeLeo (D-Winthrop.)
The NEMT Football Team with Katherine, members of the House of Representatives and Senate, and Speaker of the House, Representative Robert DeLeo.
Members from Wakefield stand with Katherine and Representative Mark Falzone (D-Saugus).
January 27- held their Annual Meeting at the State House. Here, the Caucus unanimously elected Katherine to serve on the Executive Committee as Caucus Treasurer for the second consecutive year. The Caucus of Women Legislators is a bipartisan, bicameral group of female legislators, the mission of which is to enhance the economic status and equality of women and to encourage and foster women in all branches of government.
The Massachusetts Caucus of Women Legislators
Later that day, Katherine joined other Melrose businesses in welcoming Chris Cinella, of Edward Jones Investments, to the local business community at a Melrose Chamber of Commerce ribbon cutting, open house, and networking event.
January 23- Katherine attended Mystic Valley Elder Services' inaugural Belly Full of Laughs comedy event and fundraiser. More than 400 people attended the sold-out event. In addition to hilarious comedic entertainment by locals Dave Russo and Paul Gilligan, the event offered great food and an array of raffle prizes. Overall, MVES raised $15,000 to support its Meals on Wheels Program and to deliver 7,500 home-delivered meals to area elders!dv
January 21- Katherine, Representative Peter Koutoujian, and Senator Pat Jehlen hosted a legislative briefing on the link between animal abuse and domestic violence. Animal and human services professionals with expertise in the link between violence toward people and animals shared their experiences in this field. The link between animal cruelty and human violence is well-documented both statistically and through stories of abuse. Like children, pets are often used as pawns in domestic violence. One study found that up to 48% of battered women will not leave, or will return to a violent relationship due to fear of what might happen to the animal if left behind. Several bills pending in the Judiciary Committee, including Katherine's bill, House Bill 1319, would allow pets to be included in temporary restraining orders issued in domestic violence cases and would address the problem of victims delaying leaving, or not leaving, a violent situation due to concern about what will happen to the family pet.
Representative Peter Koutoujian (D-Waltham ), Kara Holmquist (Director of Advocacy, Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals), Deni Goldman (Animal Control Officer, Hull), and Representative Katherine Clark
Representative Clark and Tom Flanagan (State Humane Officer, Animal Rescue League of Boston)
That day, Katherine and her staff also attended other legislative briefings on CORI Reform, Iran, and the need to expand protections for transgender people in the Commonwealth.
That evening, Katherine attended Governor Patrick's State of the Commonwealth address.
January 18- In honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Katherine celebrated the life and works of Dr. King at a breakfast in Malden and at the Annual Celebration and Potluck Dinner at the First Congregational Church in Melrose. Tug Yourgrau shared his powerful story about growing up in apartheid South Africa and showed a video. The Melrose MLK Day Choir also performed.
January 13- Katherine and the the local US Census Office in Woburn hosted a legislative briefing to discuss the 2010 US Census. At the event, legislators and aides met with the Census Office staff and learned about the types of operations that will be conducted, the time line for communities, the community outreach efforts, and job opportunities offered by the Census. To learn more, click here.
That afternoon, Katherine attended the Merrimack Roundtable Association's luncheon for Superintendents and Legislators to discuss important education legislation and hear about educational developments in local communities.
That evening, the Caucus of Women Legislators held a reunion of current and former women legislators at the State House. The event, "165 & Counting," honors the 165 women legislators who have served and are currently serving in the Legislature. The reception was hosted by Senate President Therese Murray. Katherine is honored to be one of the 165!
January 11- New presidents of the Melrose Board of Aldermen and the Melrose School Committee, as well as additional members of each group, were sworn in during the Melrose Inaugural Ceremony at Memorial Hall. Melrose Mayor Rob Dolan also gave his annual “State of the City” address. Katherine enjoyed watched the ceremony, as well as hearing Mayor Dolan's speech.
January 6- After many hearings, meetings, Democratic Caucus sessions, and proposed amendments, Katherine joined her colleagues in the house to pass House Bill 4410, An act relative to the achievement gap. To read the bill, with the included amendments, click here.
January 5- Members, which include Katherine, of the Early Education and Care (EEC) Advisory Council met to discuss FY2011 Grants and Programs, as well as the EEC Advistory Councils role in System Building.
January 4- Katherine watched as Malden's 11 member City Council, nine member School Committee, and Malden's representative to the Northeast Metropolitan Regional Vocational School Committee took their formal oaths of office at the City of Malden's inaugural ceremonies in The John and Christina Markey Senior Community Center. Katherine offers her congratulations to all the individuals who were sworn in!
December 17 - Katherine toured the Beachmont School, a Bay State Reading Insitute partner school, in Revere. After touring the school, Katherine participated in an informal round-table discussion with several teachers, guests, and administrators.
December 15 - Along with other legislators who are interested in the positive environmental elements of the recent transportation reform legislation, Katherine attended a briefing by Secretary of Transportation Jeff Mullan. Secretary Mullan discussed implementation strategies of this legislation and provided valuable information regarding how Massachusetts can decrease the environmental impact of our transportation system. Secretary Mullan will be joining Rep. Clark in February on her local cable television show, "In the House."
That evening, Governor Patrick traveled to Melrose's Memorial Hall to host a FY 2011 budget forum to discuss the state of our economy, our budget, what it means for the critical services the government provides, and how the decisions the government makes will affect us all. These forums help ensure that all feedback can be taken into account in developing the Governor's budget recommendations, which are due in late January.
(Photo credit: Eugena Ossi/Governor's Office)
(Photo credit: Eugena Ossi/Governor's Office)
(Photo credit: Eugena Ossi/Governor's Office)
December 14 - Katherine spent the morning at Excel Academy Charter School in East Boston. Excel Academy Charter School prepares middle school students to succeed in high school and college, apply their learning to solve relevant problems, and engage productively in their communities. For the second year in a row, the students in Excel Academy’s Class of 2009 ranked first in the state by achieving a perfect 100 percent Advanced/Proficient rate on the state’s annual English MCAS exam. This year, they matched their first place performance on the math MCAS examination, ranking first out of all public middle schools in Massachusetts on both subject tests. Katherine met with students, teachers, and administrators to learn about Excel's effective and innovative teaching methods and academic results.
Katherine then joined Governor Deval Patrick, Congressman John Tierney, and other Massachusetts Legistors in announcing the state's intention to use $5.9 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) stimulus funds for signal and intersection improvements in Lynnfield and Wakefield. "I thank Governor Patrick and Congressman Tierney for the investment of ARRA funds in Wakefield and Lynnfield," said Katherine. "This project will not only create immediate jobs, but will add long term economic benefits to these towns and the region through increased affordable housing, improved transportation and pedestrian uses and broader tax revenues. This is great news and a great investment in our communities." To read more about thse projects, click here.
Later in the day, Katherine attended the Annual Lighting of the Chanukah Memorah at the State House. Rabbi Rachmiel Liberman of the Congregation Lubavitch Jewish Education Center led the ceremony, and a children's chorus provided the musical entertainment. It was a very heart-warming and festive affair!
December 12 - At the annual Assault on Mt. Hood Road Race, Katherine joined a large crowd to cheer on the participants (including her husband, Rod, and many friends) of the 3.5 mile cross country race/walk along the fairways of Mt. Hood Golf Course. As a sponsor of the event, Katherine was impressed not only with the hard work and dedication of the participants, but also with the amount of money raised for Housing Families.
December 9 - Katherine joined Lt. Governor Murray to tour Epsilon in Wakefield. Katherine learned about the latest strategies and resources Epsilon is utilizing to be the leading provider of multi-channel marketing services. With offices across the United States and throughout the world, it is great to have a leader in the marketing services industry right in our own backyard!
Later in the afternoon, Governor Patrick hosted the Annual State House tree lighting ceremony, featuring music by St. Paul's AME, the Boston City Singers, and the Wilmington Strings. After the musical performances, all in attendance proceeding to the State House frotn steps for the countdown to the tree lighting.
December 7 - Governor Patrick signed the Melrose Traffic Safety Zones legislation into law. This law will make it easier for the Melrose community to establish traffic safety zones. Katherine, along with State Senators Thomas McGee and Richard Tisei and Melrose Alderman Frank Wright, worked together to spearhead this effort as the bill's lead sponsors. This law gives Melrose the authority to establish traffic safety zones in the community. Through the reduction of vehicular speed limits and by installing appropriate signs, more safety zones can be created in Melrose neighborhoods. “These zones not only deter dangerous driving, but will also increase the road safety of neighborhoods throughout Melrose,” said Katherine. “In light of recent traffic accidents in Melrose and across the state, it is important to implement these precautions as a way to protect Melrose drivers and pedestrians.” Read more about it here.
December 7 - Katherine joined State Senator Richard Tisei and State Representatives Paul Donato, James Dwyer, Chris Fallon, Mark Falzone, Brad Jones, Jason Lewis and Stephen Smith in announcing that the communities of Lynnfield, Malden, Reading, Stoneham and Wakefield were among the recipients of 2010 Student Awareness of Fire Education (S.A.F.E.) grants from the state. The grants pay for fire safety programs administered by fire departments at their local schools. According to State Fire Marshall Stephen Coan, the S.A.F.E. program has led to a 66 percent decrease in the number of Massachusetts children who die in fires each year.
December 5 - Katherine offered a Massachusetts House of Representatives Citation to Lori Muse and Lena Giordano in recognition of “introducing a fabulous dining experience to the Melrose community through your exquisite cuisine, your impeccable taste, and the opening of your restaurant, Absolutely Fabulous.” Muse is the owner and head chef of the recently opened Absolutely Fabulous restaurant in downtown Melrose. Giordano is her business partner and the restaurant’s head waitress.
December 4-6 - Katherine and her family attended the Home for the Holidays festivities in Melrose and Wakefield. It was great to see each community come together to celebrate with holiday season with festive activities, ceremonies, and events!
December 3 - Katherine's staff attended Congressman Markey's impending appropriations and TIP process briefing at Woburn City Hall. Members of the Congressman's staff were on-hand to answer questions about the federal side of the earmark process, as was Guy Bresnahan, who discussed STIP, the State Transportation Improvement Program. This event provide valuable information to understand how Katherine can bring federal aid to the Melrose and Wakefield communities.
December 2 - Katherine attended the Melrose Veterans Memorial Middle School's Acts of Kindness Summit Week. With legislation in the House addressing bullying in our schools, Katherine is proud of Melrose for taking a proactive approach to educate our students about the dangers and effects of bullying. Read Katherine's editorial here.
December 1 - Katherine's office attends the Powderhouse Production screening of "A Girl's Life" - a documentary that examines the challenges facing young women as they deal with adolescent issues, such as cyber-bullying, body image, and violence.
November 20 - Katherine attended the North Shore Executive Directors Association's (NSHEDA) Regional Legislative Brunch on public and affordable housing.
November 12 - Katherine offered a citation to the Nancy Werlin, a Melrose resident and author, at the 9th Annual Massachusetts Book Awards reception in the Great Hall of the Massachusetts State House. Werlin is the author of IMPOSSIBLE, a young adult novel that received Honors recognition at the award's reception.
November 11- Veterans Day: Rep. Clark spoke at both the Melrose and Wakefield celebrations. Beautiful musical tributes to our Veterans by the Melrose Middle School Band and Orchestra and the Wakefield High School Wind Ensemble and Chamber Singers.
November 5 - Katherine gave the welcoming remarks at the legislative briefing on Early Education and Care in Massachusetts. Experts agree that high-quality early education has a lifetime impact on young learners in terms of greater academic success, higher test scores and improved social skills. Katherine hosted this forum with Strategies for Children and its Early Education for All Campaign, and six other legislators to inform others in the State House about the work we are doing to advance this agenda, as well as share opportunities that are developing at the federal level to help ensure our children get the start they deserve.
November 2 - Katherine joined her colleagues in the Massachusetts House of Representatives in passing legislation to preserve affordable housing and protect tenants living in publicly-assisted housing. The bill allows the state and localities to purchase affordable housing units before they hit the open market. The legislation also protects tenants of affordable housing units by requiring that they be given 24 months notice of affordability termination. "Through this piece of legislation, the House has played an active role to ensure that more of our seniors, disabled, and low income working families will continue to have a place to call home," said Katherine. "A home not only provides individuals with comfort and security, but it also serves as the cornerstone in creating a stronger, more vibrant community and Commonwealth."
October 27 - Katherine stops by the Think Pink fundraiser for breast cancer research and the Avon Walk at Mexico Lindo
October 26 - Katherine hosted the 13th annual Senior Appreciation Luncheon at the VFW Prince Post Hall in Melrose. It was a wonderful Senior Lunch, with delicious italian food, great dancing, and visits from local elected officials. Thanks to all who participated.
October 25- Katherine participated in the Melrose Alliance Against Violence 14th Annual Walk and Candlelight Vigil. Below with Melrose School Committee members Margaret Driscoll, Kristin Thorpe, Don Lehman and Christine Casatelli
October 23 - The Wakefield Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting ceremony to welcome a new business to town. "Get In Shape for Women," located at 470 Main Street. Katherine attended the ceremony to welcome the owners, Varouj Abkarian and Charlie Minasian.
October 20 - As part of Wakefield's "Women in the Community Event," Katherine read to Ms. Kelley's 4th Grade Class at the Walton Elementary School.
October 14 - Katherine, along with State Senators Richard Tisei and Thomas McGee, announced that Melrose received funding from the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative's Renewable Energy Trust Fund. The Renewable Energy Trust (RET) will provide a grant of up to $9,900 to the City of Melrose for a Public Entity Site Assessment of a proposed site at the Mount Hood Memorial Golf Course and Park for a windmill energy generation project. "This site assessment is an important first step towards providing the Melrose community with environmental and economic benefits that can promote clean energy technology and provide savings to our community," said Rep. Clark. "I am proud of Melrose's proactive stance in moving towards incorporating renewable energy into its infrastructure and long term goals."
October 13 - Katherine and the Wakefield delegated hosted the Wakefield 11 Year-Old Baystate Team at the State House to celebrate their victory in the Baystate Baseball Tournament.
That evening, Katherine captured a team victory at the North End Columbus Day Cup Bocce Ball Tournament, which rasies money for the North End Columbus Day Committee. In a surprising upset to the other more experienced bocce playing teams, Representative Clark’s team, which included State Reps. Marty Walz (D-Back Bay), Kathi Anne Reinstein (D-Revere), and Thomas Golden (D-Lowell), overcame their underdog status and rolled to victory to capture the Columbus Day Cup.
Watch the NECN coverage of the hearing on H. 2717 an Organ Donation Bill
in honor of Laura Linehan
September 15 - Katherine was appointed to the Early Education Advisory Council
September 12 - Rep. Clark helps kick off the Walk of Hope for ALS at the bandstand at Lake Quannapowitt in Wakefield.
August 20 - Rep. Clark was the keynote speaker with Shannon O'Brien at the Women and Politics Lunch at the Harvard Radcliffe Women's Leadership Conference at the Kennedy School of Government.
August 10- Katherine appeared on the Dan Rea radio show discussing the MBTA proposed fare increases. To listen click here http://multimedia.wbz.com/m/audio/25692844/an-un-fare-price-to-ride.htm?q=katherine+clark
August 10 - Rep. Clark held a press conference and testified at the public hearing against the proposed MBTA fare increases and service cuts. The Governor suspended all further hearings and proposed fare increases. To hear Katherine on WBZ Newsradio 1030 radio click here http://multimedia.wbz.com/m/audio/25677821/opposing-the-mbta-fare-hike.htm?q=katherine+clark
August 8 - A citation was presented from Rep. Clark and Rep. Falzone honoring the Quannapowitt Yacht Club's 125th celebration.
July 11 - Rep. Clark was on hand to kick off the first Wakefield Farmer's Market.
June 1- Speaker Bob DeLeo came to Melrose for Katherine. Thanks to all who came!
Melrose Chamber of Commerce Multi-Chamber Networking Event
Thursday, February 4th
5:30 - 6:00 pm
Presentation by Chris Stevens, Vice President Corporate Relations and Customer Development and one of the founders of Keurig, Inc. - makers of Premium Coffee Systems
6:00 - 7:30 pm
Networking
Memorial Hall
590 Main Street, Melrose
Listen to one of Melrose's local success stories, enjoy food prepared local bistros and network! Co-hosted by the Melrose Chamber of Commerce and the Reading/North Reading Chamber of Commerce.
Chamber of Commerce Members: $10; Chamber Guests: $15
RSVP: joan@melrosechamber.org or donna@melrosechamber.org
Friday, February 5th
Melrose Masonic Building, West Wyoming and Main Street
Pick up and enjoy a hearty lobster roll lunch for only $9 and support The Eastern Star. Place your order by February 2nd by calling Marion at 781-665-4745 or Anne at 781-665-9563.
Emblem Club's Calendar Supper
Saturday, February 6th
Melrose Lodge of Elks, 75 Myrtle Street
Tickets are $10/person and support the Emblem Club. Call Joyce Gigliotti at 781-738-4921 or Marie Ryan at 781-665-8126 marieryan3@comcast.net
Middlesex Fells Reservation Trail System Planning Process
Trail Planning Workshop
Monday, February 8
6:30PM. – 8:00PM.
McGlynn School Auditorium, 3001 Mystic Valley Parkway, Medford
Over the past few months, DCR has been completing the Trail Inventory for the Fells, has met with partner agency landowners in the Fells, and has invited user and stakeholder input via the internet. In order to gain additional public input into the process, DCR is planning to hold a Trail Planning Workshop.
Milano Senior Center Valentine's Day Tea & Entertainment
Tuesday, February 9th
1:30PM
Milano Senior Center
Join other seniors for tea, refreshments, and musical entertainment.
Melrose and Wakefield Public Schools February Vacation Week
February 15th-20th
Melrose VFW 78th Anniversary
Saturday, February 20th
6:30-8:30PM
Henry's of Malden
Honor our veterans and the 78 years that the VFW has supported our community! The evening includes a cocktail hour and dinner. $12.50/person. Call 781-665-9775 to reserve a space.
Citizens Scholarship Foundation (CSF) of Wakefield
18th Annual Trivia Team Challenge
7PM
Saturday, February 27th
Americal Civic Center
467 Main Street, Wakefield
Local trivia fans and supporters of CSF are invited to participate in the 18th Annual Trivia Team Challenge. It's fun, it's different, it's challenging, it's exciting - AND all the proceeds from the event go directly to CSF of Wakefield to be given as scholarships in June. Visit www.csfofwakefield.org or call 781-245-4890 for more information.
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