Click on link below to read June 28th, 2022 The Somerville Medford News Weekly Print Edition OnlineJune 28th, 2022 The Somerville Medford News Weekly Print Edition Online (2)

The City is continuing the discussion as we reimagine the landscape of Somerville’s Junction Park. Join us for the second virtual meeting on Wednesday, June 29, at 6 p.m. to hear proposed plans, discuss future park programming, and to give your ideas for the space. Continue reading Imagine Somerville’s Junction Park →

BOSTON – Today the Office of State Auditor Suzanne M. Bump (OSA) released an audit of the Department of Higher Education (DHE), which identified that DHE did not ensure all employees responsible for managing and administering Governor’s Emergency Education Relief (GEER) Funds, completed annual cybersecurity awareness training. Continue reading Audit Advises Massachusetts Department of Higher Education to Ensure All Employees Receive Cybersecurity Awareness Training →

Robert (Bob) and Nancy (Noble) Barletta are celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary on Thursday, June 30, 2022. Bob and Nancy were Somerville High School sweethearts. Bob played on the football team and Nancy was a cheerleader. Bob went on to be a lieutenant at the Somerville Fire Department and Nancy spent 27 years as an Avon District Sales manager representing Somerville and Medford. Currently Bob and Nancy split time in Medford and Cape Coral, FL. They have 3 grown children and 9 grandchildren who they will be celebrating this terrific milestone with later this week. Continue reading Congratulations to Somerville High School Sweethearts Robert and Nancy (Noble) Barletta Celebrating 60th Wedding Anniversary →

HANLEY, Rosemary (Murphy) – Of Somerville suddenly June 22, 2022.
Beloved daughter of the late Catherine Murphy.
Sister of Kathleen Lyons. Also survived by many loving neices, nephews and cousins. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Rosemary M. Hanley →

On Sunday, June 26, 2022, I, Officer Sergio Garcia, was working patrol in full uniform during my assigned 12 AM to 8 AM shift. In the West District, cruiser 186. At approximately 06:26 AM, I responded to XXX Highland Ave for a report of a suspicious person. Continue reading Real Life Somerville Police Stories: (B&E for Misdemeanor) →

Former Somerville Police Officer Martha Costa today is at the Powder House Rotary standing out in response to the Somerville DPW Commissioner for ordering the cruiser of the deceased police officer off the rotary island! 🇺🇸 ❤️ R.I.P. Randy Isaacs

By Bob Katzen

Sen. Sonia Chang Diaz (D-Boston) dropped out of the race for the Democratic nomination for governor. Her name will still remain on the September Democratic primary ballot as June 10 was the last day a candidates can withdraw their name from the ballot. Her exit leaves Attorney General Maura Healey as the only Democrat actively campaigning for the Democratic nomination. Former Sen. Geoff Diehl and Chris Doughty are vying for the Republican nod.
Here are some quotes from Chang-Diaz upon her exit from the campaign: Continue reading THIS WEEK’S QUOTABLE QUOTES ON BEACON HILL – BAY STATE GUBERNATORIAL ELECTION EDITION →

By Bob Katzen

The House approved and sent to the Senate a bill that would expand current law and make more farmers eligible for a favorable valuation of property process that results in a tax break. Under current law, to be eligible for the favorable valuation and the resulting tax break, a farmer must own and be farming a minimum of five contiguous acres of land. The bill would reduce the required number to two and not require the acres to be contiguous. The bill also reduces the required acres to two in cities or towns with a population of more than 50,000. Continue reading EXTEND TAX BREAKS TO MORE FARMERS (H 3059) →

By Bob Katzen

The House gave initial approval to legislation that would change a current law that imposes a fine of between $500 and $1,000 on any all-terrain vehicle (ATV) or other recreational vehicle driver who leaves the scene, without giving information to the driver of the other vehicle, of a hit and run accident that does not result in death. Continue reading HIT AND RUN LAWS →

By Bob Katzen

Governor Charlie Baker signed into law the bill making permanent the mail-in and early voting options used in Massachusetts in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. This version of the bill did not include the controversial section allowing same-day voter registration. Continue reading BAKER SIGNS ELECTION LAW BILL →

By Bob Katzen

There was swift reaction across the state to the Supreme Court’s ruling that the constitution does not confer the right to an abortion and that decisions about regulating abortion are now up to each of the 50 states.
Continue reading REACTION ON BEACON HILL TO THE U.S. SUPREME COURT RULING STRIKING DOWN ROE V WADE →

By Bob Katzen

House 155-0, approved and sent to the Senate a nearly $11 billion transportation and infrastructure package that includes $400 million for the MBTA to address safety problems identified by the Federal Transit Administration’s Safety Management Inspection and $250 million for initial steps toward a western Massachusetts rail extension. Continue reading $10.9 BILLION TRANSPORTATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE PACKAGE (H 4897) →

The City’s Mobility Division is hosting two opportunities virtually next week to discuss the findings from the Citywide Parking and Curb Use Study. Staff will discuss key learnings from data analysis and potential policy and occupancy recommendations to bring citywide parking policies in alignment with City goals, community values, and future needs. Attendees can provide feedback on the proposed recommendations to help inform next steps to policy changes.
Continue reading Citywide Parking Data & Potential Policy Changes →

Mayor Ballantyne and the City of Somerville are hosting a pair of listening sessions next week to hear from the community about the future of 90 Washington Street. Participate in person on Tuesday, June 28, at 6 p.m. at the East Somerville Community School (50 Cross Street) or virtually on Wednesday, June 29, at 6 p.m.
Continue reading Pair of Community Listening Sessions to Address Future of 90 Washington Street Site →

Dear Billy T and Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line,

Check out this crock of crap from a carpet bagger whack job Somerville City Councilor. He has no idea what he’s talking about. Welcome to Somerville you fool!:

FYI. From city councilor Jake Wilson’s newsletter today if you haven’t seen it

“I’ve had a number of folks ask me about the FBI’s arrest on Friday of local attorney and former Ward 5 alderman Sean O’Donovan on federal charges stemming from allegations of attempted bribery of the Medford police chief. This is an extremely sad development and the charges are gravely concerning. But I also want to stress the importance of due process here — and the presumption of innocence in our legal system.
Continue reading Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line: New Somerville City Councilor Jake Wilson Has No Clue →

Photos by Medford Firefighters Local 1032

A second group of Medford Firefighters is continuing their SCUBA certification requirements, on their own time and paid for with their own money. Both groups will complete the training with an open ocean dive in August. Continue reading Medford Firefighters Local 1032 News Updates →

By Arthur Moore

This has been an ongoing issue here in Winter Hill. Despite this whole bike lane project not working from the start and to this day the lane sits empty with the rare exception of a bike once in a great while. The lane is useless here as there is no use for it. It hurts everyone who is handicapped or has mobility issues and even prevents them from going to places they like and want to go and for absolutely no reason other than to hurt them. Continue reading Somerville Ignores Their Own in the Fight to Help Handicapped People →

10-21-19 – Licensing Commission Meeting Minutes – REVISED Posted on 11-21-19 at 1030am-converted

Statement from Then City Council President and Ward 7 Councilor Katjana Ballantyne serving as Acting Mayor for the Host Community Agreement Process for Marijuana Retail

Entities

Adult Use Marijuana was approved in Massachusetts in a 2016 ballot question by 53.6% statewide and by 73.6% in Somerville. The duty of The Marijuana Advisory Committee is to help fulfill this mandate. The MAC conducted a careful and thorough review of 15 applications, from the first round, for Community Host Agreements. Three were selected to be recommended to the Licensing Commission (see #’s 2,3 & 4 below). The MAC will soon review the second round of applications. According to the

criteria in Section 2.221 of the City Code of Ordinances, priority applicants were identified and based on a number of factors to insure they will best serve our community. The MAC recommended Category A priority applicants only. Category B applicants are Medical Marijuana Dispensaries in Somerville. At least half the licenses issued must be issued to Priority category A applicants. President Ballantyne respectfully submits these recommendations to the Licensing Commission for review

“This indictment shows our community that your leaders in Medford will not tolerate any suspected attempts of influencing or misleading the public, nor misconduct, and we will bring any such occurrences directly to the authorities. Continue reading Medford Mayor Breanna Lungo-Koehn’s statement on the indictment and arrest in an attempted bribery scheme to influence the retail marijuana licensing process: →

Defendant allegedly attempted to bribe police chief in order to secure local approval for marijuana retail establishment

BOSTON – A Somerville attorney was arrested today on charges that he engaged in a scheme to bribe the Medford Chief of Police. Continue reading Somerville Attorney Indicted for Attempting to Bribe Medford Police Chief →

TODAY @ 11am the U.S. Attorney’s Office will hold a press conference announcing the arrest of a Somerville attorney for the alleged attempted bribery of a local police chief in order to secure local approval for a marijuana dispensary.

JUDY’S OBITUARY
Costa- Fantana, Judy B. – Of Plymouth, formerly of Somerville, June 22, 2022. Beloved mother of Meredith Cosseboom and her husband Jim and Andrea Rodigues. Loving grandmother of Jenna, Michael, Timothy, Christopher, Sara, Brendan and Jillian. Devoted daughter of the late Albert V. and Thelema M (Smith) Fontana. Caring and special sister of Phillip Fontana and the late Alfred Constantino and his surviving wife Dottie. Also survived by many nieces and nephews. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Judy B. Costa-Fontana →

On Friday, June 17, 2022, at 10:15 P.M., Somerville Police control received a 9-1-1 call from a person reporting her mother’s vehicle was struck by another vehicle near Memorial Rd in Somerville. The reporting party stated to the call-taker “This car just hit my mom’s car, and this man is drunk. He is drunk”. The reporting party told the call-taker the operator of the striking vehicle had left the scene and was walking into a building. Continue reading Real Life Somerville Police Stories: (OUI Liquor, Leave Scene of Property Damage, Unlicensed Operation) →

Joseph (Joe) Michael O’Leary passed away peacefully on Sunday June 19, 2022 at his home in Medford MA, surrounded by family. Joe is survived by his loving wife Dorothy (Dottie) Ann (Impolario) of 57 years, and his children, Paul and his wife Joanne, Kristin, Patricia and Michael. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Joseph (Joe) Michael O’Leary →

Joery Garcia Charlot, of Carteret, New Jersey and formerly of Cambridge, passed away suddenly on June 13, 2022, he was just 41. Born and raised in Cambridge he was the cherished son of Joseph K. Charlot of Florida and the late Marie B. Selamy. He was the beloved husband of Yanina Hernandez.
Joery was a devoted and cherished son, brother, husband, uncle, nephew, cousin and friend to many. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Joery Garcia Charlot →

U.S. Veteran

ISAACS, Randy R. – a US Army Veteran, Active Army reserve man, Somerville Police Officer, Somerville Native Passed away unexpectedly on June 19, 2022 at the age of 41 While on the job protecting the city he loved.
Randy is survived by his Mother Sharon Nagarsingh, Father Adrian Calixte, Grand Mother Iris Sanford brother to Nicole Neale, Weldon Tucker, and Kirby Calixte, and uncle to Nariyha Angline, Natalia Villefranche, Ta Lia Tucker, and Jayden Calixte. and Several other friends and family. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Somerville Police Officer Randy R. Isaacs →

WOBURN – Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan announced that Middlesex Assistant District Attorney Danica Apotheker of Newton, MA, was presented with the Massachusetts District Attorney Association Spotlight Award at the MDAA’s annual prosecutors conference in Boston last month. Continue reading Middlesex Prosecutor Danica Apotheker Receives Spotlight Award at Annual Prosecutors Conference →

MARGARET’S OBITUARY

Margaret L. (Repp) – Of Somerville June 21, 2022. Beloved wife of 47 years to Thomas Moore.
Sister of Henry and Barbara Repp and Willard Repp all of NJ. Dear “Auntie Margie” to Laura Seel, Michele Hansen, Vincent, Sofia and Isabella Drago all of Somerville. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Margaret L. Moore →

Mayor Katjana Ballantyne and the City of Somerville will host a Fourth of July fireworks celebration at Trum Field on Thursday, June 30 (rain date: Friday, July 1). Continue reading Somerville Annual Fireworks Display Planned for June 30 at Trum Field →

Continue reading Real Life Somerville Police Stories:Somerville Police Updates →

It is Aniah’s Birthday today. She should be with us, but she is not. She was kidnapped and murdered by a man that should have been in jail. Today is also Aniah’s mom’s birthday Angela Haley-Harris She continues to fight for her daughter’s memory and to make sure that Aniahs Law will be passed. The vote will be in November in #Alabama. – We love you Angela. God bless you. Aniah’s Heart and a Mom’s Fight for Justice.
Continue reading Crime Espresso Shot True Crime Podcast with Ingrid & Carrie: Aniah’s Heart and a Mom’s Fight for Justice →

By William Tauro

It is to my understanding that flags throughout the city of Somerville today were flying at half staff for Officer Randy until the Interim Department of Public Works (DPW) Commissioner Jill Lathan ordered them to be put back at full staff.
Continue reading Letter from the Editor:Somerville Flags Ordered To Be Put Back at Full Staff By DPW Commissioner →

The Somerville Police are actively investigating a report of gun shots being fired at Derby St and Wheatland St. At 5:16 PM today, police received 911 calls for shots fired. Police discovered numerous shell casings and are investigating. Police say a white sedan was seen fleeing the scene. Continue reading Shooting Derby Street Somerville →

Dear Billy T and Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line,
This is a letter putting the mayor on notice:

Dear Mayor Ballantyne (cc Somerville/Medford News Weekly),

I hope this email finds you well, and I need your help on a big problem in Somerville – AFFORDABLE HOUSING CORRUPTION POTENTIAL.

Unfortunately, I have to put you on notice that the NEW affordable housing contracts in Somerville are RIPE FOR CORRUPTION.
I am now forced to REMOVE 2 luxury affordable housing units that we proposed for the City, because the City changed its affordable housing contract to allow the City to assign affordable units to ANYONE in the future (not just affordable housing recipients). Continue reading Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line: SOMERVILLE AFFORDABLE HOUSING CONTRACTS – RIPE FOR CORRUPTION →

Photo: Boston Herald Marie Szaniszlo
PUBLISHED: June 21, 2022 at 11:20 a.m. | UPDATED: June 21, 2022 at 7:59 p.m.
Categories:Latest Headlines, Local News, News

By William Tauro

I’m just hoping that the people of the city of Boston do a thorough and complete search/investigation on Somerville Superintendent Mary Skipper on her seriousness misjudgment call in Somerville especially of an incident that happened a few years back in Somerville regarding a terror threat with a manifesto. Continue reading In My Opinion Somerville School Superintentdent Mary Skipper Should’ve Been Fired →

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of active duty Officer, Randy Isaacs. Officer Isaacs was an integral member of the Somerville Police Department, bringing laughter to everyone he interacted with. He has brought joy to the members of the Department and the community for 15 years. In addition to Officer Isaacs’s service to the City of Somerville, he was also a 24 year veteran of the Army National Guard. He leaves his fellow soldiers as a Master Sergeant of the 26th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade. Officer Isaacs served multiple tours to including deployments in Kosovo and Afghanistan. Officer Isaacs is a true American Hero, who dedicated his life to service. Officer Isaacs was a beloved son, brother, uncle, and friend. His bright personality has left a deep impact on all that knew him.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/jimmy-fund-benefit-at-ted-williams-camp-tickets-333321643007?aff=ebdssbdestsearch

Continue reading Ted Williams Camp Alumni & Friends Jimmy Fund Benefit →

By William Tauro

What’s wrong with our city officials here in Somerville? Have we as a society in Somerville lost any sense of compassion and honor for others and for the deceased?

This past Sunday, a Somerville Police Officer passed away while on duty in his police cruiser.
He was a veteran Somerville Police Officer, a United States Army National Guard Veteran, a friend, a comrade to fellow police officers, a sincere gentleman and a really nice guy who was truly dedicated to his job protecting the citizens of the City of Somerville. Continue reading Somerville City Officials Display No Compassion Nor Respect for a Deceased Police Officer →

Click on link below to read June 21st, 2022 The Somerville Medford News Weekly Print Edition Online June 21st, 2022 The Somerville Medford News Weekly Print Edition Online (1)

Naveo Credit Union awards $7,500 in scholarships to recipients of the Carlos Faria and Victor Da Silva Memorial Scholarship and the first annual John C. Feitor Memorial Scholarship. Continue reading Naveo Credit Union Awards $7,500 in Scholarships →

Police are looking to identify the pictured individual in relation to an incident that occurred in Davis Square on June 7th, 2022. Anyone with information should contact Detective Alan Monaco at 617-625-1600 Extension 7226, or text an anonymous tip to the confidential hotline at 617SPD (847411). Continue reading Real Life Somerville Police Stories: Police are looking to identify the pictured individual →

Residential Breaking and Entering
22032236: On 6/8/22 at approximately 8:45 PM, Somerville Police responded to a residence on Newton St for a past breaking and entering. Upon arrival, officers spoke with the victims who stated a contractor entered the home and took HVAC equipment.

Assault
22032235: On 6/8/22 at approximately 8:41 PM, a juvenile male entered the station with his parents and stated while walking down Walnut St with his friends, they were approached by a group of juvenile males. The juvenile victims were then punched and kicked by the juvenile suspects.
Continue reading Real Life Somerville Police Stories →

Somerville lost a great man/legend! Oscar Greene, a 104 year old resident of Somerville was an amazing and remarkable man! Just listening to him as he would tell you stories would bring you back in time and you can imagine as if you were there reliving his memories with him. I was fortunate enough to be there to help celebrate his 103rd birthday last year. prayers to his family and friends and especially to his best friend Dennis and all the residents of the VNA on Lowell Street on his passing! 🙏 May he R.I.P.
Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Oscar Greene →

By Bob Katzen

Beacon Hill Roll Call tracks the length of time that the House and Senate were in session each week. Many legislators say that legislative sessions are only one aspect of the Legislature’s job and that a lot of important work is done outside of the House and Senate chambers. They note that their jobs also involve committee work, research, constituent work and other matters that are important to their districts. Critics say that the Legislature does not meet regularly or long enough to debate and vote in public view on the thousands of pieces of legislation that have been filed. They note that the infrequency and brief length of sessions are misguided and lead to irresponsible late-night sessions and a mad rush to act on dozens of bills in the days immediately preceding the end of an annual session. Continue reading HOW LONG WAS LAST WEEK’S SESSION? →

By Bob Katzen

“The Senate stands in recess subject to the call of the chair. We’ll come back when we feel like it.”
—Sen. William Brownsberger (D-Belmont) adding a little humor to the Senate session.
Continue reading THIS WEEK’S QUOTABLE QUOTES ON BEACON HILL →

By Bob Katzen

The House gave initial approval to a measure that would allow members of the Massachusetts Coalition of Police to be paid when attending executive board meetings of their group without having to use accrued time off for their absence.
Continue reading MASSACHUSETTS COALITION OF POLICE →

By Bob Katzen

The House approved and sent to the Senate a bill that makes it a criminal offense when a medical or healthcare professional induces a patient to engage in sexual intercourse or touching by falsely representing that the act is necessary for a legitimate medical purpose. Continue reading SEXUAL ASSAULT UNDER FALSE MEDICAL REPRESENTATION →

By Bob Katzen

The House and Senate held a ceremonial bill signing for legislation that would allow, starting July 1, 2023, undocumented/illegal immigrants to apply for a Massachusetts standard driver’s license. The governor had vetoed the bill and the House and Senate overrode the veto—making it impossible to hold a signing of the bill by the governor. Continue reading ALLOW DRIVER’S LICENSE FOR UNDOCUMENTED/ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS →

By Bob Katzen

The Senate approved, on a voice vote without a roll call vote, a $5 billion bond bill that borrows money for hundreds of construction projects—the majority involving maintenance and modernization projects of buildings related to health care, higher education, information technology, workforce development, the environment and affordable housing. Many of the buildings are decades old. The Senate added millions of dollars during consideration of the package. A key provision imposes a five-year moratorium on any prison or jail construction in Massachusetts. Continue reading BORROW $5 BILLION FOR STATE PROJECTS →

By Bob Katzen

The House and Senate set Saturday, August 13 and Sunday, August 14 as this year’s Sales Tax Holiday. This will allow consumers to buy most products that cost under $2,500 on those two days without paying the state’s 6.25 percent sales tax. This annual sales-tax-free weekend was made permanent in 2018 and gives the Legislature the authority to set the dates by June 15 each year.
Continue reading SALES TAX HOLIDAY ON AUGUST 13 AND 14 →

By Bob Katzen

Massachusetts’ health care system is ailing in the lingering aftermath of the COVID-19 crisis. Hospitals are suffering severe financial losses, putting smaller providers in peril as the larger players look to expand and consolidate. Behavioral health has become an acute priority in a system with limited capacity. Continue reading THE STATE OF MASSACHUSETTS HEALTHCARE →

By Bob Katzen

The House 155-0, approved a bill designed to make mental health care more accessible in the Bay State. Provisions include the implementation of the nationwide 988 hotline to access 24/7 suicide prevention and behavioral health crisis services; a public awareness campaign on the state’s red flag laws that limit access to guns for people at risk of hurting themselves or others; creation of online portals that provide access to real-time data on youth and adults seeking mental health and substance use services, including a function that allows health care providers to easily search and find open beds; giving the state additional tools to enforce existing parity laws which are aimed at providing equal benefits for physical and mental health treatment; and requiring insurance coverage of critical behavioral health services. Continue reading COMPREHENSIVE BEHAVIORAL HEALTH PACKAGE →

By Bob Katzen

The House 126-29, Senate on a voice vote without a roll call, approved and sent to Gov. Baker a conference committee version of a bill making permanent the mail-in and early voting options used in Massachusetts in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. The House and Senate had approved different versions of the bill and a conference committee hammered out this compromise version which did not include the section allowing same day voter registration that was in the Senate version but not in the House one. Continue reading ELECTION LAW CHANGES →

By Bob Katzen

The House 155-0, Senate 38-0, approved and sent to Gov. Charlie Baker, a $350 million package that includes authorizing $200 million in one-time funding for the maintenance and repair of local roads and bridges in cities and towns across the state to be distributed under the Chapter 90 program formula. Continue reading $350 MILLION FOR ROADS AND BRIDGES AND MORE (H 4638) →

BOSTON – In an audit of Bridgewater State University (BSU), the Office of State Auditor Suzanne M. Bump (OSA) found that the university properly administered federally provided COVID-19 relief dollars, but did not ensure all employees complete cybersecurity awareness training. The audit, which reviewed the period of March 1, 2020 through March 31, 2021, is one of several audits conducted by the OSA that have reviewed the topics of cybersecurity and compliance with expenditure guidelines for federal pandemic relief funding. Continue reading Audit Advises Bridgewater State University Require Employees to Complete Cybersecurity Training →

Amended
Mill Creek Project to be presented to public at upcoming Zoning Board Meeting

Changes include
redesign of building exterior, reduction in density, creating first-floor commercial space and shuttle service to MBTA station

Continue reading City of Medford Working with 40B Applicants and External Partners to Expand Affordable Housing Options →

MEDFORD – The City of Medford and its partner agencies providing housing resources and supports have several programs and opportunities available to Medford residents. Continue reading Virtual Public Meeting June 22nd, 6pm to Present Housing Resources and Programs Available for Medford Residents →

Shirley R. Fuccillo passed away peacefully on June 14, 2022 at the Courtyard Nursing Care Center in Medford, she was 86. Born and raised in Somerville, she was the daughter of the late Camilla (Dalio) and Richard F. Fuccillo.
A longtime Somerville resident, Shirley was a stitcher working for the United Curtain Company. She enjoyed arts and crafts projects, but above all cherished time spend with her grandchildren. She is lovingly remembered as a “firecracker” who always loved to keep the staff at Courtyard on their toes. Despite her feistiness she was always able to provide an uplifting word or encouragement to those she loved. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Shirley R. Fuccillo →

Elaine F. Monahan, of Malden and a former longtime Somerville resident, passed away on June 11, 2022, she was 64. Born and raised in Somerville, she was the cherished daughter of the late Evelyn (Blakely) and James E. Monahan.
Elaine is survived by her devoted and caring sister, Joanne Kelly of Malden and she was a loving aunt to four nephews and one niece. She was the dear sister of the late Marilyn Sousa and Kathleen Roberts. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Elaine F. Monahan →

BOSTON – In an audit of the Massachusetts Cultural Council (MCC), the Office of State Auditor Suzanne M. Bump (OSA) found that MCC did not verify artists’ eligibility prior to issuing grants totaling $1,456,000 from MCC’s COVID-19 pandemic relief funding. The audit also found that MCC’s Internal Control Plan (ICP) was not updated with a COVID-19 component. Additionally, the OSA found that MCC did not ensure all employees completed the required annual cybersecurity awareness training. The audit was conducted March 1, 2020 through March 31, 2021.
Continue reading Audit Finds Massachusetts Cultural Council’s Dedicated $1,456,000 COVID-19 Relief Funds Issued Without Verification →

The City of Somerville, the City of Cambridge, and the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) invite you to a virtual public meeting to discuss ways to protect and improve our local water resources, including the Mystic River, the Alewife Brook, and the Charles River. Continue reading Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO) Control Planning Meeting, June 29 →

Mayor Katjana Ballantyne and City of Somerville staff are hosting listening sessions to hear from the community about the future of 90 Washington Street, a 4-acre site near the East Somerville Green Line station envisioned as the future home of a new Public Safety Building and a range of civic, commercial, and residential uses. After a brief overview of the project, residents will have an opportunity to share their thoughts about the Public Safety Building project and other potential uses for the site on the adjacent Washington Street Development Parcels. Continue reading Envisioning 90 Washington Street: In-Person & Virtual Listening Sessions →

Frances A. “Peaches” Hall, a 63 year resident of Somerville and formerly of Charlestown, entered into eternal life on Wednesday, June 15, 2022 at Brigham & Women’s Hospital in Boston. She was 81 years of age. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering FRANCES A. “PEACHES” (McGONAGLE) HALL →

Click on link below to read June 14th, 2022 The Somerville Medford News Weekly Print Edition Online June 14th, 2022 The Somerville Medford News Weekly Print Edition Online (1)

Amirault, Angela M. (Catalano)—Of Medford, passed away on June 12, 2022. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Angela M Amirault →

BOSTON – In an audit of Bunker Hill Community College (BHCC) the Office of State Auditor Suzanne M. Bump (OSA) found BHCC did not accurately record and report all federal COVID-19 pandemic related institutional funding. Continue reading Audit Finds Bunker Hill Community College Did Not Properly Report Distributed COVID-19 Dollars, Failed to Implement an Enterprise-wide Cyber Security Awareness Training Program →

On Thursday, June 09, 2022, I was assigned to a road detail on McGrath Hwy (Route 28 North) a public way in the city of Somerville. At approximately 9:17 P.M., while standing next to a work crew at the intersection of McGrath Hwy and Poplar Street, I observed a gray SUV strike several orange cones and was headed in the direction of the workers on the right lane. I stepped into the travel lane and motioned for the female operator to stop. The operator refused to stop and continued on McGrath Hwy dragging two orange cones.
Continue reading Real Life Somerville Police Stories: (OUI Liquor, Negligent Operation, Fail to Stop for Police) →

On Sunday, June 12, 2022, at 9:03 AM, I, Officer Richard Lavey III, along with Officers Messaoudi, Campers, D. Lambert, and Catatao, was dispatched to the area of 160 Broadway for the report of a bald white male about six feet tall wearing a gray shirt and jeans throwing rocks at a building and pushing one individual in front of 160 Broadway. Continue reading Real Life Somerville Police Stories: (Defacement) →

On Tuesday, June 12, 2022, I (Officer Jorge Morel) was working patrol during my assigned 12 AM to 8 AM shift. In the East District cruiser (E-4).

Around 12:55 AM, I responded to XXX Broadway “XXXX” for a report of a breaking and entering. Officers David Ruf (E-1), Justin Brown (W-5), and Michael Cleary (E-3) responded as back-up.
Continue reading Real Life Somerville Police Stories: (B&E, Defacement, Possess Burglarious Instrument, Larceny, Break into Depository) →

SOMERVILLE – The City of Somerville has passed an amendment to its landmark Housing Stability Notification Act (HSNA) to significantly expand awareness of tenant protections. The amendment requires landlords to provide tenants with information about their rights and resources at the start of all new housing rentals, rather than only when pursuing an eviction, as stipulated in the original legislation. At-Large Councilor Willie Burnley, Jr., originally proposed the amendment. The City Council passed it unanimously, and Mayor Katjana Ballantyne signed it April 28. The amendment will go into effect on July 13. Continue reading Somerville Passes Housing Stability Amendment to Significantly Expand Awareness of Tenant Protections & Resources →

By Arthur Moore

1. Double yellow line. This is where to make a U turn. Villens do this in multiple passes and in traffic hour.

2. No turn on red signs. Villens can make the right turn by slightly slowing down when making the turn. Continue reading A Villens Guide to Driving in Somerville →

A home is more than just a roof over your head! Having a home creates a gateway for clients to reconcile relationships with family and loved ones. A client’s new home is a place where they can spend one-on-one time with family and friends; something that isn’t feasible with shelter living or life on the streets. Pictured above is Jim with his son Ryan who we had the pleasure of moving into housing in May. Continue reading Somerville Homeless Coalition-Make An Impact This Father’s Day! →

By Bob Katzen

“I think on this matter I will turn it over to [Sen. Brendan Crighton] the real expert on this subject matter, the gentleman from Lynn, the Senate chair of the Joint Committee on Transportation. Because he truly is the expert on this and so many other issues before this body.”
—Ways and Means chair Sen. Mike Rodrigues (D-Westport) when asked during floor debate to comment on the bill providing $350 million for local roads and bridges and other transportation projects. Continue reading THIS WEEK’S QUOTABLE QUOTES ON BEACON HILL →

By Bob Katzen

The Committee on Cannabis Policy recommended that several bills be shipped off to a study committee where bills are rarely actually studied and are essentially defeated. It is a way to kill a proposal without holding a vote on the bill itself. Here are some of the bills that will soon be sent off to a study committee:

PREVENT YOUTH SUBSTANCE ABUSE (S78) – Would direct 1 percent of the state tax revenue generated from the cannabis excise tax toward a fund that would be responsible for supporting programs dedicated to prevention of youth substance use. Continue reading SEVERAL BILLS ON THEIR WAY TO A “STUDY” COMMITTEE →

By Bob Katzen

A bill that would add Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and opioid use disorder to the current list of conditions for which a doctor could prescribe medical marijuana, is stuck in the Committee on Health Care Financing which gave it a favorable report on March 24. The bill is a redrafted different version of an earlier bill, sponsored by Rep. Michael Soter (R-Bellingham), designed to expand access to medical marijuana for veterans. Continue reading EXPANDED USE OF MEDICAL MARIJUANA →

By Bob Katzen

The Senate approved a House-approved $350 million package that includes authorizing $200 million in one-time funding for the maintenance and repair of local roads and bridges in cities and towns across the state to be distributed under the Chapter 90 program formula. Only final House and Senate approval are needed prior to the measure going to the governor. Continue reading $350 MILLION FOR ROADS AND BRIDGES AND MORE →

By Bob Katzen

The Senate 39-0, approved and sent to the House a measure that requires standardized certification of an estimated 1,800 Bay State hospital technicians, by a nationally accredited organization, of hospital technicians who are responsible for ensuring that surgical instruments are safe and sanitary to protect patients from possible infection. The measure also requires the technicians to complete an annual continuing education curriculum. It was filed as a response to several high-profile incidents across the state in which surgical tools used in operations on patients may have been improperly disinfected. Continue reading REQUIRE CERTIFICATION FOR TECHNICIANS WHO STERILIZE AND MAINTAIN HOSPITAL SURGICAL EQUIPMENT →

By Bob Katzen

The Senate 37-3, approved and sent to the House a conference committee version of a bill making permanent the mail-in and early voting options used in Massachusetts in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. The House and Senate had approved different versions of the bill and a conference committee hammered out this compromise version which did not include the section allowing same day voter registration that was in the Senate version but not in the House one. The measure requires the secretary of state to send out mail-in ballot applications, with return postage guaranteed, to registered voters before each presidential primary, state primary and biennial state election. It also allows registered voters to request a mail-in ballot for all elections in a single calendar year. Continue reading ELECTION LAW CHANGES →

By Bob Katzen

The House 119-36, Senate 32-8, gained the two-thirds vote necessary to override Gov. Charlie Baker’s veto of legislation that would allow, starting July 1, 2023, undocumented/illegal immigrants to apply for a Massachusetts standard driver’s license. Continue reading LEGISLATURE OVERRIDES BAKER’S VETO OF BILL ALLOWING DRIVER’S LICENSE FOR UNDOCUMENTED/ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS →

Our sincere condolences, thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of James J. Bremis on his passing.

James J. Bremis was a wonderful person who will be sadly missed here in both Somerville and Medford. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering James J. Bremis →

Applications are now open for more than $1.6 million in Somerville Community Preservation Act (CPA) funds to support open space/recreation and historic preservation projects. The application process has several steps. Applicants should note the following deadlines: Continue reading Somerville-Apply Now for Community Preservation Act Funds →

Somerville Public Library (MA) (79 Highland Ave.) will host two vaccine clinics on Wednesday, June 15 and July 13, from 3 to 5 p.m. The Pfizer vaccine and boosters will be available for all people 5 years and up. The clinics are free, regardless of immigration status or health insurance. Identification is not required.
Continue reading Stay protected against COVID-19 →

BOSTON– After a historic vote in the House of Representatives in February and state Senate in early May, the state legislature voted this week to override the Governor’s veto of the Work and Family Mobility Act (WFMA), and it is now state law. The bill, filed by Representative Christine Barber of Somerville and Medford, with Rep. Tricia Farley-Bouvier and Senators Brendan Crighton and Adam Gomez, enables all state residents to apply for a standard Massachusetts driver’s license regardless of immigration status. Continue reading Legislature Overrides Governor Veto; Driver’s License Bill Now Law →

Antonio Castellano, of Medford, passed away suddenly on June 3, 2022, he was 64. Born in Argentina, he was the cherished son of Gaetana (Antoniello) and Angelo Castellano. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Antonio Castellano →

Three community spaces will provide teen programming this summer while efforts begin to shape a long-awaited permanent space designed by and for teens Continue reading City of Somerville to Offer Three Dedicated Spaces for Teens This Summer →

Somerville City Councilor William Burley and City Councilor should have to resign or recuse themselves due to a conflict of interest to vote for and approving the police budget because where they are both directly affiliated and founders or co-founders of the Defund Police Organization?

Continue reading Letter From The Editor: Two Somerville City Council Members Should Resign or Recuse Themselves →

Medford Mayor Breanna Lungo-Koehn spent a wonderful morning on Wednesday talking to 3rd graders at Brooks Elementary School about what government does, what I like about being Mayor and how a bill becomes a law. Continue reading Medford Mayor Breanna Lungo-Koehn Visits Brooks Elementary School →

Dear Billy T and Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line,

I read you latest story about the stabbing in Davis Square–
Continue reading Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line: Is Old Mayor Joe Still Running City? →

Dear Billy T and Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line,

Bill, when will us tax payers get an up date on this? It’s been very quit? Pretty sure the money disappeared with our former Mayor and City Councilors…and possibly the new mayor and City Councilors let it conveniently slide undetected? Continue reading Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line: Where Did All Our Money Go? →

Yesterday I joined with the Medford Police Department and Chief Jack Buckley to swear in our newest sergeants, James King, Christopher Covino and Greg Gianino. Continue reading Message from Medford Mayor on New Police Promotions →

Anne L. (Barton) Sullivan was born November 11, 1943 in Mattapan, MA to Annie T. (Carty) and Leo C. Barton. She grew up in Mattapan and attended Cathedral High School in Boston. As a young adult she began working at First National Bank, where she met her husband William F. Sullivan. They were married 56 years. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Anne L. Sullivan →

WEAVER, David L. – Of Somerville passed away suddenly, June 3, 2022.
Beloved husband of Lorraine (Ward) Weaver.
Loving father of Stacey Amaral, Theresa Baxter both of Somerville and the late Sharon Walsh.
Brother of Kenneth Weaver and his wife Mona and the late Carl Weaver. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering David Lee Weaver →

Attempted Residential Breaking and Entering
22030629: On 6/1/22 at approximately 7:38 PM, Somerville Police responded to a residence on Loring St. for a past attempted breaking and entering. Upon arrival, officers spoke with the victim who stated after returning home from work, he noticed damage to his rear door. Continue reading Somerville Police Department News Updates →

On Tuesday, June 7th, at 8:32 PM, the Somerville Police Department received calls for two men fighting and one possibly had a knife. Upon arrival, officers located a 31 YO male with multiple stab wounds to his torso. The victim suffered serious but non-life threatening injuries and is recovering in a local hospital. Continue reading Somerville Stabbing – Davis Square →

Click on link below to read June 7th, 2022 The Somerville Medford News Weekly Print Edition Online June 7th, 2022 The Somerville Medford News Weekly Print Edition Online (1)

BOSTON – In an audit of the Massachusetts District Attorneys Association (MDAA), the Office of State Auditor Suzanne M. Bump (OSA) found that MDAA did not ensure employees received cybersecurity awareness training. The audit, which reviewed the period of July 1, 2019 through June 30, 2021, is one of several audits conducted by the OSA that have reviewed cybersecurity awareness training compliance. Continue reading Audit Advises Massachusetts District Attorneys Association (MDAA) Require Employees to Complete Cybersecurity Awareness Training →

On 06/03/2022, while assigned to marked unit East-4, I was dispatched to the area of 269 Broadway for reports of an assault. Dispatch advised that a white male with a beard and a backpack had thrown beer cans at a party, later identified as Mr. XXXX and that the suspect had fled down Wheatland Street. East-1 (Officers VanNostrand and Lentini), responded as well and located the suspect in front of Winter Hill Market. Continue reading Real Life Somerville Police Stories: (Assault w/ Dangerous Weapon, Resisting Arrest, A&B on Public Employee) (SPD & Billerica Warrants) →

On Wednesday, June 1st, at 9:44 PM, the Somerville Police responded to 34 Paulina Street for a report of shots having been fired at the rear of the residence. On arrival, Officers learned the shooting incident occurred this same date between 5:00AM-5:15AM. Witnesses heard what sounded like four shots fired and soon after a fleeing vehicle but did not call the police at the time the shots were heard. There were no injuries reported. Continue reading Real Life Somerville Police Stories:Shots Fired →

SOMERVILLE, Mass. – The City of Somerville Police Department and the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office will partner to host the Somerville gun buyback initiative Saturday, June18, 2022 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Somerville Department of Public Works Yard located at 1 Franey Road. The regional initiative includes several communities in the Middlesex county over the past couple of years. The focus is on providing residents with a safe and secure way of removing unwanted firearms from their homes. Continue reading Somerville Will Participate in Regional Gun Buy Back Initiative 2022 →

On Sunday, June 5th, Somerville Kiwanis Club members distributed nearly 200 bicycle helmets to bike riders who were participating in the East Somerville Carnival 2022 along Broadway. The helmets were donated by the personal injury law firm, Breakstone, White and Gluck as part of their Project KidSafe. They have partnered with the Somerville Kiwanis Club for many years, providing hundreds of bicycle helmets every year that the club has distributed and helped to properly fit to each rider. Continue reading Somerville Kiwanis Club Distribute Free Bicycle Helmets →

By Bob Katzen

“The alarm has been sounded. There is an inability of police departments to recruit and retain police officers. It’s deeply concerning because having diverse, well-trained and effective police professionals is a necessity. We need to study the issue, understand it better and focus on making sure we have police departments that are sufficiently staffed with qualified and diverse officers.”
—Sen. Bruce Tarr (R-Gloucester) on his bill to create a special commission charged with taking stock of the police workforce challenges experienced by cities and towns across the state.
Continue reading THIS WEEK’S QUOTABLE QUOTES ON BEACON HILL →

By Bob Katzen

The House and Senate each appointed three members to a conference committee to hammer out a compromise version of the different $49 billion plus versions of the fiscal 2023 budget passed by each branch. Continue reading STATE BUDGET DEADLINE IS JULY 1 →

By Bob Katzen

The U.S. Department of Labor announced the awarding of more than $57 million in grants nationwide to organizations that help veterans experiencing homelessness find meaningful employment and assist them in overcoming barriers to transition back successfully into the workforce. The grants include $1,506,323 for the Bay State including $501,834 For Volunteers of America of Massachusetts in Jamaica Plain; $184,489 for the Massachusetts Military Support Foundation in West Barnstable; and $820,000 for Veterans Inc. in Worcester. Continue reading FUNDS FOR HOMELESSNESS →

By Bob Katzen

Stuck in the House Ways and Means Committee for nearly three months, since March 7, is a measure, approved unanimously 40-0 by the Senate, designed to ensure that pregnant and postpartum mothers get necessary and potentially life-saving health care by extending MassHealth insurance coverage to 12 months after pregnancy. MassHealth is the state’s Medicaid program that provides health care for low-income and disabled persons.
Continue reading PREGNANT AND POST PARTUM MOTHERS →

By Bob Katzen

The House gave initial approval to a proposal that would impose up to a five-year prison sentence and/or $10,000 fine on anyone who discharges an assault weapon, firearm, large capacity weapon, machine gun, rifle, sawed-off shotgun or shotgun into a dwelling. Under current law this crime is a misdemeanor punishable by up to a 30-day jail sentence and/or $100 fine.
Continue reading SHOOTING AT A HOUSE OR APARTMENT →

THE HOUSE AND SENATE: There were no roll call votes in the House or Senate last week. This week, Beacon Hill Roll Call reports local senators’ roll call attendance records for the 2022 session through June 3. Continue reading This Past Week On Beacon Hill →

SOMERVILLE_ On Thursday, June 2nd, The Somerville Kiwanis Club presented eight $1500 scholarships to deserving Somerville High School seniors. The eight students receiving scholarships were among 117 students who competed for the annual awards. The scholarship committee, headed by Distinguished Past President Dave O’Brien, who is a former SHS teacher, did an outstanding
job selecting these students. Five of the recipients were present at the club’s meeting at the Mount Vernon Restaurant. President Mernaysa Rivera-Bujosa congratulated the students for their hard work during these difficult years of studying with pandemic restrictions. Continue reading Somerville Kiwanis Club Award Eight Scholarships →

Don’t Let the Girlfriend Fool Ya, Tom Cruise is Back, and he’s looking for a new wing man!

Maverick

The Sequel to Top Gun

An Evaluation by Joe Viglione

Tom Cruise, the film-making businessman, plays to his strengths in what is a quasi-Mission Impossible saga. This critic has no idea who the enemy is that has some nuclear something somewhere that now-teacher Maverick (Tom Cruise) has to train his children to blast into oblivion. Vladmir Putin and Osama Bin Laden are not blamed for this, and it could be an alien entity taking over Iraq for all we know: the plot doesn’t depend on a known enemy…how strange is that?

Continue reading Maverick: Top Gun 2: Review →

Proposed FY23 budget includes largest increase in history for Somerville Public Schools; repurposes nearly $8.3 million in GLX funds for affordable housing; makes first ever $1 million investment in participatory budgeting; and creates new Office of Accountability, Transparency, and Access Continue reading Mayor Ballantyne Releases First Budget: Foundations for Progress →

The City of Somerville is partnering with community groups again this year to raise awareness about black swallow-wort (BSW), a very aggressive and invasive, non-native weed that can be found throughout Somerville. BSW displaces native plants and habitats, threatens butterflies and songbirds, and is toxic to deer and livestock. It is especially harmful to the monarch butterfly population because it resembles milkweed, where monarchs lay their eggs, and once the monarch larvae hatch, they die from eating the toxic BSW leaves. Continue reading Somerville-Help Stop Black Swallow-Wort in Somerville This Summer →

Our sincere condolences, thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of Francisca A. Fernandes on her passing.

Francisca Fernandes was a wonderful person who will be sadly missed here in both Somerville and Medford.

Obituary: Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Francisca A. Fernandes →

On Thursday May 26, 2022 at approximately 1221 hours Officer Van Nostrand and myself, Officer Lentini (East-1), were contacted by Officer Pavao about a shoplifting suspect from Polo. Officer Pavao was contacted by XXXX, a worker at Polo, who stated a female party left the store after concealing a few items in her bag. Continue reading Real Life Somerville Police Stories: (Shoplifting Arrest →

On 05/27/2022, I, Officer Christopher Collette was assigned to Somerville marked unit West Seven. At approximately 03:14 hours, Officer Dell’Isola advised Somerville Control that he had been flagged down in regards to a motor vehicle stopped on Paulina St. where it intersects Broadway. I recognized this location as within my assigned area of patrol and I made my way to the scene. Continue reading Real Life Somerville Police Stories: (OUI Liquor) Arrest →

New Director to Oversee Expansion and Reorganization of Services

SOMERVILLE – Mayor Katjana Ballantyne today announced Karin Carroll, MPH, has been hired as the City of Somerville’s Director of Health and Human Services. In addition to overseeing the ongoing work of the department, Carroll will be charged with expanding and reorganizing services to best serve the community and advance the Ballantyne administration’s focus on equity.
Continue reading Karin Carroll Hired as Somerville Director of Health & Human Services →

All interested community members are invited to attend and speak at the Budget Public Hearing before the Somerville City Council’s Committee on Finance on Monday, June 6, at 6 p.m. for public input on the proposed FY 2023 municipal budget.
Continue reading City of Somerville FY 2023 Budget Public Hearing →

Flag raising at City Hall at 2:45pm, “Dinner, Drinks, & Drag” event at Carroll’s Restaurant (18+) beginning at 7pm.

More events planned throughout June. Continue reading Kick Off PRIDE Month in Medford with Two Events on June 2nd →

SomerStreets promotes active living and reconnecting with city neighborhoods

SomerStreets: Carnaval returns to East Somerville on Sunday, June 5, from 2 to 6 p.m. (rain date: Sunday, June 12). Enjoy interactive games and activities, three stages of live music and dancing, food from around the world, and local craft vendors, plus a dunk tank to soak your neighbors and elected officials. Programming will extend along East Broadway between Kensington and Pennsylvania avenues. The festival begins at 2 p.m. with an opening parade led by Mayor Katjana Ballantyne, starting on Broadway at Kensington Avenue. Continue reading SomerStreets: Carnaval Shakes Up East Somerville on June 5 →

Dear Billy T and Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line,

Well another year goes by an another Memorial Day Parade didn’t happen. It takes almost a year to set up a Memorial Day Parade, my question is how much have they (the city) already appropriated for this hopefully a 2023 Memorial Day Parade to happen? I don’t think they’ve done a damn thing yet for the 2023 preparation so don’t hold your breath. Continue reading SOMERVILLE/MEDFORD NEWS WEEKLY SPEAKUP LINE:WHERE ARE OUR VETERAN MONUMENTS THAT WERE REMOVED IN 2018? →

Click on link below to read May 31st, 2022 The Somerville Medford News Weekly Print Edition Online May 31st, 2022 The Somerville Medford News Weekly Print Edition Online (1)

Joseph, Guy J. – Of Somerville, formerly of Plaisance, Haiti passed away peacefully on Saturday May 28, 2022 at Tufts Medical Center. He was 76. Continue reading Guy J. Joseph →

By Bob Katzen

The Baker administration announced the launch of the Massachusetts Data Hub, a new data search tool that allows users to search state resources and data by topic and keyword and to browse featured data published by state government.
Continue reading LAUNCH OF MASSACHUSETTS DATA HUB →

By Bob Katzen

The House gave initial approval to a bill that makes it a criminal offense when a medical or healthcare professional induces a patient to engage in sexual intercourse or touching by falsely representing that the act is necessary for a legitimate medical purpose. The measure adds sections to the existing rape and indecent assault and battery statutes to criminalize behavior by medical professionals where there has been a fraudulent representation of the necessity and propriety of conduct and adds these crimes to the law on the statute of limitations for other sexual assaults. Continue reading SEXUAL ASSAULT UNDER FALSE MEDICAL REPRESENTATION →