The Somerville News Weekly Favorite Birthday Photos of the Week

 

Many Villens celebrating their birthdays this week in the Ville! Happy Birthday greetings go out to Theresa Hussey Rogers, William Latta, Lisa Rubera, Mike DiBacco, Kimmy Moss, Timothy Gager, Michael Buckley Jr., Nancy O’Brien, Lou Remigio, Herc Kalos, Linda Brown and Happy 4th Birthday to beautiful Myah Cabral
Continue reading The Somerville News Weekly Favorite Birthday Photos of the Week

Letter to the Editor:City leaders spell out the likely consequences for Somerville if Question 2 passes


 

If Question 2 passes and a new charter school opens in Somerville, the School Department could be forced to close one or two elementary schools and/or slash popular school programs like music and athletics, Somerville’s School Committee chair, mayor, and legislative leaders said today. Continue reading Letter to the Editor:City leaders spell out the likely consequences for Somerville if Question 2 passes

Somerville Solar Panel Discount Program Extended: Site Visits now through 11/23, Agreement to Purchase by 12/16

Due to high interest in the Solarize Somerville program, Somerville residents and businesses now have more time to take advantage of free solar energy consultations and discounted solar panel purchases being offered for a limited time through the program. Continue reading Somerville Solar Panel Discount Program Extended: Site Visits now through 11/23, Agreement to Purchase by 12/16

The Somerville News Weekly Special Person of the Week:Rachel Strutt

By Frank Santangelo 

Meet this week’s “Special Person of the Week:Rachel Strutt
Rachel is a Magoun Square resident who has worked at the Somerville Arts Council for the past fifteen years, curating and producing large-scale public events like ArtBeat and the Ignite Global Street Food and Fire Festival and running cultural economic initiatives like the ArtsUnion Project.  Continue reading The Somerville News Weekly Special Person of the Week:Rachel Strutt

Hair Cuttery Salutes Servicemen and Women with Veterans Day Share-A-Haircut Program

 

Hair Cuttery to Donate Thousands of Haircuts to Former Military in Honor of

Veterans Day

 

Somerville, MA, October 25, 2016 – This Veterans Day the Somerville Hair Cuttery salon at 495 Artisan Way is honoring and giving back to former servicemen and women through its Share-A-Haircut program. Continue reading Hair Cuttery Salutes Servicemen and Women with Veterans Day Share-A-Haircut Program

Join Historic Preservation Commission for Tours of Milk Row Cemetery, Prospect Hill Tower

Wondering about the residents of this historic Milk Row Cemetery dating back to 1804? Join the Somerville Historic Preservation Commission on Sunday, November 6, from 2 to 4 p.m., for the final public opening of 2016. Due to its fragile condition, the site is often closed to the public, except by appointment, or during regular openings during the seasonal months. Continue reading Join Historic Preservation Commission for Tours of Milk Row Cemetery, Prospect Hill Tower

GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS by John Dwyer 


GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS MONDAY, October 31, the 305th day of 2016 with 61 to follow. Sunrise in the Boston area is @ 7:16 and sunset is @ 5:39. The moon is waxing. The morning stars are stars are Jupiter, Mars, Uranus & Venus. The evening stars are Mercury, Neptune & Saturn.

ON THIS DAY IN: 1517 – Martin Luther posted the 95 Theses on the door of the Wittenberg Palace Church. The event marked the start of the Protestant Reformation in Germany.  Continue reading GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS by John Dwyer 

Letter to the Editor:Help Local Somerville Resident (advocate for the elderly and disabled)With Bar Exam

Matin Polignone of Somerville “The Voice of the elderly and disabled”

Finished and paid for law school on a very limited low income and have been my education to volunteer and provide help for the elderly and disabled persons like myself. Continue reading Letter to the Editor:Help Local Somerville Resident (advocate for the elderly and disabled)With Bar Exam

GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS by John Dwyer 


GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS SUNDAY, October 30, the 304th day of 2016 with 62 to follow. Sunrise in the Boston area is @ 7:15 and sunset is @ 5:40. The New Moon is exact @ 1:40 PM EDT. The morning stars are stars are Jupiter, Mars, Uranus & Venus. The evening stars are Mercury, Neptune & Saturn.

ON THIS DAY IN: 1735 – John Adams, the second President of the United States, was born in Braintree, MA. His son became the sixth President of the U.S.  Continue reading GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS by John Dwyer 

Somerville Council on Aging Weekly Organizational Updates & Information

 

UPCOMING EVENTS

 

Ageless Grace: Ageless Grace, the Council on Aging’s new Fitness class for the body and mind. The 5-week series, held at 4:00 p.m. at the Holland Street Center, the Ageless Grace program is an innovative wellness and fitness program done seated in a chair to upbeat music. Continue reading Somerville Council on Aging Weekly Organizational Updates & Information

GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS by John Dwyer 


GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS SATURDAY, October 29, the 303rd day of 2016 with 63 to follow. Sunrise in the Boston area is @ 7:14 and sunset is @ 5:41. The moon is waxing. The morning stars are stars are Jupiter, Mars, Uranus & Venus. The evening stars are Mercury, Neptune & Saturn.

ON THIS DAY IN: 1618 – Sir Walter Raleigh was beheaded under a sentence that had been brought against him 15 years earlier for conspiracy against King James I.  Continue reading GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS by John Dwyer 

RESPONDing to Domestic Violence Gala Celebration Honors Author, Survivor Leslie Morgan Steiner


Photo of Middlesex District Attorney, Marian Ryan; Mayor Emeritus, Gene Brune; RESPOND Executive Director, Jessica Brayden

 
 

SOMERVILLE, MA– RESPOND Inc., New England’s first domestic violence agency and the second oldest in the nation, proudly presented the Timothy White Take A Stand Award to author, blogger and public speaker on violence against women, Leslie Morgan Steiner at the annual RESPONDing to Domestic Violence Gala. Continue reading RESPONDing to Domestic Violence Gala Celebration Honors Author, Survivor Leslie Morgan Steiner

GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS by John Dwyer 

GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS FRIDAY, October 28, the 302nd day of 2016 with 64 to follow. Sunrise in the Boston area is @ 7:12 and sunset is @ 5:43. The moon is waxing. The morning stars are stars are Jupiter, Mars, Uranus & Venus. The evening stars are Mercury, Neptune & Saturn.

ON THIS DAY IN: 1636 – Harvard College was founded in Massachusetts. The original name was Court of Massachusetts Bay Colony. It was the first school of higher education in America.  Continue reading GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS by John Dwyer 

Somerville 2016 Haunted Hall at City Hall Photos by Frank Santangelo  

Photos by Frank Santangelo 

By William Tauro 

This past Thursday evening, ghost and goblins took over the Somerville High School Gymnasium with little ghouls and scary monsters for games, a haunted pathway, food, trick-or-treating, and a costume stroll for the 2016 episode of “Haunted Hall at City Hall” Continue reading Somerville 2016 Haunted Hall at City Hall Photos by Frank Santangelo  

GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS by John Dwyer 


GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS THURSDAY, October 27, the 301st day of 2016 with 65 to follow. Sunrise in the Boston area is @ 7:11 and sunset is @ 5:44. The moon is waxing. The morning stars are stars are Jupiter, Mars, Uranus & Venus. The evening stars are Mercury, Neptune & Saturn.

ON THIS DAY IN: 1659 – William Robinson and Marmaduke Stevenson became the first Quakers to be executed in America.  Continue reading GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS by John Dwyer 

GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS by John Dwyer 


GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS WEDNESDAY, October 26, the 300th day of 2016 with 66 to follow. Sunrise in the Boston area is @ 7:10 and sunset is @ 5:46. The moon is waxing. The morning stars are stars are Jupiter, Mars, Uranus & Venus. The evening stars are Mercury, Neptune & Saturn.

ON THIS DAY IN: 1774 – The First Continental Congress of the U.S. adjourned in Philadelphia. Continue reading GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS by John Dwyer 

Somerville Pollice Beards and Goatees?


 You may see our Officers sporting new looks this Winter. Any Officer who donates to CAAS Community Action Agency of Somerville, will be able to keep his beard/goatee for (4) months, starting Nov. 1st, through Feb 28th. All Officers will resume with a clean shave Mar 1st. Donations will help further CAAS’ mission to reduce poverty among local families in Somerville. #donatingforagoodcause #SomervilleMA #NoShaveWinterofGiving

GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS by John Dwyer 


GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS TUESDAY, October 25, the 299th day of 2016 with 67 to follow. Sunrise in the Boston area is @ 7:09 and sunset is @ 5:47. The moon is waxing. The morning stars are stars are Jupiter, Mars, Uranus & Venus. The evening stars are Mercury, Neptune & Saturn.

ON THIS DAY IN: 1415 – In Northern France, England won the Battle of Agincourt over France during the Hundred Years’ War. Almost 6000 Frenchmen were killed while fewer than 400 were lost by the English.  Continue reading GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS by John Dwyer 

SOMERVILLE ACTORS, CAROLINE KEELER AND KATIE O’REILLY, STAR IN MOONBOX PRODUCTIONS’ AMADEUS

 

November 25th – December 17th

Boston Center for the Arts Plaza Theatre

 

BOSTON, MA – Somerville actors, Caroline Keeler and Katie O’Reilly, will star in Moonbox Productions’, upcoming production of Amadeus, November 25th – December 17th at the Boston Center for the Arts Plaza Theatre, 539 Tremont Street, Boston. Continue reading SOMERVILLE ACTORS, CAROLINE KEELER AND KATIE O’REILLY, STAR IN MOONBOX PRODUCTIONS’ AMADEUS

Real Life Somerville Police Stories:Claudio FONTOURA (B&E & Somerville Warrant) & J David DOHERTY (B&E)


On Sunday, October 23, 2016, while assigned to marked unit East-1, I was dispatched to 8 Mt. Pleasant Street for a check condition.

 

Upon arrival, I immediately recognized the house and knew it was uninhabited. The house is currently owned by company known as Lolastar LLC. Continue reading Real Life Somerville Police Stories:Claudio FONTOURA (B&E & Somerville Warrant) & J David DOHERTY (B&E)

Real Life Somerville Police Stories:Louis SHROPSHIRE (OUI Liquor)

On Friday, October 21st, 2016 at approximately 7:28 p.m., I, Officer Goncalves, while in full uniform and assigned to area East 4, was dispatched to the intersection of Bond St. and Jacques St. for a motor vehicle accident involving one vehicle who had crashed into a tree. Officers Messaoudi (East 1), Rivera (East 3) Difava (West 5) and McNally (Tango 2) also responded. Continue reading Real Life Somerville Police Stories:Louis SHROPSHIRE (OUI Liquor)

Real Life Somerville Police Stories:Lucas BINDA (Unlicensed Operation of MV, Fail to Stop)

The following is a brief summary of the incident. It does not contain every minute detail of the incident. On October 17, 2016, at @ 8:38 PM, while assigned to the SPD Traffic Unit, operating Traffic Unit Tango 2, in full uniform, I was performing a Selective Enforcement assignment at the intersection of Somerville Ave, Washington St. and Prospect St. Continue reading Real Life Somerville Police Stories:Lucas BINDA (Unlicensed Operation of MV, Fail to Stop)

GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS by John Dwyer 


GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS MONDAY, October 24, the 298th day of 2016 with 68 to follow. Sunrise in the Boston area is @ 7:08 and sunset is @ 5:49. The moon is waxing. The morning stars are stars are Jupiter, Mars, Uranus & Venus. The evening stars are Mercury, Neptune & Saturn.

ON THIS DAY IN: 1632 – Scientist Anthony van Leeuwenhoek was born in Delft, Holland. He created the first microscope lenses that were powerful enough to observe single-celled animals.  Continue reading GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS by John Dwyer 

100th GALA Celebration of the Dormition of the Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church of Somerville

 

 Photos by Harry Agritha

By Sophia Carafotes & Harry Agritha

The Dormition of the Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church celebrated 100 years of Christian Worship (1916-2016) in a Centennial Celebration Weekend for the past and present parish. Continue reading 100th GALA Celebration of the Dormition of the Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church of Somerville

The Somerville News Weekly Favorite Birthday Photos of the Week 

Many Villens celebrating their birthdays this week in the Ville! Happy Birthday greetings go out to John Gannon, Linda Dove Mochi, Paul Glejzer, Kathy Webber, Linda A Bond, Erin DiBenedetto, Charlene Clifford Finos, Joe Donnelly, Chuck Viola, Peter Petruzziello,Jason Mesiti, Dennis Sullivan, Palmira Santos, David Ross, Christopher Collette, Tony Costa, Aurelio Ferreira, Tommy Doucette, Caitlyn Marie Russell, Happy 95th Birthday to Emily Tauro and Happy 100th Birthday to Somerville native Louise Palmer
Continue reading The Somerville News Weekly Favorite Birthday Photos of the Week 

Beacon Hill Roll Call Volume 41 -Report No. 42 October 17-21, 2016

By Bob Katzen 
   

THE HOUSE AND SENATE: There were no roll calls in the House and Senate last week.
   NO 2016 SALES TAX HOLIDAY – The Retailers Association of Massachusetts (RAM) released the results of a study of the effect on retailers of the Legislature and Gov. Charlie Baker’s decision not to hold a Sales Tax Holiday this past August as it has done every year except one since 2004. Continue reading Beacon Hill Roll Call Volume 41 -Report No. 42 October 17-21, 2016

The Somerville Food Security Coalition needs desserts for the Come to the Table: A Community Meal – 1 Year Anniversary Extravaganza!*


 

This meal will serve 50-70 people — 

if you’re able to help out by providing a dessert (to serve 12-15),

please let us know as soon as possible.
Continue reading The Somerville Food Security Coalition needs desserts for the Come to the Table: A Community Meal – 1 Year Anniversary Extravaganza!*

Reminder: Parking Change on Summer Street (Spring St. to Prescott St.) Takes Effect this Fall

 

Attention, residents of Summer Street! As a result of multiple community meetings over Spring and Summer 2016, and a subsequent vote by the City of Somerville’s Traffic Commission, the City will switch the location of parking spots on Summer St., between Spring St. and Prescott St., from the odd side to the even side of the street, beginning the week of October 24. Continue reading Reminder: Parking Change on Summer Street (Spring St. to Prescott St.) Takes Effect this Fall

Senator Pat Jehlen Hosts Constituents at 77th Citizens’ Legislative Seminar

 

(Boston, MA) – Senator Pat Jehlen (D-Somerville) met with constituents this week who participated in the 77th Citizens’ Legislative Seminar (CLS), which took place Monday, October 17th, and Tuesday, October 18th, at the State House. CLS is a semi-annual educational seminar geared towards adults of all ages interested in learning more about state government and the legislative process.  Continue reading Senator Pat Jehlen Hosts Constituents at 77th Citizens’ Legislative Seminar

GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS by John Dwyer 


GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS SATURDAY, October 22, the 296th day of 2016 with 70 to follow. Sunrise in the Boston area is @ 7:05 and sunset is @ 5:52. The moon is waxing. The morning stars are stars are Jupiter, Mars, Uranus & Venus. The evening stars are Mercury, Neptune & Saturn.

ON THIS DAY IN: 1746 – The College of New Jersey was officially chartered. It later became known as Princeton University.  Continue reading GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS by John Dwyer 

Deanna Cremin Playground Dedication In Somerville 

Photos by Frank Santangelo 

By William Tauro 

This past Saturday morning, hundreds came out and attended the reopening of the former Otis Street Playground, renamed in honor of Deanna Cremin, a Somerville teen who inspired many. 

The new Deanna Cremin Playground is located at the corner of Otis and Dana Streets in Somerville    Continue reading Deanna Cremin Playground Dedication In Somerville 

GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS by John Dwyer 


GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS FRIDAY, October 21, the 295th day of 2016 with 71 to follow. Sunrise in the Boston area is @ 7:04 and sunset is @ 5:53. The moon is waxing. The morning stars are stars are Jupiter, Mars, Uranus & Venus. The evening stars are Mercury, Neptune & Saturn.

ON THIS DAY IN: 1797 – “Old Ironsides,” the U.S. Navy frigate Constitution, was launched in Boston’s harbor.  Continue reading GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS by John Dwyer 

GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS by John Dwyer 


GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS THURSDAY, October 20, the 294th day of 2016 with 72 to follow. Sunrise in the Boston area is @ 7:03 and sunset is @ 5:55. The moon is waxing. The morning stars are stars are Jupiter, Mars, Uranus & Venus. The evening stars are Mercury, Neptune & Saturn.

ON THIS DAY IN: 1740 – Maria Theresa became the ruler of Austria, Hungary and Bohemia with the death of her father, Holy Roman Emperor Charles VI.  Continue reading GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS by John Dwyer 

GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS by John Dwyer 


GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS WEDNESDAY, October 19, the 293rd day of 2016 with 73 to follow. Sunrise in the Boston area is @ 7:02 and sunset is @ 5:56. The moon is waxing. The morning stars are stars are Jupiter, Mars, Uranus & Venus. The evening stars are Mercury, Neptune & Saturn.

ON THIS DAY IN: 1765 – In the U.S., The Stamp Act Congress met and drew up a declaration of rights and liberties.  Continue reading GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS by John Dwyer 

GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS by John Dwyer 


GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS TUES DAY, October 18, the 292nd day of 2016 with 74 to follow. Sunrise in the Boston area is @ 7:00 and sunset is @ 5:58. The moon is waxing. The morning stars are stars are Jupiter, Mars, Uranus & Venus. The evening stars are Mercury, Neptune & Saturn.

ON THIS DAY IN: 1469 – Ferdinand of Aragon married Isabella of Castile. The marriage united all the dominions of Spain.  Continue reading GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS by John Dwyer 

The Somerville News Weekly Favorite Birthday Photos of the Week 

Many Villens celebrating their birthdays this week in the Ville! Happy Birthday greetings go out to John Dwyer, Alice Trifone, Jim Roderick, Tom Smith, Kate Donaghue, Denise Lefebvre Ribeiro, Ginny Azulay Roche, Matthew DeOliveira, Joey DiOrio, Tony Rodrigues, Haley Catino and Ron Glejzer
Continue reading The Somerville News Weekly Favorite Birthday Photos of the Week 

RENAMING OF RENOVATED PLAYGROUND TO HONOR DEANNA CREMIN, CELEBRATION SAT. 10/22

Please join Mayor Curtatone and Ward One Alderman Matt McLaughlin for a ribbon cutting ceremony on Saturday, Oct. 22, to celebrate the completion of the Otis Playground renovation and its much anticipated renaming as Cremin Playground, in honor of Deanna Cremin, a wonderful Somerville teen who was a positive inspiration for all. Continue reading RENAMING OF RENOVATED PLAYGROUND TO HONOR DEANNA CREMIN, CELEBRATION SAT. 10/22

Real Life Somerville Police Stories:Derek BOUCHARD (Unarmed Burglary, Receiving Stolen Property, Attempt to Commit Crime, Malicious Destruction of Property, Burn MV, B&E MV)


The following is a summary of facts pertaining to incident #16064562:

 

On Tuesday, October 11, 2016, I was assigned marked unit West 6. At approximately 3:29 am, I was dispatched to 360 Highland Ave for the report of a B&E in progress. Officer Driscoll (West 5), Officer Torres (West 7), Officer Moreira (East 3), Officer Nardone (Sector West), and Sgt. Marino (S8), all responded as backup. Continue reading Real Life Somerville Police Stories:Derek BOUCHARD (Unarmed Burglary, Receiving Stolen Property, Attempt to Commit Crime, Malicious Destruction of Property, Burn MV, B&E MV)

GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS by John Dwyer 


GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS MONDAY, October 17, the 291st day of 2016 with 75 to follow. Sunrise in the Boston area is @ 6:59 and sunset is @ 5:59. The moon is waxing. The morning stars are stars are Jupiter, Mars, Uranus & Venus. The evening stars are Mercury, Neptune & Saturn.

ON THIS DAY IN: 1739 – Thomas Coram was granted a Royal Charter from George II so a “hospital for the maintenance and education of exposed and deserted young children” in Londond, England.  Continue reading GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS by John Dwyer 

11th Annual Pumpkin Carving Contest at The Independent Union Square neighborhood bar hosts their annual night of pumpkin art


 

WHAT: On October 27, The Independent in Somerville’s Union Square will challenge Halloween faithful to create the ultimate pumpkin art at their eleventh annual event. Hosted in anticipation of All Hallows Eve, The Indo’s Pumpkin Carving Contest will pit teams against each other to determine whose decorating skills reign supreme. Continue reading 11th Annual Pumpkin Carving Contest at The Independent Union Square neighborhood bar hosts their annual night of pumpkin art

Somerville ‘s How to Open a Workshop III


Are you thinking about opening a business in Somerville? Stop by the How to Open a Business on Oct. 20 to get information on how to find a location, learn about licensing requirements, find out what financial and technical assistance you may qualify for, and more. The workshop will be held from 6 to 7 p.m. at Cantina La Mexicana, 247 Washington St.
Language support in Haitian Creole, Portuguese, and Spanish will be available.

GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS by John Dwyer 

GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS SUNDAY, October 16, the 290th day of 2016 with 76 to follow. Sunrise in the Boston area is @ 6:58 and sunset is @ 6:01. The moon is waxing. The morning stars are stars are Jupiter, Mars, Uranus & Venus. The evening stars are Mercury
Neptune & Saturn.

ON THIS DAY IN: 1701 – The Collegiate School was founded in Killingworth, CT. The school moved to New Haven in 1745 and changed its name to Yale College.  Continue reading GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS by John Dwyer 

GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS by John Dwyer 


GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS SATURDAY, October 15, the 289th day of 2016 with 77 to follow. Sunrise in the Boston area is @ 6:57 and sunset is @ 6:02. The moon is waxing. The morning stars are stars are Jupiter, Mars, Uranus & Venus. The evening stars are Mercury, Neptune & Saturn.

ON THIS DAY IN: 1066 – The Battle of Hastings occurred in England. The Norman forces of William the Conqueror defeated King Harold II of England. 
Continue reading GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS by John Dwyer 

Monster Mashed-Up at SomerStreets on Somerville Ave., Sunday, October 23


Final SomerStreets of 2016 includes costume parade, power tool pumpkin carving, Oktoberfest and more.

 

SOMERVILLE – On Sunday, Oct. 23, residents will flock to Somerville Ave. for the annual Monster Mashed-Up SomerStreets event, the final installment of the City’s annual SomerStreets series from 2 to 6 p.m. between Union Square and Spring St. The event is free and open to residents of all ages. Continue reading Monster Mashed-Up at SomerStreets on Somerville Ave., Sunday, October 23

GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS by John Dwyer 


GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS FRIDAY, October 14, the 288th day of 2016 with 78 to follow. Sunrise in the Boston area is @ 6:56 and sunset is @ 6:04. The moon is waxing. The morning stars are stars are Jupiter, Mars, Uranus & Venus. The evening stars are Mercury, Neptune & Saturn.

ON THIS DAY IN: 1815 – Napoleon Bonaparte began his exile on the remote island of St. Helena in the Atlantic Ocean.  Continue reading GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS by John Dwyer