Somerville Accepting Vendor Applications for Fourth of July Fireworks


 

The City of Somerville invites all interested vendors to participate in the Somerville Fourth of July Fireworks Celebration on Thursday, June 29, 2017 (rain date Thursday, July 6, 2017). The City plans to have up to six (6) concession stands and vendors selling items such as balloons, toys (no toy guns permitted), Continue reading Somerville Accepting Vendor Applications for Fourth of July Fireworks

Somerville Mayor “what I do as mayor is service-oriented rather than political”


Photo by Police Chief DAVID Fallon 

By Joe Curtatone 

I’ve been hearing from a lot of people on the FRIT affordable housing waiver in recent days. There’s been some frustration that neither I nor the City planning department has picked a side on this issue. What I’d like to explain to you is why, and I apologize up front that this is a long read. Continue reading Somerville Mayor “what I do as mayor is service-oriented rather than political”

GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS by John Dwyer 

GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS FRIDAY, May 12, the 132nd day of 2017 with 233 to follow. Sunrise in the Boston area is @ 5:25 and sunset is @ 7:55. The moon is waning. The morning stars are stars are Jupiter, Saturn & Mercury. The evening stars are Mars, Neptune, Uranus & Venus.

ON THIS DAY IN: 1588 – King Henry III fled Paris after Henry of Guise triumphantly entered the city.  Continue reading GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS by John Dwyer 

GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS by John Dwyer 


GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS THURSDAY, May 11, the 131st day of 2017 with 244 to follow. Sunrise in the Boston area is @ 5:26 and sunset is @ 7:54. The moon is waning. The morning stars are stars are Jupiter, Saturn & Mercury. The evening stars are Mars, Neptune, Uranus & Venus.

ON THIS DAY IN: 0330 – Constantinople, previously the town of Byzantium, was founded.  Continue reading GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS by John Dwyer 

GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS by John Dwyer 


GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS WEDNESDAY, May 10, the 130th day of 2017 with 235 to follow. Sunrise in the Boston area is @ 5:27 and sunset is @ 7:53. The full ” Flower Moon,” is exact @ 5:44 PM EDT. The morning stars are stars are Jupiter, Saturn & Mercury. The evening stars are Mars, Neptune, Uranus & Venus.

ON THIS DAY IN: 1503 – Christopher Columbus discovered the Cayman Islands.  Continue reading GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS by John Dwyer 

GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS by John Dwyer 

GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS TUESDAY, May 09, the 129th day of 2017 with 236 to follow. Sunrise in the Boston area is @ 5:28 and sunset is @ 7:51. The moon is waxing. The morning stars are stars are Jupiter, Saturn & Mercury. The evening stars are Mars, Neptune, Uranus & Venus.

ON THIS DAY IN: 1429 – Joan of Arc defeated the besieging English at Orleans.  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 Anthony Dellanno, John Foscarota, Stanley Dobrowolski, Marli E Braga, Meghan Russell, Julio Out, David, Cynthia Saltman, Dickie Skinz, Dawn Cardillo Legee, Charlene Cardillo, Eileen Costigan, Mary Jane Rod, Deb Goldberg, Charlie Lacombe, Daniela Vandett, Michelle Angiulo Bowler, Billy Korecki, Gayle A Snow, Ed Palazzolo, Tina Ramsey Cosentino, Melissa Hurley and Happy Birthday to Mrs Vendetti

Sent in by our readers!
Continue reading The Somerville News Weekly Favorite Birthday Photos of the Week 

Somerville Joins in National Young Child Celebrations


By Joe Curtatone 

We recently joined in the national celebration for the week of the young child and I’m extremely proud of all the teachers, school employees, volunteers and community advocates who strive to make sure every child in Somerville has a stimulating start to what hopefully will be an amazing life.
As you can see, it’s a job I clearly can’t handle. Continue reading Somerville Joins in National Young Child Celebrations

Somerville Styrofoam Recycling Event Returns May 13, at DPW

 

The City of Somerville’s Styrofoam Recycling program will return for all Somerville residents on Saturday, May 13, 2017. Residents may visit the Department of Public Works yard, located at 1 Franey Rd., between 9 a.m. and noon to dispose of all types of EPS (Styrofoam) foam packing materials, including foam bracing and packing peanuts. Continue reading Somerville Styrofoam Recycling Event Returns May 13, at DPW

Letter to the Editor:Joe Curtabologna Has To Go!

Dear Editor:Joe Curtabologna has to go!

I’m an old school Somerville senior who has had enough with this crooked mayor. I’ve been saying it for quite some time now that this guy is ripping off the city and he is horrible for the future of Somerville! All he is interested in is lining his own pockets. It’s about time this newspaper saw though him and started writing against him calling him out.
Continue reading Letter to the Editor:Joe Curtabologna Has To Go!

Somerville Council on Aging Weekly Organizational Updates & Information


 

ONGOING PROGRAMS

 

Free Smoke Alarm / Carbon Monoxide Detectors – VERY LIMITED AMOUNT AVAILABLE – The SCOA, The Health & Human Services Department in partnering with the SFD has a limited amount of free smoke alarm / carbon monoxide detectors available to qualifying older adults. Continue reading Somerville Council on Aging Weekly Organizational Updates & Information

West Branch Library Visioning Meeting Postponed, New Date To Be Announced


Due to unforeseen circumstances, the West Branch Library Visioning meeting scheduled for Wednesday, May 10, has been postponed. Information on an alternate date will be shared as soon as available. We look forward to continuing our discussion about renovations to the West Branch Library and hearing your feedback at that time. If you have any further questions, please contact Director of Capital Project Management Rob King at rking@somervillema.gov. 

Real Life Somerville Police Stories:Richard D’ALIO & Brandon TRACY (Shoplifting) Assembly Row KMart Arrest 


 

On Friday, May 5, 2017, while assigned to unit Alpha-3 at Assembly Row for the Somerville Police Department, I was contacted by loss prevention associates from K-Mart and was informed that they had two shoplifters that they were trying to get back into the store and would not co-operate with them. Continue reading Real Life Somerville Police Stories:Richard D’ALIO & Brandon TRACY (Shoplifting) Assembly Row KMart Arrest 

GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS by John Dwyer 


GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS MONDAY, May 08, the 128th day of 2017 with 237 to follow. Sunrise in the Boston area is @ 5:30 and sunset is @ 7:50. The moon is waxing. The morning stars are stars are Jupiter, Saturn & Mercury. The evening stars are Mars, Neptune, Uranus & Venus.

ON THIS DAY IN: 1096 – Peter the Hermit and his army reached Hungary. They passed through without incident. 
Continue reading GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS by John Dwyer 

Somerville Plans New “Memorial Week” Celebrations for Week Leading up to Memorial Day

Grapics by William Tauro 

 

Parade CHANGED for 2017 to Weekend BEFORE Memorial Day

 

NEW Concert and Fireworks Event on Memorial Day

 

SOMERVILLE – In honor of Somerville’s veterans and all those who have served our nation, the City of Somerville announces a full week of Memorial/Armed Forces Week celebrations, beginning on Saturday, May 20, 2017. Continue reading Somerville Plans New “Memorial Week” Celebrations for Week Leading up to Memorial Day

How much your local cities and towns will receive for local roads and bridges

By Bob Katzen

Here is additional localized information on this week’s Beacon Hill Roll Call story on Gov. Baker signing a bill authorizing $200 million in one-time funding for the maintenance and repair of local roads and bridges in cities and towns across the state.
  Continue reading How much your local cities and towns will receive for local roads and bridges

GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS by John Dwyer 


GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS SATURDAY, May 06, the 126th day of 2017 with 239 to follow. Sunrise in the Boston area is @ 5:32 and sunset is @ 7:48. The moon is waxing. The morning stars are stars are Jupiter, Saturn & Mercury. The evening stars are Mars, Neptune, Uranus & Venus.

ON THIS DAY IN: 1527 – German troops began sacking Rome, bringing about the end of the Renaissance.  Continue reading GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS by John Dwyer 

GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS by John Dwyer 


GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS FRIDAY, May 05, the 125th day of 2017 with 240 to follow. Sunrise in the Boston area is @ 5:33 and sunset is @ 7:47. The moon is waxing. The morning stars are stars are Jupiter, Saturn & Mercury. The evening stars are Mars, Neptune, Uranus & Venus.

ON THIS DAY IN: 1494 – Christopher Columbus sighted Jamaica on his second trip to the Western Hemisphere. He named the island Santa Gloria.  Continue reading GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS by John Dwyer 

“Children of the World | Boston” Exhibit at Somerville City Hall


93 Highland Ave., Somerville, MA

May – June 2017

Reception: May 4, 2017, 5:00-7:00 p.m.

 

Somerville, MA — April 27, 2017 — Please join Mayor Joe Curtatone, the Somerville Arts Council, The Welcome Project, and Somerville Photographer Randi Freundlich for an exhibit of her ongoing series Children of the World. Continue reading “Children of the World | Boston” Exhibit at Somerville City Hall

GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS by John Dwyer 


GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS THURSDAY, May 04, the 124th day of 2017 with 241 to follow. Sunrise in the Boston area is @ 5:35 and sunset is @ 7:46. The moon is waxing. The morning stars are stars are Jupiter, Saturn & Mercury. The evening stars are Mars, Neptune, Uranus & Venus.

ON THIS DAY IN: 1471 – In England, the Yorkists defeated the Landcastrians at the battle of Tewkesbury in the War of the Roses. 
Continue reading GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS by John Dwyer 

Greater Somerville This Week


In addition to the over two dozen local candidates running this year for elective office in Somerville, the candidates for Massachusetts Governor already are campaigning in Somerville. SCATV’s Greater Somerville producer and host Joe Lynch, recently spoke with candidate for Massachusetts governor, Jay Gonzalez. Watch the interview here.

Official Massachusetts Designation Symbols

By Bob Katzen 

Do you know that cranberry juice is the Bay State’s official beverage? The corn muffin is the official muffin? The Boston Terrier is the official dog? The chocolate cookie is the official cookie? Dr. Seuss is the official children’s author? The Rolling Rock in Fall River is the official glacial rock? These designations were approved by the Legislature over the past several decades and signed into law by the governor at that time. Continue reading Official Massachusetts Designation Symbols

GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS by John Dwyer 

GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS WEDNESDAY, May 03, the 123rd day of 2017 with 242 to follow. Sunrise in the Boston area is @ 5:36 and sunset is @ 7:45. The moon is waxing. The morning stars are stars are Jupiter, Saturn & Mercury. The evening stars are Mars, Neptune, Uranus & Venus.

ON THIS DAY IN: 1568 – French forces in Florida slaughtered hundreds of Spanish.  Continue reading GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS by John Dwyer 

Informational Session & Public Hearing on Proposed FY18 Water and Sewer Rates Monday, May 15th

To provide background, answer questions, and take public testimony regarding the proposed fiscal year 2018 Somerville Water and Sewer Rate Charges, an Informational Session with Q&A followed by a Public Hearing will be held on Monday, May 15th, at 6:30 p.m. in the Somerville High School Cafeteria, 81 Highland Avenue. Continue reading Informational Session & Public Hearing on Proposed FY18 Water and Sewer Rates Monday, May 15th

Somerville COA Director of Ralph & Jenny Senior Center and Firefighter Husband Save Choking Man In Fitchburg Restaurant 


By William Tauro 

Somerville Council on Aging Kim Moss Hyvarinen and her husband Fitchburg Firefighter Lt. Barry Hyvarinen, a 22-year veteran of the Fitchburg Fire Department are credited for saving a mans life in an Olive Garden Restaurant last week.  Continue reading Somerville COA Director of Ralph & Jenny Senior Center and Firefighter Husband Save Choking Man In Fitchburg Restaurant 

GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS by John Dwyer 


GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS TUESDAY, May 02, the 122nd day of 2017 with 243 to follow. Sunrise in the Boston area is @ 5:37 and sunset is @ 7:44. The moon is waxing. The morning stars are stars are Jupiter, Saturn & Mercury. The evening stars are Mars, Neptune, Uranus & Venus.

ON THIS DAY IN: 1670 – The Hudson Bay Company was founded by England’s King Charles II.  Continue reading GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS by John Dwyer 

Somerville Veterans Event Updates:Honoring & Commemorating Memorial Month 

Happy May Everyone!! There are a lot of events for the month of May as we honor and commemorate Memorial Month. We here at Somerville Vets are proud to present four events to honor and recognize the service and sacrifice of so many. Below are a list of all of our upcoming events. There will be specific event pages for each event as well. If you have any questions, please give us a call.
Saturday, May 20th Continue reading Somerville Veterans Event Updates:Honoring & Commemorating Memorial Month 

Somerville Council on Aging Weekly Organizational Updates & Information

 

ONGOING PROGRAMS

 

Free Smoke Alarm / Carbon Monoxide Detectors – VERY LIMITED AMOUNT AVAILABLE – The SCOA, The Health & Human Services Department in partnering with the SFD has a limited amount of free smoke alarm / carbon monoxide detectors available to qualifying older adults. Continue reading Somerville Council on Aging Weekly Organizational Updates & Information

Concern Over Stalled Developments in Somerville:Where Are All Our Tax Base Dollars Going?

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By William Tauro 

Did you ever wonder why there are so many stalled developments all around Somerville? Do you notice the many emplty lots and temporary fencing around dirty vacated lots and buildings in the city that are attracting drug dealers and drug users to the empty parcels of land.  
Continue reading Concern Over Stalled Developments in Somerville:Where Are All Our Tax Base Dollars Going?

Reality Bites by James A. Norton

You know you’ve had enough with asshats when…
 

Ok, the titles to my columns are sometimes a little risque. Or obtuse. I get that. Typically they have only a peripheral relationship to the column itself. Sometimes they’re just a bit of whimsy for me to piss off whomever I know will get the dig. Whatever your poison, if you’re not a fan, you probably think it’s crass or some variation of nonsensical drivel.
Continue reading Reality Bites by James A. Norton

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 Ronald Jandreau, Bobby Kenney, Miss Senior Massachusetts Fran Owens, Phil Cota, Robin Legee-Voss, Sue Mezger Foran, Dan Roselando, Gigi Santilli, Eric Miele, David Potter, Eileen O’Connor, Lisa Ruiz Doucette,  Mike Murphy and Marcia Braga

Sent in by our readers!
Continue reading The Somerville News Weekly Favorite Birthday Photos of the Week

Breakthrough Greater Boston Opens Program in Somerville 


New Partnership Builds on Successes in Boston and Cambridge

 

BOSTON, April 28, 2017― At its 25th Anniversary Celebration held last night in Boston, Breakthrough Greater Boston announced that it will open a new site in Somerville. Breakthrough Greater Boston, which already has sites in Cambridge and Boston, will partner with the Somerville Public Schools. Continue reading Breakthrough Greater Boston Opens Program in Somerville 

Dr. Almudena “Almi” Abeyta to Join Somerville Public Schools as new Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment


Current Assistant Superintendent Dr. Vincent McKay retiring after 10 years in district

 

Somerville, MA – Dr. Almudena “Almi” Abeyta was unanimously approved by the Somerville School Committee on Monday evening as Somerville Public Schools’ next Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment effective July 1, 2017. Dr. Abeyta, currently the Deputy Superintendent for Teaching and Learning in the Santa Fe Public Schools in New Mexico, will take over the position from Dr. Vincent McKay, who is retiring at the end of June 2017 after completing his 10th year as Somerville Public Schools’ Assistant Superintendent. Continue reading Dr. Almudena “Almi” Abeyta to Join Somerville Public Schools as new Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment

Beacon Hill Roll Call Volume 42 – Report No. 17 April 24-28, 2017

By Bob Katzen 

    THE HOUSE AND SENATE. Beacon Hill Roll Call records local representatives’ votes on roll calls from the week of April 24-28. There were no roll calls in the Senate.
   Most of the House roll calls are on proposed amendments to the $40.8 billion fiscal 2018 state budget that the House debated for only two days last week. This is the first time that a Massachusetts budget has topped $40 billion. Continue reading Beacon Hill Roll Call Volume 42 – Report No. 17 April 24-28, 2017

Somerville PorchFest Returns on Sat., May 13


Listen to music on your neighbors’ porches throughout the City

 

SOMERVILLE – Have you ever sat on your porch and enjoyed hearing a neighbor strumming a guitar on a nearby porch? PorchFest takes this idea and multiplies it to create a citywide event where Somervillians share their love of playing and listening to music by holding porch concerts across the city. PorchFest returns this year on Saturday, May 13, from noon to 6 p.m. (see below for the schedule in your area). Continue reading Somerville PorchFest Returns on Sat., May 13

GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS by John Dwyer 

Photo by Lee Anderson 

GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS MONDAY, May 01, the 121st day of 2017 with 244 to follow. Sunrise in the Boston area is @ 5:39 and sunset is @ 7:43. The moon is waxing. The morning stars are stars are Jupiter, Saturn & Mercury. The evening stars are Mars, Neptune, Uranus & Venus.

ON THIS DAY IN: 0408 – Theodosius II succeeded to the throne of Constantinople. 
Continue reading GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS by John Dwyer 

Real Life Somerville Police Stories:Elkin Danilo Jimenez POSADA (Shoplifting) Big Kmart

On April 27, 2017, at approximately 16:55 hours, I, Officer Rivera, while in full uniform and working as Alpha 1, was contacted by Kmart Loss Prevention Detective, XXXXX, of a shoplifter who stole a backpack. Officer Canty, who was working as Alpha 2, and I, responded to Kmart. Continue reading Real Life Somerville Police Stories:Elkin Danilo Jimenez POSADA (Shoplifting) Big Kmart

Real Life Somerville Police Stories:Jose Abel HERNANDEZ (Shoplifting) Super Stop & Shop 


 

On 04/25/2017, I Officer Joseph S. Teves was working in full uniform assigned to marked cruiser East 1. At 12:58 Pm. I was dispatched to 775 McGrath Highway (Super Stop & Shop) for a male party who was being held in the loss prevention office for shoplifting merchandise out of the store. Continue reading Real Life Somerville Police Stories:Jose Abel HERNANDEZ (Shoplifting) Super Stop & Shop