Continue reading Somerville COA Upcoming Events →

Happy Birthday to a number of Villens celebrating their birthdays this week in the Ville! Happy Birthday greetings go out to Patrick Tauro, Tracy King, Sam Yoon, Rick Rossetti, Carlos Melo, Jay DeOliveira, Melinda D. LaCourse, John Parker, Joe Ciampa, Michelle Wu, Lisa Vitiello, Julie Tarpey DiPasquale, Salvatore Basile, Donald Johnson, James Ribeiro, Joe Ravesi and Happy 18th Birthday to Luciana Vigorito  

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

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Dear Somerville News Weekly Editor:

Biggest development on Glen St & Broadway to dwarf Neighborhood!
As a long time resident of East Somerville, I was very dismayed when I heard of the development proposal for the East End Grill location.  Continue reading Letter to the Editor:Where Do We Draw The Line to Save Our Neighborhoods? →

By Matthew McLaughlin

Much attention has been devoted to building the Green Line Extension to curb air pollution and reduce traffic. An unspoken reality, however, is that residents of East Somerville living adjacent to I93 (with over 200,000 cars per day) will not benefit from the Green Line Extension in reducing air pollution. Continue reading Sound Barriers Needed in East Somerville →

Toddler Tuesdays return in 2017 on January 10th & 24th, and this year, LEGOLAND Discovery Center Boston will be hosting special themed dates and special events. Continue reading TODDLER TUESDAYS RETURN ON JANUARY 10 & 24 AT LEGOLAND DISCOVERY CENTER BOSTON/Somerville  →

SOMERVILLE, MA (January 5, 2017) — Walnut Street Center, a non-profit human service agency that serves adults with intellectual disabilities, announced this week that Executive Director Joseph Churchill has retired as of the end of 2016. Continue reading CAROLYNE GUFFEY STEPS INTO EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR ROLE AT WALNUT STREET CENTER AS JOSEPH CHURCHILL RETIRES →

GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS MONDAY, January 09, the 9th day of 2017 with 356 to follow. Sunrise in the Boston area is @ 7:13 and sunset is @ 4:29. The moon is waxing. The morning stars are stars are Jupiter & Saturn. The evening stars are Mercury, Mars, Neptune, Uranus & Venus.

ON THIS DAY IN: 1793 – Jean-Pierre Blanchard made the first successful balloon flight in the U.S.  Continue reading GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS by John Dwyer  →

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On January 08, 2017, at approximately 14:40 hours, I, Officer Rivera, while in full uniform and working as Alpha 3, was informed by Officer Schneider that an employee from The Home Depot, XXXXX, was pursuing a shoplifter near the AMC theatre in Assembly Row. 
Continue reading Real Life Somerville Police Stories:Christopher MCBRIDE (Counterfeit Receipt)at Home Depot  →

By Bob Katzen

The House and Senate approved and sent to Gov. Baker a bill that would require insurance plans to cover refills of prescription eye drops under the same guidelines used by Medicare Part D. Continue reading GOVERNOR TO APPROVE EYE DROPS BILL →

By Bob Katzen

The House and Senate approved and sent to Gov. Baker a bill that would create a state board to license and regulate naturopathic doctors. Continue reading LICENSE AND REGULATE NATUROPATHIC DOCTORS →

By Bob Katzen 

 The House and Senate approved and sent to Gov. Baker legislation that regulates and encourages the use of zero-emission vehicles. Continue reading NEW RULES FOR ELECTRIC VEHICLES →

On January 7, 2017, I, Officer Tim Van Nostrand, was on duty and assigned to uniform patrol in marked cruiser East 1. At approximately 11:35pm, I was dispatched to Edmands St for a medical.
Continue reading Real Life Somerville Police Stories:Antonio NUNES (Disorderly) →

On January 7, 2017 at approx. 5:00 pm I was dispatched to 13-25 Warren Avenue # 210, Properzi Manor, along with Officer Mike McCarey for an unwanted persons call. Please note that this building belongs to Somerville Housing Authority. Continue reading Real Life Somerville Police Stories:Rosemonde LOUIS (Trespassing) →

On 01/02/2017, I Officer Joseph S. Teves was working in full uniform assigned to the Somerville Police Dept. Traffic Unit. I was conducting selective traffic enforcement at the intersection of Washington Street and Webster Ave. I would like to note that these are both public ways in the City of Somerville. Continue reading Real Life Somerville Police Stories:Anna ROBERTO (Suspended License & Cambridge Warrant) →

01/02/2017 17:27:38

16

WEBSTER AV

ROBERTO , ANNA

71 UNION ST BRIGHTON MA

UNLICENSED OPERATION OF MV c90 Continue reading Somerville Police Department Weekly Arrest Log 1/2/17-1/9/17 →

Our condolences go out to the Holland family for the loss of Michael. Michael will be missed by many here in Somerville!

Obituary for Michael Holland Sr.
Michael Holland Sr. Loving husband, father and grandfather
Michael P. “Mike” Holland Sr., a longtime resident of the Centralville neighborhood of Lowell, died January 1, 2017, at his home, surrounded by his loving family, aged 67 years. Continue reading Somerville Remembering Michael Holland Sr. →

Robert Johnston – Of Woburn formerly of Somerville January 5, 2017.  
Continue reading Somerville Remembering Robert Johnston Battle of lwo Jima Survivor →

Life Story for David Wilson

David John Wilson, age 57, of Hemet, passed away on January 6, 2017. He was born on February 25, 1959 in Medford, MA. Continue reading Somerville Remembering David John Wilson →

By Frank Santangelo 

Our condolences go out to the Donovan family for the loss of David who sadly passed away this past weekend.   
David Donovan was a good friend to many of us here in Somerville as well as here at the Somerville News Weekly. 
Continue reading The Somerville News Weekly’s Special Person of the Week:Remembering David Donovan →

 
Have a voice in our community! Be part of the development process of two major areas right on Broadway. Your input is important! Continue reading East Somerville Main Streets:IMPORTANT COMMUNITY MEETING ANNOUNCEMENT →

By Bob Katzen

The House and Senate approved and sent to Governor Baker a bill prohibiting drivers from parking in bike lanes and from placing their vehicle in a manner that would interfere with the safety and passage of bicyclists. Violators would be fined up to $50. Continue reading HOUSE PASSES PROTECT BICYCLISTS BILL (S 2534)  →

 
UPCOMING EVENTS

Join the SCOA’s email group – The email group is for Somerville Council on Aging Seniors and / or Caregivers who are interested in the latest information on resources, events, programming, etc…in and around the Somerville area. Use the link https://groups.google.com/group/somerville-council-on-aging – If you have any questions or need help joining please contact Debby Higgins at 617-625-6600, ext. 2321 or email dhiggins@Somervillema.gov Continue reading Somerville Council on Aging Weekly Organizational Updates & Information →

By Bob Katzen 

   With today’s edition, (name of newspaper) begins coverage of the 2017-2018 Massachusetts legislative session with our weekly Beacon Hill Roll Call report. This feature is a clear and concise compilation of the voting records of local state representatives and senators. Continue reading Beacon Hill Roll Call Volume 42 -Report No. 1 January 2-6, 2017 →

GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS SUNDAY, January 08, the 8th day of 2017 with 357 to follow. Sunrise in the Boston area is @ 7:13 and sunset is @ 4:28. The moon is waxing. The morning stars are stars are Jupiter & Saturn. The evening stars are Mercury, Mars, Neptune, Uranus & Venus.

ON THIS DAY IN: 1642 – Astronomer Galileo Galilei died in Arcetri, Italy.  Continue reading GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS by John Dwyer  →

All cars must be moved from municipal lots by 11:30 a.m. to avoid ticketing and towing. Property owners must shovel sidewalks within 6 daylight hours following end of snowfall. Continue reading SOMERVILLE SNOW EMERGENCY ENDS SUNDAY, JAN. 8, 9:30 A.M. →

GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS SATURDAY, January 07, the 7th day of 2017 with 358 to follow. Sunrise in the Boston area is @ 7:13 and sunset is @ 4:27. The moon is waxing. The morning stars are stars are Jupiter & Saturn. The evening stars are Mercury, Mars, Neptune, Uranus & Venus.

ON THIS DAY IN: 1558 – Calais, the last English possession on mainland France, was recaptured by the French.  Continue reading GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS by John Dwyer  →

By William Tauro 

Suspected bank robber James Morales after a daylong search was apprehended on Wheatland Street in Somerville at around 3:45 PM Thursday afternoon.  Continue reading Escaped RI Prison Inmate /Bank Robber in Custody Captured in Somerville  →

A snow emergency has been declared in Somerville effective at 10 a.m. on Saturday, January 7. Because this is a #ParkEven snow season, avoid getting a ticket or being towed by moving your vehicle to the EVEN-side of the street (unless posted street signage says otherwise) or to a municipal lot by 2 p.m. Continue reading Snow Emergency Declared in Somerville Effective at 10 a.m. on Saturday January 7th →

GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS FRIDAY, January 06, the 6th day of 2017 with 359 to follow. Sunrise in the Boston area is @ 7:13 and sunset is @ 4:26. The moon is waxing. The morning stars are stars are Jupiter & Saturn. The evening stars are Mercury, Mars, Neptune, Uranus & Venus.

ON THIS DAY IN: 0871 – England’s King Alfred defeated the Danes at the Battle of Ashdown.  Continue reading GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS by John Dwyer  →

GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS THURSDAY, January 05, the 5th day of 2017 with 360 to follow. Sunrise in the Boston area is @ 7:14 and sunset is @ 4:25. The moon is waxing. The morning stars are stars are Jupiter & Saturn. The evening stars are Mercury, Mars, Neptune, Uranus & Venus.

ON THIS DAY IN: 1781 – Richmond, VA, was burned by a British naval expedition led by Benedict Arnold.  Continue reading GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS by John Dwyer  →

Public presentations January 11 and 31, written comments accepted through March 16

The Community Preservation Committee is considering $2.9 million in requests for historic preservation and open space projects for funding through the Community Preservation Act. Continue reading Somerville-FEEDBACK SOUGHT ON FY17 COMMUNITY PRESERVATION ACT APPLICATIONS →

Crossing Guards provide essential public safety by ensuring safe student crossing at intersections along the routes to school

• Salary is $34.33 per day Continue reading SOMERVILLE IS LOOKING FOR CROSSING GUARDS →

GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS WEDNESDAY, January 04, the 4th day of 2017 with 361 to follow. Sunrise in the Boston area is @ 7:14 and sunset is @ 4:24. The moon is waxing. The morning stars are stars are Jupiter & Saturn. The evening stars are Mercury, Mars, Neptune, Uranus & Venus.

ON THIS DAY IN: 1850 – The first American ice-skating club was organized in Philadelphia, PA.  Continue reading GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS by John Dwyer  →

Please join us to kick off the New Year… Business After Hours

5-7 PM, Thursday, January 5, 2017

Foundry on Elm
Continue reading Somerville Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours at Foundry on Elm Thursday! →

You may be eligible for advanced manufacturing training through a partnership with Career Source. A foundational class starts January 23, with other more specific trainings going through the spring. To find out more, call Marie Honoré at Career Source at 617-661-7867, ext. 254.

Click on link below to read January 3rd, 2017 The Somerville News Weekly Print Edition Online january-3rd-2017-the-somerville-news-weekly-print-edition-online

Many Villens celebrating their birthdays this week in the Ville! Happy Birthday greetings go out to John Caruso, Noelle Spinosa McCullock, Janene Donnelly, Ken Sprague, Harry Agritha, Hung Goon, Bob Boudreau, Jimmy Deoliveira, Marie Miele, Ray Perez, Joe Vendetti, Paul Cook, Adam Gambino, Joseph E. McCain, Gary L Grosse, J.R. Roach, Cherie Lee Neumuller, Thomas Cassgnol, Happy 95th Birthday to Erasmia Cacciola, Happy 10th Biirthday to Xavier DAVID Blaine and Happy Birthday to Mia!
Continue reading The Somerville News Weekly Favorite Birthday Photos of the Week →

People rarely like to dwell on the fact that they or a loved one will die someday, even though it’s an inevitable part of life. Continue reading The Party No One Wants To Plan →

By Ceil Lucas

Actress Katey Sagal discovered a surprising fact about her family history when she appeared on the “Who Do You Think You Are?” TV show, which features celebrities tracing their roots. Continue reading Will Digging Into Your Family History Unearth The Unexpected? →

Let’s get some perspective in 2017, shall we?

I can’t stand people who say “Happy New Year – 2016 sucked, I hope 2017 is better.” Why did 2016 suck for you? Trump got elected? Carrie Fisher died? Seriously? Grow up. Continue reading Reality Bites by James A. Norton →

More 2016 Best of the Best Photos to Follow

By Skip Murray

January 1, 1776, General George Washington orders the Great Union flag to placed atop Prospect Hill, Somerville, MA, (then known as Charlestown Across the Neck), a flag that could be seen far and wide, including by all the British in Boston, letting them know of the Colonist’s resolve toward its own independence. Continue reading Somerville’s 241st Anniversary of the Raising of that Flag Through the Camera Lens of Skip Murray →

Best wishes to District Fire Chief Dennis Murphy for a long and healthy retirement! 

Forty years of dedicated service to the City of Somerville … Chief Murphy added humor, wit and a strong example of dedication and hard work. You will truly be missed.

-Somerville Fire Department 

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A few weeks ago I came across something that I have became to familiar with in the city of Somerville. Continue reading Letter to the Editor: Somerville Has Good Cops →

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BOSTON SNOW REMOVAL PENALTIES (H 3326)

By Bob Katzen

The House and Senate approved and sent to Gov. Baker legislation that would increase the maximum fines levied on Boston property owners who fail to shovel their sidewalks or throw their “private snow” onto the street or any other public property. Continue reading Here’s this Week’s Somervillen Voice Topic of The Week” Choice and You Decide!”:Should Somerville Follow In Boston’s Steep Snow Removal Penalties? →

By Bob Katzen

The House approved and sent to the Senate a bill that would allow individuals and businesses to donate liquor and beer to non-profits to serve or sell at an auction. Current law only allows the donation of wine.  Continue reading LAW ALLOWS DONATION OF LIQUOR AND BEER TO NON-PROFITS →

By Bob Katzen

The Senate gave initial approval to a proposal that would prohibit a child under age 13 from riding in the front seat of a car unless the motor vehicle does not have a rear passenger seat or the rear passenger seat is occupied by other passengers under 13. Continue reading PROPOSAL TO PROHIBIT CHILD PASSENGERS UNDER 13 IN FRONT SEAT →

By Bob Katzen

The House and Senate approved and sent to Gov. Baker a controversial bill that delays by six months, from January 2018 to July 2018, the earliest possible date for the opening of retail recreational marijuana stores in the Bay State. Continue reading MARIJUANA DELAY →

By Bob Katzen

The state’s current $10 per hour minimum wage increases to $11 on January 1 for some 500,000 workers in the Bay State. This will be the third consecutive annual pay increase since 2014 when the Legislature approved a $3 hike in the $8 per hour minimum wage to take place over a three-year period. The wage rose from $8 to $9 in 2015 and then to $10 per hour in 2016. 

By Bob Katzen

   On June 16, 2016, the Senate 35-0, approved a bill that would raise from $55,000 to $80,000 the maximum annual income a senior over 65 can earn and still be eligible for a property tax deferral. Continue reading PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTION FOR SENIORS →

By Bob Katzen

   On June 9, 2016, the Senate 38-0, approved a bill that would require state agencies and courts to implement recycling programs by 2018. Mandatory recycling would include lead batteries, metal containers, glass containers, polymer plastics, recyclable paper, carpets, fluorescent lamps, cathode ray tubes and construction and demolition material.  Continue reading STATE RECYCLING AND CITY AND TOWN RECYCLING →

By Bob Katzen

   On April 28, 2016, the Senate 32-2, approved a bill that would raise the state’s tobacco purchasing age from 18 to 21 effective July 1, 2017. Continue reading SENTE APPROVES BILL TO RAISE TOBACCO PURCHASE AGE FROM 18 TO 21 →

By Bob Katzen

   On March 24, 2016, the Senate 37-0, approved a bill that would prohibit banks from issuing unsolicited loans, often in the form of a check, through the mail, unless the recipient is already a customer of the bank. And even those customers would have ten days to rescind the loan and pay the bank back the entire amount, without any interest or fees.  Continue reading SENTATE PROHIBITS UNSOLICITED LOANS →

By Bob Katzen 

   On January 28, 2016, the Senate 36-0, approved a bill that would eliminate some of the age-old restrictions on the processing and sale of lobster in Massachusetts. Currently, the state allows only the sale of live, cooked and canned lobster. Continue reading Expect More Local Bay State Lobsters To Help Boost Local Ecomomy →

By Bob Katzen 

   The Senate 36-0, approved a bill changing language in state laws including replacing “mentally retarded” with “individuals with a developmental disability” and “handicapped” with “disability.”
Continue reading CHANGE LANGUAGE and HIRING PERSONS WITH A DISABILITY →

UPCOMING EVENTS

Join the SCOA’s email group – The email group is for Somerville Council on Aging Seniors and / or Caregivers who are interested in the latest information on resources, events, programming, etc…in and around the Somerville area. Continue reading Somerville Council on Aging Weekly Organizational Updates & Information →

By Bob Katzen 

   THE HOUSE AND SENATE: There were no roll calls in the House or Senate last week. Continue reading Beacon Hill Roll Call Volume 41 – Report No. 52 December 26-30, 2016 →

The following is a summary of the details related to this incident.

On January 1, 2017 at approximately 22:30 hours, while assigned as marked unit East-2, I observed a 2012 Ford Fusion bearing MA plate XXXXX traveling west on Somerville Avenue; a public way in the city of Somerville. Continue reading Real Life Somerville Police Stories:Marcos DA COSTA (Unlicensed Operation + Multiple Warrants) →

On Saturday, December 31, 2016, at 10:30 P.M., I responded along with Somerville Fire and Cataldo ambulance to the intersection of Broadway and Wheatland Street for a report of a male passed out behind the wheel, and blocking the entrance of a parking lot.
Continue reading Real Life Somerville Police Stories:Manuel MENDEZ (OUI) →

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On Saturday December 31, 2016, at 8:21PM, I, Officer Hartsgrove assigned to marked unit E3 in full uniform, responded to 190 Washington Street (Michael’s Salon) for a report of an unwanted male. Officer Paul Anderson, assigned to marked unit E1 responded as back up.  Continue reading Real Life Somerville Police Stories:Pierre LUXAMA (ABDW)  →

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On Friday, December 30th, 2016 at 12:50 p.m., I, Officer Lorenti, while in full uniform and assigned to area East 2, was dispatched to 40 Union Square, (Citizens Bank), for a report of a person attempting to cash a fraudulent check. Ofc. McCarey, East 3 also responded as back up. Continue reading Real Life Somerville Police Stories:Toniann ROXTON (Forge Check) at Citizens Bank →

On Wednesday, December 28, 2016, while on full informed patrol for the Alpha Unit, I was contacted on my work issued cell phone by Home Depot Loss Prevention, XXXXX. Continue reading Real Life Somerville Police Stories:Jeremy LURIE (Shoplifting) at Home Depot →

12/27/2016 01:34:45

40C

MEMORIAL RD

SILVA , TANIA

DISORDERLY CONDUCT c272 S53 Continue reading Somerville Police Department Weekly Arrest Log 12/26/16-1/2/17 →

GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS MONDAY, January 02, the 2nd day of 2017 with 363 to follow. Sunrise in the Boston area is @ 7:14 and sunset is @ 4:22. The moon is waxing. The morning stars are stars are Jupiter & Saturn. The evening stars are Mercury, Mars, Neptune, Uranus & Venus.

ON THIS DAY IN: 1492 – The leader of the last Arab stronghold in Spain surrendered to Spanish forces loyal to King Ferdinand II and Queen Isabella I.  Continue reading GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS by John Dwyer  →

Photos by Frank Santangelo & Rosalee Zammuto

By William Tauro 

In its annual tradition, the City of Somerville kicked off the New Year (and Somerville’s 175th Birthday celebrations) this past Sunday, Jan. 1, 2017, with a reenactment ceremony for the 241st anniversary of the “Grand Union” flag-raising ceremony at Prospect Hill Park.  Continue reading Somerville’s 241st Grand Union Flag Raising on Prospect Hill 2017 →

Meet this week’s “Special Person of the Week:Lee Anderson 

By Frank Santangelo

Lee was born and raised in Somerville , to Sandra Grassia and William Johnson and Grandson to Eleanor and Nick Grassia of the former Grassia Bros Fuel. Continue reading The Somerville News Weekly Special Person of the Week:Lee Anderson →