Real Life Somerville Police Stories: Hassan BAHIA (Poss Counterfeit CC, Poss False/Stolen RMV Doc, Intimidate Witness)

On December 7, 2018, I, Officer Tim Van Nostrand, was on duty and assigned to uniform patrol in marked cruiser 781. At approximately 2:03pm, Somerville 9-1-1 received a call from XXXX, the manager of Kay Jewelers located at 360 Artisan Way. XXXX was aware of recent distraction thefts occurring at other Kay Jewelers locations, and believed there were four individuals in the store exhibiting behavior consistent with distraction thefts. I, along with Officer Chris Collette (East 3), Officer Keith O’Donnell (East 4), Officer Mark McLaughlin (east 2) and Detective Mark Pulli (D13) responded to the area. Continue reading Real Life Somerville Police Stories: Hassan BAHIA (Poss Counterfeit CC, Poss False/Stolen RMV Doc, Intimidate Witness)

Somerville News Weekly’s Special Person of the Week In Memory of Fallen Worcester Firefighter Christopher Roy

In memory of this week’s “Special Person of the Week: Fallen Firefighter Christopher Roy

STATEMENT FROM WORCESTER FIRE DEPARTMENT

Worcester Fire Chief Michael Lavoie announced this past weekend the Line of Duty Death of Worcester Firefighter Christopher J. Roy. Firefighter Roy, age 36, was assigned to Ladder 4, Group 3 at the Webster Square Fire Station. He had served on the Worcester Fire Department for 2 ½ years. Continue reading Somerville News Weekly’s Special Person of the Week In Memory of Fallen Worcester Firefighter Christopher Roy

New Library Director and West Branch Location

Earlier this week Cathy Piantigini was appointed Somerville’s newest Library Director. She’s worked in the Somerville Public Libraries for 25 years in a variety of positions including Junior Assistant at the East Branch, Reference Librarian, Community Services Librarian, Young Adult Librarian, Head of Youth Services, and most recently Deputy Director.

Continue reading New Library Director and West Branch Location

GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS by John Dwyer

GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS MONDAY, December 10, the 344th day of 2018 with 21 to follow. Sunrise in the Boston area is @ 7:02 and sunset is @ 4:10. The moon is waxing. The morning stars are stars are Uranus and Venus. The evening stars are Mars, Mercury, Neptune, Saturn & Uranus.
ON THIS DAY IN: 1520 – Martin Luther publicly burned the papal edict. The papacy demanded that he recant or face excommunication. Luther refused and was formally expelled from the church in January 1521. Continue reading GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS by John Dwyer

Riverside Community Care Announces Merger Agreement with The Somerville Home

Nonprofit to Renovate Former Rest Home and Bring Behavioral Healthcare
and Human Service Programs to Benefit the Community

SOMERVILLE, Mass. (Dec. 4, 2018) – Riverside Community Care, a nonprofit provider of a broad range of behavioral healthcare and human service programs, today announced it has finalized an agreement to merge The Somerville Home into its operation and to occupy and improve the former rest home’s building for continued nonprofit community services.

The Somerville Home was a licensed residential care facility for senior citizens located since 1927 at 117 Summer St. in Somerville. The rest home previously announced its decision to close due to financial reasons. All of its residents have moved to other locations.

Riverside has provided services at multiple locations in Somerville for many years. The organization will renovate The Somerville Home property and use it as a new center for varied non-residential programs for children, adults and families. The renovated building may also eventually contain two apartments for people served by the agency.

Riverside will also continue to operate at its location on Broadway and Tyler Street in Somerville. The organization’s services located at South Street in Somerville will relocate to Summer Street due to redevelopment of the South Street area.

“Through this merger, Riverside is able to maintain and broaden the services we provide locally while enabling The Somerville Home to fulfill its commitment to offer continued beneficial use to the community,” said Scott M. Bock, Founder and President/CEO of Riverside Community Care. “Our organization is committed to working with neighbors and the city of Somerville to ensure a smooth transition.”

“We are pleased that the final chapter for The Somerville Home has culminated in a collaborative partnership with a nonprofit organization that is dedicated to serving the community,” said Jack Connolly, a member of The Somerville Home’s Board of Directors. “Riverside is of this community and already provides needed services to Somerville residents; now they will have a well-located, soon-to-be-updated facility in which to continue that work.”

About Riverside Community Care

Each year Riverside Community Care provides more than 40,000 children, adolescents and adults across Massachusetts with a broad range of behavioral healthcare and human services. The Dedham-based nonprofit organization offers mental healthcare, developmental and brain injury services, youth and early childhood programs, addiction treatment and trauma response. Riverside’s work includes partnerships with local hospitals, physicians and schools.

GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS by John Dwyer

GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS SUNDAY, December 09, the 343rd day of 2018 with 22 to follow. Sunrise in the Boston area is @ 7:01 and sunset is @ 4:10. The moon is waxing. The morning stars are stars are Uranus and Venus. The evening stars are Mars, Mercury, Neptune, Saturn & Uranus.
ON THIS DAY IN: 1625 – The Treaty of the Hague was signed by England and the Netherlands. The agreement was to subsidize Christian IV of Denmark in his campaign in Germany. Continue reading GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS by John Dwyer

Somerville Firefighters Make Special Delivery to Son of Fallen Philadelphia Firefighter

Deputy Chief Mike Avery and Firefighter Barry Hamilton made a special delivery of patches from Somerville Fire and Somerville Police, as well as Cambridge FD, Arlington FD and Stoneham FD to Philadelphia. Pa. Engine 33 to help fulfill the Christmas wishes of Evan Potter the son of a fallen Philadelphia Firefighter and Marine Veteran Michael Potter.

Continue reading Somerville Firefighters Make Special Delivery to Son of Fallen Philadelphia Firefighter

Mass Association of Italian American Police Officers Lifetime Achievement Awarded to Mike Giacoppo

A very special congratulations to Mike Giacoppo, longtime leader of our Middlesex County Deputy Sheriffs Association, who was honored by the Massachusetts Association of Italian American Police Officers with their Lifetime Achievement Award!

Continue reading Mass Association of Italian American Police Officers Lifetime Achievement Awarded to Mike Giacoppo

GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS by John Dwyer

GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS SATURDAY, December 08, the 342nd day of 2018 with 23 to follow. Sunrise in the Boston area is @ 7:00 and sunset is @ 4:10. The moon is waxing. The morning stars are stars are Uranus and Venus. The evening stars are Mars, Mercury, Neptune, Saturn & Uranus.
ON THIS DAY IN: 1765 – Eli Whitney was born in Westboro, MA. Whitney invented the cotton gin and developed the concept of mass-production of interchangeable parts.
Continue reading GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS by John Dwyer

License to Possess and Use Taser Discussed on Beacon Hill

By Bob Katzen

Bill (H 1249) allows people who have a firearms license to also possess and use a Taser, also known as a stun gun, for self-defense. The person must be 18 years of age or older and have completed a 4-hour training session in the use of a Taser. The training session would include an explanation of self-defense, a review of the mechanics of a Taser and the effects of the weapons on individuals with pre-existing medical conditions.

Continue reading License to Possess and Use Taser Discussed on Beacon Hill

TREASURER CAMPAIGNS TO ALLOW THE SALE OF LOTTERY TICKETS ONLINE

By Bob Katzen

Front and center up on Beacon Hill last week: Treasurer Deb Goldberg continued her campaign to allow the state’s Lottery to sell tickets online. She told a budget panel that Lottery sales have begun to drop, citing the record $1.035 billion it generated in 2017 and the drop to $997 million in fiscal 2018.

Continue reading TREASURER CAMPAIGNS TO ALLOW THE SALE OF LOTTERY TICKETS ONLINE

Somerville Ave. Detour (Between Dane St. and the Somerville Ave./Washington St. Intersection) Delayed Until Early 2019

Part of ongoing Somerville Ave. Utility & Streetscape Improvements Project, work zone will require detour for through traffic for approximately six months. Access to businesses will be maintained.

Continue reading Somerville Ave. Detour (Between Dane St. and the Somerville Ave./Washington St. Intersection) Delayed Until Early 2019

GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS by John Dwyer

GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS FRIDAY, December 07, the 341st day of 2018 with 24 to follow. Sunrise in the Boston area is @ 6:59 and sunset is @ 4:10. The New Moon is exact @ 2:22AM The morning stars are stars are Uranus and Venus. The evening stars are Mars, Mercury, Neptune, Saturn & Uranus.
ON THIS DAY IN: 1431 – In Paris, Henry VI of England was crowned King of France.
1732 – The original Covent Garden Theatre Royal (now the Royal Opera House) was opened. Continue reading GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS by John Dwyer

Riverside Community Care Announces Merger Agreement with The Somerville Home

Nonprofit to Renovate Former Rest Home and Bring Behavioral Healthcare
and Human Service Programs to Benefit the Community

SOMERVILLE, Mass. (Dec. 4, 2018) – Riverside Community Care, a nonprofit provider of a broad range of behavioral healthcare and human service programs, today announced it has finalized an agreement to merge The Somerville Home into its operation and to occupy and improve the former rest home’s building for continued nonprofit community services. Continue reading Riverside Community Care Announces Merger Agreement with The Somerville Home

Fourth Quarterly Public Meeting to Discuss Updates to Parking Changes on Central Hill Campus Scheduled for Wednesday, December 12

Join City staff on Wednesday, December 12, at 6 p.m. at the Central Library, 79 Highland Ave. for the fourth in a series of public quarterly meetings where updates about parking changes, new data collection, and strategies for impact mitigation will be discussed. Continue reading Fourth Quarterly Public Meeting to Discuss Updates to Parking Changes on Central Hill Campus Scheduled for Wednesday, December 12

Allen Street Playground Community Meeting December 18

Please join the Somerville Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development, Ward 2 Alderman JT Scott, and Alderman at Large Stephanie Hirsch for the third in a series of community meetings, on Tuesday, December 18, to review renovation plans and the proposed construction schedule for the new Allen Street Playground. Continue reading Allen Street Playground Community Meeting December 18

GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS by John Dwyer

GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS THURSDAY, December 06, the 340th day of 2018 with 25 to follow. Sunrise in the Boston area is @ 6:58 and sunset is @ 4:10. The moon is waning. The morning stars are stars are Uranus and Venus. The evening stars are Mars, Mercury, Neptune, Saturn & Uranus.
ON THIS DAY IN: 1735 – In London, French surgeon Claudius Amyand peformed the first successful appendectomy at St. George’s Hospital. The patient was an 11-year old boy that had swallowed a pin. Continue reading GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS by John Dwyer

Somerville Speakup Line:Dr Mouhab Z. Rizkallah’s Email to Alderman Niedergang and Mr. Alan Bingham Regarding Demolition Review Ordinance/Standing against Tyranny and Corruption

Dear Alderman Niedergang and Mr. Alan Bingham (cc all Alderman, Somerville News Weekly, Somerville Matters, ZoneSmart Somerville, SomervilleYIMBY.org)

I have reviewed Commissioner Alan Bingham’s letter to the Board of Alderman (below for others to review) and I have found it frustratingly inaccurate. Continue reading Somerville Speakup Line:Dr Mouhab Z. Rizkallah’s Email to Alderman Niedergang and Mr. Alan Bingham Regarding Demolition Review Ordinance/Standing against Tyranny and Corruption

Mark Niedergang, Ward 5 Alderman Update: GLX moving forward, Ball Sq. Bridge closure, big issues for 2019

In this issue:

Green Line Extension (GLX) moving forward; Ball Square buildings and Homans Building to be demolished
Broadway/Ball Square Bridge closure delayed until late February-early March; detour routes set; traffic and public safety impactsCitywide zoning overhaul round 3: major focus for Board of Aldermen in first half of 2019

Other big issues before the Board of Aldermen
Continue reading Mark Niedergang, Ward 5 Alderman Update: GLX moving forward, Ball Sq. Bridge closure, big issues for 2019

GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS by John Dwyer

GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS WEDNESDAY, December 05, the 339th day of 2018 with 26 to follow. Sunrise in the Boston area is @ 6:57 and sunset is @ 4:11. The moon is waning. The morning stars are stars are Jupiter, Mars, Mercury & Saturn. The evening stars are Neptune, Uranus & Venus.
ON THIS DAY IN: 1560 – Charles IX succeeded as King of France on the death of Francis II. Continue reading GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS by John Dwyer

GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS by John Dwyer

GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS TUESDAY, December 04, the 338th day of 2018 with 27 to follow. Sunrise in the Boston area is @ 6:56 and sunset is @ 4:11. The moon is waning. The morning stars are stars are Jupiter, Mars, Mercury & Saturn. The evening stars are Neptune, Uranus & Venus.
ON THIS DAY IN: 1783 – Gen. George Washington said farewell to his officers at Fraunces Tavern in New York.
1791 – Britain’s Observer newspaper was first published. Continue reading GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS by John Dwyer

LEGOLAND® DISCOVERY CENTER BOSTON CELEBRATES THE NEW YEAR WITH “NOON YEAR’S EVE” ON DECEMBER 31ST

Join LEGOLAND® Discovery Center Boston as they ring in the new year a few hours early at the third annual “Noon Year’s Eve” celebration. The festivities will include a countdown to noon with a balloon drop, sparkling cider toast, mini cupcakes, color-your-own party hat activity and a New Year’s themed build in the Master Builder Academy. Continue reading LEGOLAND® DISCOVERY CENTER BOSTON CELEBRATES THE NEW YEAR WITH “NOON YEAR’S EVE” ON DECEMBER 31ST

Somerville-LEGOLAND Discovery Center Boston to Host Holiday Themed Toddler Tuesday December 11th

It’s the season to celebrate with cheer. Things are “Merry” and “Happy” because the holidays are here! So let’s mingle and jingle at the Holiday Themed Toddler Tuesday on December 11th at LEGOLAND® Discovery Center Boston. Continue reading Somerville-LEGOLAND Discovery Center Boston to Host Holiday Themed Toddler Tuesday December 11th

LEGOLAND® DISCOVERY CENTER BOSTON TO HOST BOSTON BALLET’S NUTCRACKER CHARACTERS SUGAR PLUM FAIRY AND THE NUTCRACKER BEAR ON DECEMBER 20TH

To celebrate the holidays, LEGOLAND Discovery Center Boston will host a special visit with the Boston Ballet’s Mikko Niessen’s Nutcracker characters, the Sugar Plum Fair and Nutcracker Bear on December 20th from 10:30 am- 1:00 pm.

Continue reading LEGOLAND® DISCOVERY CENTER BOSTON TO HOST BOSTON BALLET’S NUTCRACKER CHARACTERS SUGAR PLUM FAIRY AND THE NUTCRACKER BEAR ON DECEMBER 20TH

Marathon Sports “Bill Rodgers Jingle Bell Run” Finisher Medals a timeless keepsake sign up now

Our Marathon Sports “Bill Rodgers Jingle Bell Run” Finisher Medals are more than Finisher Medals..they are running memorabilia and they will be definite keepsakes in the years to come….each year has its own distinct look with the historical Bill Rodgers-4 time Boston & New York Marathon winnah, caricature on them. Continue reading Marathon Sports “Bill Rodgers Jingle Bell Run” Finisher Medals a timeless keepsake sign up now

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 Diane Foster, Jason Fucile, Lucille Bordonaro, Joeann McMahon, Donald Cook, Jessica Resmini, Joanne Montalto Keefe, Peter Blaikie, John Ferrari, Sergio Lemos, Estee Vered, Kathleen Bereznoski, Brenda Moschella, Bethann Tomeo, Peter Anthony, John Colleran, Michelle Sousa, Laura Dupont Vellucci, Danielle Connell, Ray Zonghetti, Richie Almas, Happy Birthday to the Nestor Family who’s birthdays are days apart Jimmy Nestor and Buddy Nestor on December 1st (they have the same date) Justin Nestor December 4th, and Suzanne Nestor December 11th, Happy 88th Birthday to Momma LoRusso, Happy Birthday to Auntie Lottie and Happy 2nd Birthday to Little Cousin’ Anthony

Sent in by our readers!

Continue reading The Somerville News Weekly Favorite Birthday Photos of the Week

Real Life Somerville Police Stories: Francisco RASATE-REYES (Disorderly, Resisting Arrest, Trespass)

On November 29, 2018, I, Officer Tim Van Nostrand, was on duty, and assigned to uniform patrol in marked cruiser East 1. At approximately 6:52pm I was dispatched along with Officer Shaun Clark (East 4) to XXXX Restaurant at xx Broadway for a dispute. Upon arrival, Continue reading Real Life Somerville Police Stories: Francisco RASATE-REYES (Disorderly, Resisting Arrest, Trespass)

Real Life Somerville Police Stories: Joel SYLVIA (Shoplifting 3rd Off, Disorderly, Resisting Arrest

On Saturday, December 01, 2018, Officer Schneider and I were assigned to marked unit East-1 and on routine patrol. At approximately 5:37 PM, we were dispatched to the area of Lucky Brand (561 Assembly Row) on a report of a shoplifter. Continue reading Real Life Somerville Police Stories: Joel SYLVIA (Shoplifting 3rd Off, Disorderly, Resisting Arrest

Somerville Speakup Line:Curtatone Must’ve Discovered a Miracle Drug

Dear Billy T and Somerville Speakup Line,

Curtatone must’ve discovered a miracle drug!

For a guy who wasted no time to send out statewide PRESS RELEASES: Who gave everybody the impression that he was on his deathbed with the shingles and even though he said he was going to be out of work for 3 to 4 weeks and unbelievable, he wasted no time on Tweeting out today and attending his fundraising event this Wednesday though? Unbelievable, you can’t make this stuff up! Continue reading Somerville Speakup Line:Curtatone Must’ve Discovered a Miracle Drug

Somerville Speakup Line:Somerville PD Compensation/Overtime Scandal Finally Uncovered

Dear Billy T and Somerville Speakup Line,

In regards to the Somerville Police Department’s compensation and overtime scandal, it’s been going on for an awful long time flying low under the radar screen so not to be detected. Thank you for having the guts to expose it! Continue reading Somerville Speakup Line:Somerville PD Compensation/Overtime Scandal Finally Uncovered

GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS by John Dwyer

GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS MONDAY, December 03, the 337th day of 2018 with 28 to follow. Sunrise in the Boston area is @ 6:55 and sunset is @ 4:11. The moon is waning. The morning stars are stars are Jupiter, Mars, Mercury & Saturn. The evening stars are Neptune, Uranus & Venus.
ON THIS DAY IN: 1792 – The trial of France’s King Louis XVI began. He was eventually put to death for the 33 charges.
1818 – Illinois was admitted as the 21st state of the union. Continue reading GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS by John Dwyer

GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS by John Dwyer


GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS SUNDAY, December 02, the 336th day of 2018 with 29 to follow. Sunrise in the Boston area is @ 6:54 and sunset is @ 4:11. The moon is waning. The morning stars are stars are Jupiter, Mars, Mercury & Saturn. The evening stars are Neptune, Uranus & Venus.
ON THIS DAY IN: 1804 – Napoleon was crowned emperor of France at the Cathedral of Notre Dame in Paris.
1816 – The first savings bank in the U.S., the Philadelphia Savings Fund Society, opened for business. Continue reading GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS by John Dwyer

FLAGGER REFORM OF 2008 FAILS TO ACHIEVE SIGNIFICANT SAVINGS

By Bob Katzen

According to a report “Whatever happened to flagger reform?” by the Bay State’s Pioneer Institute’s Greg Sullivan and Michael Chieppo, the 2008 law that allows flaggers, instead of police officers, at some construction sites, has not generated any substantial savings which was the primary intent of the law.

Continue reading FLAGGER REFORM OF 2008 FAILS TO ACHIEVE SIGNIFICANT SAVINGS

SENATE REGULATIONS AND TAXING OF SHORT-TERM RENTALS

By Bob Katzen

The Senate 30-8, approved a bill that extends the state’s current 5.7 percent hotel and motel tax and up to a 6 percent local option room occupancy tax to short-term rentals offered by Airbnb, HomeAway and VRBO while leaving the regulation of these rentals including registration, licensing and inspections up to local cities and towns.

Continue reading SENATE REGULATIONS AND TAXING OF SHORT-TERM RENTALS

GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS by John Dwyer


GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS SATURDAY, December 01, the 335th day of 2018 with 30 to follow. Sunrise in the Boston area is @ 6:53 and sunset is @ 4:12. The moon is waning. The morning stars are stars are Jupiter, Mars, Mercury & Saturn. The evening stars are Neptune, Uranus & Venus.
ON THIS DAY IN: 1835 – Hans Christian Andersen published his first book of fairy tales. Continue reading GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS by John Dwyer

Illegal Somerville Police Department Compensation and Overtime Scandal Info Surfaces

By William Tauro

With all this recent news out there by the media outlets emphasizing the wrong doing regarding the Massachusetts State Police overtime scandals with state troopers getting indicted, losing their pensions and getting locked up, maybe the federal authorities should also take a pretty close look to what is going on here in Somerville as well. Continue reading Illegal Somerville Police Department Compensation and Overtime Scandal Info Surfaces