On Thursday, August 6, 2020, Somerville Police received a call for a report of a male with a gun inside of an apartment on Highland Ave. Upon arrrival, the reporting party advised officers that the suspect was in the back room and was pointing a gun at a female’s head. Continue reading Eight Somerville Officers Recieve Awards after a Life-Threatening Encounter in Early August 2020
Monthly Archives: August 2020
Somerville Remembering Robert J. “Bob” McNary
Our sincere condolences go out to the family and friends of Robert J. “Bob” McNary on his passing.
Robert J. “Bob” McNary was a wonderful person who will be sadly missed here in Somerville.
ROBERT’S OBITUARY: Continue reading Somerville Remembering Robert J. “Bob” McNary
MASSACHUSETTS SEXUAL MISCONDUCT SURVEY
Almost six months ago on March 5, 2020, the Higher Education Committee gave a favorable report to and recommended that the Legislature approve legislation requiring all colleges and universities in the Bay State to biennially conduct a sexual misconduct climate survey of all students. Continue reading MASSACHUSETTS SEXUAL MISCONDUCT SURVEY
RAISE ALLOWANCE FOR NURSING HOME RESIDENTS
By Bob Katzen
More than a year ago on May 13, 2019, the Committee on Elder Affairs gave a favorable report to and recommended the Legislature approve a proposal raising the Personal Needs Allowance (PNA) for nursing home residents from the current $72.80 monthly to $100 monthly. It also includes a provision that gives the residents an annual cost of living increase. Continue reading RAISE ALLOWANCE FOR NURSING HOME RESIDENTS
REDUCE PACKAGING WASTE
By Bob Katzen
More than a year ago on July 29, 2019, the Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture Committee recommended that the Legislature approve legislation that would require that beginning on January 1, 2021, all retail food establishments using any food serviceware for any food prepared or packaged on the premises use biodegradable, compostable, recyclable or reusable products. The measure remains stuck in the House Ways and Means Committee. Continue reading REDUCE PACKAGING WASTE
“MY LOCAL MA” CAMPAIGN
By Bob Katzen
The Baker administration unveiled “My Local MA,” a new $2 million four-month campaign that will run through December, designed to encourage Bay Staters to support their local economies by shopping at local Massachusetts businesses and attractions. Continue reading “MY LOCAL MA” CAMPAIGN
HONDA TO PAY MASSACHUSETTS $1.7 MILLION
By Bob Katzen
Attorney General Maura Healey announced the car manufacturer Honda has agreed to pay $85 million in a settlement with 48 states and territories and that Massachusetts will receive $1.7 million. Continue reading HONDA TO PAY MASSACHUSETTS $1.7 MILLION
$13 MILLION IN GREEN COMMUNITY GRANTS TO CITIES AND TOWNS
By Bob Katzen
Governor Charlie Baker announced the awarding of $13 million in Green Communities competitive grants to 103 cities and towns across Massachusetts to fund clean energy projects. Continue reading $13 MILLION IN GREEN COMMUNITY GRANTS TO CITIES AND TOWNS
Somerville Distributes $2.2 Million for Rental Assistance, Food Security, and Other Pandemic Supports
Nearly $1 million in additional job training/retention funds also approved
SOMERVILLE, MA – In response to the immense need for community assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic, the City of Somerville has distributed $2,218,384 to local non-profit agencies to help residents with necessities such as rent, food, and childcare. Continue reading Somerville Distributes $2.2 Million for Rental Assistance, Food Security, and Other Pandemic Supports
Somerville Council on Aging Press Outreach
Taxi Rides
Do you need a ride?
The COA has a new program just for you.
Taxi Rides for Somerville Residents 60 and Over
Rides can be used for:
Grocery Shopping in Somerville
Pharmacy Prescription pick up in Somerville
Routine Medical Appointments in the follow areas:
Somerville, Cambridge, Medford, Boston or the V.A. in Jamaica Plain or West Roxbury
Two Days Advanced Notice Required
For more information please call Connie Lorenti at 617-625-6600 ext. 2319 Continue reading Somerville Council on Aging Press Outreach
Somerville Public Library Central & West Branches to Close August 31 – September 7
The Somerville Public Library will close for contactless services at both Central Library (79 Highland Avenue) and the West at TAB (167 Holland Street) from August 31 through September 7 to accommodate voting in the primary election. Continue reading Somerville Public Library Central & West Branches to Close August 31 – September 7
Somerville Virtual Community Meeting to Discuss Dilboy Field Improvements, September 9
Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone, Ward 7 City Councilor Katjana Ballantyne, and City of Somerville staff invite you to a virtual meeting to review plans to replace the Dilboy Stadium synthetic turf field and improve the natural-grass Dilboy Auxiliary Fields adjacent to Alewife Brook Parkway. Continue reading Somerville Virtual Community Meeting to Discuss Dilboy Field Improvements, September 9
Bus Improvements along Washington St. in East Somerville Set for Fall
Bicycle lane extension also part of transit corridor upgrade
SOMERVILLE, MA – As part of an MBTA initiative to make bus service more efficient and safer for passengers during the COVID-19 pandemic, Somerville will be installing a westbound dedicated bus lane along Washington St. in East Somerville between Tufts St. and McGrath Highway. Continue reading Bus Improvements along Washington St. in East Somerville Set for Fall
Somerville Arts Community Town Hall Meeting Scheduled for 9/15,
First in an Upcoming Series of COVID Town Halls Hosted by ResiStat
Mayor Joe Curtatone, the City Council, the Somerville Arts Council, and the City’s ResiStat program invite Somerville’s artists and the cultural community, as well as all interested persons, to join a virtual town hall to discuss challenges faced by the arts community that have been amplified by the COVID-19 pandemic as well as possible solutions. Continue reading Somerville Arts Community Town Hall Meeting Scheduled for 9/15,
Virtual Community Meeting to Discuss the Kensington Connector Pedestrian Crossing Under I-93, September 3
Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone, State Senator Pat Jehlen, State Representative Mike Connolly, City Council President and Ward 1 Councilor Matt McLaughlin, and City of Somerville staff invite you to a virtual meeting to discuss the community needs at the Kensington Connector. Continue reading Virtual Community Meeting to Discuss the Kensington Connector Pedestrian Crossing Under I-93, September 3
Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line:Bicyclist Injured on Washington Street
Click on link to see video:IMG_7438
This is a video of a bicyclist who got hurt on Washington Street in Somerville this past week on 8/30/20.
Write In Rayla Campbell For Congress
City Finally Cuts Embattled Somerville Police Sergeant’s Pay Off
By William Tauro
For almost over one year now, a Somerville Police Sergeant who has been out on supposedly a medical leave, has finally had his pay shut off by the City of Somerville.
Somerville Police Sergeant Michael Kiely has been out on a paid medical leave for over a year for supposed health reasons. Continue reading City Finally Cuts Embattled Somerville Police Sergeant’s Pay Off
GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS FRIDAY, August 28, the 240th day of 2020 with 126 to follow. Sunrise in the Boston area is @ 6:04 and sunset is @ 7:25. The moon is waxing. The morning stars are Mars, Neptune and Uranus. Evening stars are Jupiter, Neptune, Saturn, Uranus and Venus.
ON THIS DAY IN: 1609 – Delaware Bay was discovered by Henry Hudson. Continue reading
Bus Improvements along Washington St. in East Somerville Set for Fall
– Bicycle lane extension also part of transit corridor upgrade
SOMERVILLE, MA – As part of an MBTA initiative to make bus service more efficient and safer for passengers during the COVID-19 pandemic, Somerville will be installing a westbound dedicated bus lane along Washington St. in East Somerville between Tufts St. and McGrath Highway. In the eastbound direction, a dedicated protected bike lane will start at Joy St., linking with the protected bike lane that begins at New Washington St.
Somerville Preparing for Limited Phase 3 Step 1 Businesses to Reopen 9/8
At a Monday, August 24, meeting with Phase 3 business owners, Mayor Joe Curtatone announced that, if the data continues to trend in the right direction, the City will consider a limited reopening for fitness centers, gyms, and indoor recreation facilities on approximately September 8. Continue reading Somerville Preparing for Limited Phase 3 Step 1 Businesses to Reopen 9/8
GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS by John Dwyer
GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS THURSDAY, August 27, the 239th day of 2020 with 126 to follow. Sunrise in the Boston area is @ 6:03 and sunset is @ 7:27. The moon is waxing. The morning stars are Mars, Neptune and Uranus. Evening stars are Jupiter, Neptune, Saturn, Uranus and Venus.
ON THIS DAY IN: 1660 – The books of John Milton were burned in London due to his attacks on King Charles II. Continue reading GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS by John Dwyer
Mayor Joe Curtatone Breaking Social Distancing Rules in Somerville for Ed Markey
By William Tauro
For too many years, our Massachusetts Secretary of State Bill Galvin has been declared as the “Prince of Darkness,” but now Mayor Joe Curtatone has truly surpassed the secretary’s proclamation and has absolutely earned that title for himself these days.
Continue reading Mayor Joe Curtatone Breaking Social Distancing Rules in Somerville for Ed Markey
Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line:Mayor Joe Circumventing the Covid19 Closure Laws in Somerville
Dear Billy T and Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line,
We all know that Mayor Joe always gets what he wants in Somerville and lately he’s been sneaking in and getting what he wants on Somerville Avenue especially at the new Founders Memorial Skating Rink. Continue reading Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line:Mayor Joe Circumventing the Covid19 Closure Laws in Somerville
Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line:Handicap Parking Scam @ Assembly Row
Dear Billy T and Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line,
I am hoping my voice gets heard through your newspaper. I am a merchant at Assembly Row, times are tough just keeping the lights on during this difficult time and I need all the foot traffic I can get and parking spots.
Lately since the 2 new buildings that are being built, I have noticed numerous Iron workers, Electrical workers, carpenters ect… are using Handicapped Plaque-cards to park at meters on Assembly Row and Foley streets, close to the job site and leave their vehicles there all day, resulting in my establishment not getting the customers as there is no place to park as these workers are sitting there for over 8 hours. Continue reading Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line:Handicap Parking Scam @ Assembly Row