SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (SNAP) BENEFITS (S 4)

By Bob Katzen

The Senate 39-0, approved an amendment that would allow low-income applicants and recipients of MassHealth and the Medicare Savings Program to initiate an application for federally-funded SNAP (formerly known as food stamps) benefits at the same time as their application or renewal for MassHealth or the Medicare Savings Program. Continue reading SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (SNAP) BENEFITS (S 4)

PROTECT TENANTS DURING COVID-19

By Bob Katzen

The Senate 39-0, approved an amendment designed to protect tenants during COVID-19. The amendment seals eviction records for defendants in eviction proceedings for non-payment of rent due to COVID-19 when the case does not result in a judgement against the defendant or a defendant has made a good faith effort to come to a reasonable agreement. Continue reading PROTECT TENANTS DURING COVID-19

REQUIRE PARENTAL OR JUDICIAL CONSENT IF THE MOTHER IS UNDER THE AGE OF 18

By Bob Katzen

The Senate 5-35, rejected an amendment that would replace a provision, later approved, that would allow abortions after 24 weeks in the case of lethal fetal anomalies and would lower the age from 18 to 16 at which a minor can choose to have an abortion without parental or judicial consent. The amendment would still allow abortions after 24 weeks in the case of lethal fetal anomalies but would keep 18 as the age at which a minor can choose to have an abortion without parental or judicial consent. Continue reading REQUIRE PARENTAL OR JUDICIAL CONSENT IF THE MOTHER IS UNDER THE AGE OF 18

Audit Calls for Improvements in Cybersecurity Training at Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development

Boston, MA – In an audit released today, State Auditor Suzanne M. Bump called on the Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development (EOHED) to improve its oversight of cybersecurity awareness training for employees. Continue reading Audit Calls for Improvements in Cybersecurity Training at Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development

Real Life Somerville Police Stories: Alan KELLY (OUI Liquor, Negligent Operation)


I, Officer Roger Desrochers, report the following summary of events based on direct interview with the persons named.

On Tuesday, November 17, 2020, I, Officer Desrochers, was in full-uniform and assigned to marked cruiser 665(E2), and patrolling the East district, for the Somerville Police Department when I was dispatched along with E3 Officer Khoury and E4 Officer Lambert to 51 Springfield Street for a reported car accident. Continue reading Real Life Somerville Police Stories: Alan KELLY (OUI Liquor, Negligent Operation)

Somerville Remembering Victor Arthur DiFranco

Our sincere condolences, thoughts go out to the family and friends of Victor Arthur DiFranco on his passing.

Victor Arthur DiFranco was a wonderful person who will be sadly missed here in Somerville.

VICTOR’S OBITUARY
Victor Arthur DiFranco, born on December 1, 1934, passed away on Thursday, November 26, 2020, after bravely battling cancer. Continue reading Somerville Remembering Victor Arthur DiFranco

This Time Around Remember Your ABC’s, “Anybody But Curtatone” and Make the Needed Change In Somerville

This Time Around Remember Your ABC’s, “Anybody But Curtatone” and Make the Needed Change

During the past two mayoral elections here in Somerville against Curtatone, previous opponents exposed his vulnerability by garnering over 30% of the vote before losing to him. The reason we feel is only an average of 13,000 out of 57,000 registered voters came out and voted. Continue reading This Time Around Remember Your ABC’s, “Anybody But Curtatone” and Make the Needed Change In Somerville

GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS by John Dwyer

Sponsored by STEALING SOMERVILLE Death of an Urban City To order STEALING SOMERVILLE go to: www.Amazon.com

GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS TUESDAY, November 24, the 327th day of 2020 with 39 to follow. Sunrise in the Boston area is @ 6:46 and sunset is @ 4:15. 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: 1615 – French King Louis XIII married Ann of Austria. They were both 14 years old. Continue reading GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS by John Dwyer

The Somerville/Medford News Weekly Favorite Birthday Photos of the Week

Many Villens celebrating their birthdays this week in the Ville and square this week! Happy Birthday greetings go out to Paula Jorge, Jennifer Mochi Chernisky, Eve Chirco, Deacon Belizarie, Elizabeth Leavitt, Ann Francey, Jim Dunne, Vanessa Ashleigh, Dan Reidy, Vanessa Pino, Sal Cicero, Sabino Lagattolla, John Tivnan, John Holbrook, Geraldine Nolan McLaughlin, Continue reading The Somerville/Medford News Weekly Favorite Birthday Photos of the Week

Somerville Mayoral Candidate William Tauro to Host Meeting on Dec 10th from 6PM-7PM to Discuss Ramifications and Current Policies Concerning The Special Needs, Autistic Individuals, Disabled Children That the City May Not Provide Enough Needs to Meet Their Demands

We would like to cordially invite the general public to an open meeting to discuss the ramifications and current policies concerning the special needs, autistic individuals, and all other disabled children that the city may not provide enough needs to meet their demands. Continue reading Somerville Mayoral Candidate William Tauro to Host Meeting on Dec 10th from 6PM-7PM to Discuss Ramifications and Current Policies Concerning The Special Needs, Autistic Individuals, Disabled Children That the City May Not Provide Enough Needs to Meet Their Demands

APPROVE $46 BILLION FISCAL 2021 STATE BUDGET

By Bob Katzen

The senate 40-0, approved an estimated $46 billion fiscal 2021 state budget that uses $1.5 billion from the state’s Rainy Day Fund to help cover expenses. The budget increases spending by 5.5 percent over last fiscal year’s 2020 budget. The Senate added $36.1 million in additional spending during two days of debate. The package also includes a controversial amendment that would allow abortions after 24 weeks in the case of lethal fetal anomalies and lower the age from 18 to 16 that a minor can choose to have an abortion without parental or judicial consent. Continue reading APPROVE $46 BILLION FISCAL 2021 STATE BUDGET

REQUIRE CREDIT CARD COMPANIES TO PAY SALES TAX DIRECTLY TO THE STATE

By Bob Katzen

The senate 4-35, rejected an amendment that would change the current law under which credit card companies process transactions and send the money from the sale price and the sales tax directly to the merchant. The merchant then has up to 50 days to send the sales tax portion to the state. Continue reading REQUIRE CREDIT CARD COMPANIES TO PAY SALES TAX DIRECTLY TO THE STATE

STATE TO CAP FOOD DELIVERY CHARGES

By Bob Katzen

The Senate 12-27, rejected an amendment that would cap delivery fees charged by third parties like GrubHub, DoorDash and Uber Eats at 15 percent of the order price until 45 days after the COVID-19 state of emergency ends. When the pandemic struck, many restaurants were not equipped to offer online ordering or delivery and are forced to rely heavily on these delivery companies. Continue reading STATE TO CAP FOOD DELIVERY CHARGES

STIMULUS CHECKS TO IMMIGRANT TAXPAYERS (S 2659)

By Bob Katzen

This bill provides a stimulus check to taxpayers who use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) and who are not eligible to obtain a Social Security number. The state-funded stimulus check would be equal to the federal stimulus checks of $1,200 for individual filers, $2,400 for joint filers and $500 per child that is currently provided by the federal government through the CARES Act. It will also provide $10 million to immigrant aid organizations.
Continue reading STIMULUS CHECKS TO IMMIGRANT TAXPAYERS (S 2659)

ALLOW CITIES AND TOWNS TO IMPOSE A 2 PERCENT SURTAX ON PROPERTY TAXES

By Bob Katzen

Bill (H 4516) – Allows cities and towns the option to charge a 2 percent surtax on current property taxes to help build or repair affordable housing or provide rental vouchers in the community. The surtax would take effect only upon approval by a two-thirds vote of the local city council or board of selectmen and acceptance by the voters as a ballot question at the next regular municipal or state election. Continue reading ALLOW CITIES AND TOWNS TO IMPOSE A 2 PERCENT SURTAX ON PROPERTY TAXES

KIMBERLY BUDD CONFIRMED AS CHIEF JUSTICE OF THE STATE’S SUPREME JUDICIAL COURT (SJC)

By Bob Katzen

Associate SJC Justice Kimberly Budd was confirmed as the next chief justice of the SJC after she was unanimously confirmed 7-0 by the Governor’s Council to succeed the late Chief Justice Ralph Gants. When sworn in, she will make history and become the first Black woman to lead the state’s highest court.
Continue reading KIMBERLY BUDD CONFIRMED AS CHIEF JUSTICE OF THE STATE’S SUPREME JUDICIAL COURT (SJC)

JUSTICE DEPARTMENT SAYS CONDITIONS AT BAY STATE PRISONS VIOLATE THE CONSTITUTION

By Bob Katzen

U.S. Attorney Andrew Lelling’s Office and the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division have concluded an investigation into conditions at Massachusetts prisons and say that the conditions violate the Eighth Amendment of the Constitution.

The report determined that there is reasonable cause to believe that the Massachusetts Department of Correction (MDOC) fails to provide constitutionally adequate supervision to prisoners in mental health crisis; fails to provide adequate mental health care to prisoners in mental health crisis; and violates the constitutional rights of prisoners in mental health crisis by using prolonged mental health watch under restrictive housing conditions. As a result of these failures and conditions, prisoners in mental health crisis have engaged in self-harm and have died or seriously injured themselves while on mental health watch.

“Our investigation found cause to conclude that the MDOC fails to properly supervise and accommodate prisoners suffering from serious mental health issues,” said Lelling. “The conditions at MDOC facilities show how systemic deficiencies in prison facilities can compound each other and amount to constitutional violations. MDOC has cooperated with our investigation from the beginning and we look forward to working with state prison authorities to implement reform measures.”

“Unfortunately, we are not surprised,” said Carol Rose, executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Massachusetts. “Far too many people are incarcerated in conditions that threaten their health, safety and human dignity on a daily basis. From providing adequate mental health care to slowing the spread of COVID-19, Massachusetts must do more to save the lives of people in jails and prisons. Above all, Massachusetts must downsize the footprint of its criminal legal system for the sake of public health and justice.”

Assembly Square Neighborhood Plan Update Public Design Charrette, 11/30-12/4

Help plan for the future of the Assembly Square neighborhood by participating in one or more virtual sessions of the City’s Assembly Square Neighborhood Plan Update Public Design Charrette. Sessions are planned for Monday, November 30, through Friday, December 4, and will allow residents to share their ideas, talk with their neighbors, and learn more about Assembly Square planning. Continue reading Assembly Square Neighborhood Plan Update Public Design Charrette, 11/30-12/4

Thanksgiving on Hinckley Street

By Arthur Moore

Back in the fifties we lived on Hinckley Street. Tiny apartment. Kinda normal back then as many people lived in tiny places with lots of children. Actually one bedroom but we made do with three boys in a tiny bedroom thanks to my dad making bunk beds. My parents had what would be the dining room. The place was heated from a kitchen stove that had a kerosene heater in it. And a kerosene heater in the living room.
Continue reading Thanksgiving on Hinckley Street

CAR 54 WHERE ARE YOU? APPARENTLY NOT IN CURTATONE’S SOMERVILLE

By William Tauro

It’s been one hundred thirty one weeks (131) or two years and six months which ever way you want to count it that have gone by since the South Middlesex Registrar of Deeds Maria Curtatone hosted her springtime drunkfest.
As you probably already have guessed, there have been no arrests, no witnesses, no leads, no police reports, no names of the injured party, no names of the people involved, no nothing! Continue reading CAR 54 WHERE ARE YOU? APPARENTLY NOT IN CURTATONE’S SOMERVILLE

District Attorney Ryan Hosts Cut It Out Training for Estheticians and Health Assistant Students from Medford Vocational Technical High School

Zoom Meeting with attendees from the Cut It Out Program

MEDFORD – As part of the Middlesex District Attorney’s ongoing commitment to addressing the issue of domestic violence during the COVID-19 crisis, District Attorney Marian Ryan addressed cosmetology students from Medford Vocational Technical High School yesterday on ways to spot signs of domestic violence and how to safely refer clients to local community service providers as part of the Cut It Out Middlesex Program. Continue reading District Attorney Ryan Hosts Cut It Out Training for Estheticians and Health Assistant Students from Medford Vocational Technical High School

Former Acting Chief of Police Charles Femino to Serve as Acting Chief of Police effective December 12

City to launch inclusive selection process for new Chief; outgoing Chief David Fallon lauded in advance of previously announced retirement

SOMERVILLE, MA – Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone announced today that former Acting Chief of Police Charles Femino has agreed to serve as the Acting Chief of Police effective December 12, 2020, until a permanent replacement is found for departing Chief David Fallon, who announced his pending retirement in March.
Continue reading Former Acting Chief of Police Charles Femino to Serve as Acting Chief of Police effective December 12

Letter from the Editor:Curtatone Administration’s Favoritism In Fake Developent Parking Control Signage Somerville Systemic Corruption at its Best!

By William Tauro

It seems that the current mayor and his Favorite Developer/Former Alderman/Attorrney/Business Partner are at their dirty tricks again. This time the undynamic duo are taking their scams to another level on Broadway at the site of the former Boulter Plywood Company that’s located at the corner of Broadway and Mt vernon street in Somerville. Continue reading Letter from the Editor:Curtatone Administration’s Favoritism In Fake Developent Parking Control Signage Somerville Systemic Corruption at its Best!

Hotline to the Underground

Joe Viglione’s Musical Thoughts

ALBUM: BLUE REUNION

ARTIST: JIM KNABLE AND THE RANDY BANDITS

The nine songs on the Blue Reunion from Jim Knable start off with “(I’m Not A) Bad Guy,” which sets the tone of good-time rocking’, picture Jim Croce going deep into the underground creating fun where it may not exist. On a long-player with concise folk/pop the first Continue reading Hotline to the Underground

The Somerville/Medford News Weekly Favorite Birthday Photos of the Week

Many Villens celebrating their birthdays this week in the Ville and square this week! Happy Birthday greetings go out to Madison Biagiotti, Mina Marko, Cheryl Moisan Valera, Jillian Gallivan, Shawna McMahon, Katheen McMahon Sullivan, John Poli JR. Nicole Callinan, Darlene Etienne, Chase Sacco, Tanya Suied McCann, Kim Connell, Ayden Resmini, Patricia Morrison Foley, Janelle Hamel, Cathy DelPonte, Continue reading The Somerville/Medford News Weekly Favorite Birthday Photos of the Week

Somerville COA Weekly Press & Organizational Updates & Information


UPCOMING EVENTS

Seniors & Veterans Box Lunch pick up – Wednesday, November 18th at 10:30. Ralph & Jenny Senior Center 9 New Washington Street. While we aren’t able to share lunch together we hope you can stop by for this fun treat! RSVP is a must; spaces are limited. To enjoy a box lunch please call Connie at 617-625-6600 ext. 2319. Continue reading Somerville COA Weekly Press & Organizational Updates & Information

Leukemia & Lymphoma Society during their annual Costumed for a Cure event


Naveo Credit Union raises over $300 for The

Naveo Credit Union employees dressed up in costumes on Friday, October 30 and raised over $300 for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society during their Costumed for a Cure event. Naveo raised funds at their branches in a little over a week and then matched the total donation amount. Continue reading Leukemia & Lymphoma Society during their annual Costumed for a Cure event

$46 BILLION FISCAL 2001 STATE BUDGET

By Bob Katzen

The House 143-14, approved and sent to the Senate an estimated $46 billion fiscal 2021 state budget that uses $1.5 billion from the state’s Rainy Day Fund to help cover expenses. The House added an estimated $27 million to the price tag of the original version of the budget drafted by the House Ways and Means Committee. Debate was on Tuesday and Thursday instead of the usual 4- or 5-day period it has taken in the past.

Continue reading $46 BILLION FISCAL 2001 STATE BUDGET

GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS by John Dwyer

Sponsored by STEALING SOMERVILLE Death of an Urban City To order STEALING SOMERVILLE go to: www.Amazon.com

GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS SATURDAY, November 14, the 317th day of 2020 with 49 to follow. Sunrise in the Boston area is @ 6:33 and sunset is @ 4:23. The moon is waning. The morning stars are Mars, Neptune and Uranus. Evening stars are Jupiter, Neptune, Saturn, Uranus and Venus.

ON THIS DAY IN: 1832 – The first streetcar went into operation in New York City, NY. The vehicle was horse-drawn and had room for 30 people. Continue reading GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS by John Dwyer

Somerville/Medford Speakup Line:Homelessness In Somerville Out of Control

Dear Billy T and Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line,

Billy ….
As I see many mornings at powder house park ….
People sleeping in the rain & snow …
As I just saw this morning 2 very young kids & I believe there mother under a tarp …
I felt so ashamed that the mayor of Somerville has not done more for these people ….
Continue reading Somerville/Medford Speakup Line:Homelessness In Somerville Out of Control

Fatal Crash Under Investigation by Middlesex DA’s Office, Somerville Police

SOMERVILLE, MA – On the afternoon of November 3, the Somerville Police Department responded to the intersection of College and Kidder avenues for a report of a pedestrian struck by a motor vehicle. The pedestrian, Leah A. Zallman, 40, of Somerville was transported to Massachusetts General Hospital where she died from her injuries on November 4. Continue reading Fatal Crash Under Investigation by Middlesex DA’s Office, Somerville Police

Homeless Citizens Sleeping Out In The Rain & Snow In Somerville Treated Worst Than Dogs

By William Tauro

This is Somerville senior Sandy Mallotte and her son Joe Mallotte. Sandy lives at the Clarendon Hill Towers apartment complex that’s located on Broadway. Joe is homeless and lives under a tree in a nearby Somerville park. The name of the park has been redacted so that city workers are not ordered to kick him out. Continue reading Homeless Citizens Sleeping Out In The Rain & Snow In Somerville Treated Worst Than Dogs

Take away the use of Tear Gas from the police?

By Arthur Moore

These council members want to take this away from the police department. Ward Three City Councilor Ben Ewen-Campen, Ward Two City Councilor Jefferson Thomas (“J.T.”) Scott, Ward Four City Councilor Jesse Clingan, City Councilor at Large Kristen Strezo, Ward Six City Councilor Lance L. Davis, City Councilor At Large Wilfred N. Mbah. Continue reading Take away the use of Tear Gas from the police?

William Tauro Honoring Our Veterans In Somerville 2020 on Veterans Day

Photo L to R: Past Commander of Chapter 27 DAV Somerville Tom White, William Tauro and Donna Pointer

By Patrick Fitzgerald

This past Wednesday morning, Veterans Day 2020, a memorial wreath was presented to veterans in a ceremony that was open to the public, that took place on Broadway in Somerville.

A couple of days earlier, a group of Somerville veterans got together to discuss their concerns that Mayor Joseph Curtatone and the City of Somerville were not going to
be hosting the traditional/annual Veterans Day wreath presentation ceremony in Somerville this year. Continue reading William Tauro Honoring Our Veterans In Somerville 2020 on Veterans Day

The History of Veterans Day

World War I – known at the time as “The Great War” – officially ended when the Treaty of Versailles was signed on June 28, 1919, in the Palace of Versailles outside the town of Versailles, France. However, fighting ceased seven months earlier when an armistice, or temporary cessation of hostilities, between the Allied nations and Germany went into effect on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. Continue reading The History of Veterans Day

Gaviiformes Invade the Hotline to the Underground

Joe Viglione Interview

Gaviiformes, of course, are majestic loons or, to quote Wikipedia “… an order of aquatic birds containing the loons or divers and their closest extinct relatives. Modern gaviiformes are found in many parts of North America and northern Eurasia (Europe, Asia and debatably Africa), though prehistoric species were more widespread. Continue reading Gaviiformes Invade the Hotline to the Underground

Somerville Virtual Meeting to Discuss Redesign of Powder House Boulevard and Alewife Brook Parkway Intersection, November 17

Somerville Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone, Ward 7 City Councilor Katjana Ballantyne, and City staff invite you to a virtual community meeting to discuss plans to redesign the intersection of Powder House Boulevard and Alewife Brook Parkway. Continue reading Somerville Virtual Meeting to Discuss Redesign of Powder House Boulevard and Alewife Brook Parkway Intersection, November 17

Somerville Washington Street Mobility Improvements Planned for Mid-November

As part of the mobility safety upgrades announced in September, a series of roadway improvements on western Washington Street will be installed starting in mid-November. The project is supported in part by the MBTA’s COVID-19 safety initiative for bus riders and will be installed by the City.

Continue reading Somerville Washington Street Mobility Improvements Planned for Mid-November

RANKED VOTING QUESTION IS REJECTED BY VOTERS

By Bob Katzen

Voters rejected a proposed law that would implement a voting system known as “ranked-choice voting” in which voters rank one or more candidates in order of preference. If one candidate receives more than 50 percent of the first-place votes, that candidate would be declared the winner and no other rounds would be necessary. Continue reading RANKED VOTING QUESTION IS REJECTED BY VOTERS

RIGHT TO REPAIR QUESTION IS APPROVED BY VOTERS

By Bob Katzen

Voters approved a proposed law that would require that motor vehicle owners and independent repair facilities be provided with all mechanical information needed to diagnose and repair cars as well as perform routine maintenance starting with 2022 models, over a secure open access platform that independent repair shops can access, when authorized by the car’s owner.

Continue reading RIGHT TO REPAIR QUESTION IS APPROVED BY VOTERS

MEDAL OF LIBERTY LICENSE PLATES

By Bob Katzen

The House gave initial approval to a bill that would require the Registry of Motor Vehicles to establish a distinctive license plate for recipients of the Massachusetts Medal of Liberty. The medal, which conforms to the standards and protocol of the U.S. Military Purple Heart, is provided to the next of kin of Bay State service men and women who were killed in action, died in service while in a designated combat area or died as a result of wounds received in action. Continue reading MEDAL OF LIBERTY LICENSE PLATES

Somerville Agencies Collaborate on StoryWalksⓇ for National Family Literacy Month

Ten StoryWalksⓇ to be installed throughout the city

SOMERVILLE, MA — The Somerville Public Library, the Somerville Family Learning Collaborative (SFLC), the Beautiful Stuff Project, and Shape Up Somerville announce a collaboration on a series of StoryWalks® throughout the city in November, which is National Family Literacy Month. Continue reading Somerville Agencies Collaborate on StoryWalksⓇ for National Family Literacy Month

Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line:Curtatone has no problem lighting up Prospect Hill Tower in blue when it comes to his crooked party but not for when it comes to the police who protect us

Just wanted to pass on some thoughts on Somerville’s dear leader Joe Curtatone in Somerville.

Lighting up the Prospect Hill Tower in blue to symbolize the presumptive win by the Democratic Biden-Harris Team. But Curtatone has no problem telling firefighters to take down Blue Lives Matter flag. Outrageous! Continue reading Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line:Curtatone has no problem lighting up Prospect Hill Tower in blue when it comes to his crooked party but not for when it comes to the police who protect us

$20,000 Environmental Leadership Scholarships for Massachusetts High School Seniors

The Henry David Thoreau Foundation awards collegiate scholarships of up to $20K to eight to ten students graduating from public or private high schools in Massachusetts. As Henry David Thoreau Scholars, these select high school seniors may enroll in any college and university in the world while they major or minor in an environmentally related field.

Continue reading $20,000 Environmental Leadership Scholarships for Massachusetts High School Seniors

Arthur Moore On The Real Billy Tauro Candidate for Mayor of Somerville

By Arthur Moore

I have only known Billy for a short time. I saw his name once in a while I believe it was for photo credits or something. Then a newspaper called Somerville News Weekly. From the articles I really thought it was just some nut running it. Stuff you didn’t think was true. Anyway a short time later I had started protesting the mess that was made out of Broadway. Continue reading Arthur Moore On The Real Billy Tauro Candidate for Mayor of Somerville

GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS by John Dwyer

Sponsored by STEALING SOMERVILLE Death of an Urban City To order STEALING SOMERVILLE go to: www.Amazon.com

GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS WEDNESDAY, November 04, the 307th day of 2020 with 59 to follow. Sunrise in the Boston area is @ 6:21 and sunset is @ 4:33. The moon is waning. The morning stars are Mars, Neptune and Uranus. Evening stars are Jupiter, Neptune, Saturn, Uranus and Venus.

ON THIS DAY IN: 1842 – Abraham Lincoln married Mary Todd in Springfield, IL.

Continue reading GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS by John Dwyer

A Story Of Government Reaching Into Our Pockets

After years of renovation work, Graves Light resists illegal land grab from Town of Hull
For nearly four centuries, the Town of Hull showed no interest “The Graves,” a hazardous stone ledge at the entrance to Boston Harbor. Even when the federal government surplussed the ledge and its iconic but decrepit lighthouse and offered them for free to neighboring towns, Hull declined the opportunity. Continue reading A Story Of Government Reaching Into Our Pockets

GENDER X

By Bob Katzen

On April 25, 2019, the Senate 39-1, approved and sent to the House a bill that would allow for residents to choose a third gender option, “X”, in lieu of “male” or “female” on an application for a driver’s license, learner’s permit, identification card or liquor purchase identification card. No documentation would be required for the person to choose the “X” option. Continue reading GENDER X

Election 2020, Game Over, Shake Hands and Move On

By Arthur Moore

I really hope regardless of the outcome by the people that we can just suck it in and accept it like we used to be able to do many years ago. Some people will get what they want, some won’t. It’s reality. My views on who wins or not does not matter, just to me. It will be a relief to not have people trying to get me engaged in discussing it. This year more than most I just do something I did with my father. Continue reading Election 2020, Game Over, Shake Hands and Move On