Click on link below to hear article:
Living Curtatone In Somerville, The Truth Revealed of Alleged Crimes Carried Out and Covered Up
Click on link below to hear article:
Living Curtatone In Somerville, The Truth Revealed of Alleged Crimes Carried Out and Covered Up
Our sincere condolences thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of William (Bill) Linardy on his passing.
William (Bill) Linardy was a wonderful person who will be sadly missed here in Somerville. Continue reading Somerville Remembering William (Bill) Linardy
At 159 a.m. on Wednesday morning, December 30th, the Somerville Fire Department responded to a house fire at 20 Kensington Avenue. Upon arrival, firefighters were confronted with heavy fire conditions in the basement spreading rapidly up the rear stairway. Continue reading Kensington Avenue House Fire Somerville
Click on link below to read December 29th, 2020 The Somerville/Medford News Weekly Print Edition Online
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1abKF_dnnNVXLBILsF2eq3BkdD-mQDWS-/view
Happy Birthday to Tom Sacco, Christine Connell, Kreysten Shepphard, Michelle Bernard, Shayla Jamieson, Cathy Silvio, CJ Killeen, Lisa Forlizzi, Maria Santos, Emily Rose Hickey, Doris O’Meara, Mary E. Pothier, Janice Griffin, Continue reading The Somerville/Medford News Weekly Favorite Birthday Photos of the Week!
The Beatles, Steve Keith, Kat Quinn, Mary Gatchell, Barry Wilson, Cindy Latin
BEATLES
54 hours of film footage from the Let It Be movie now available on the underground railroad and nowhere else. Peter Jackson, whose film about World War 1 was amazing, especially for the post script on how Jackson resurrected so much damaged film. Here Paul McCartney tells Howard Stern on the air that: “It is great,” a video floating out there on YouTube has a tremendous take on the song “Get Back.” Continue reading HOTLINE TO THE UNDERGROUND BY JOE VIGLIONE
By William Tauro
I’m guessing Mayor Joe is betting that Governor Baker will take into consideration to appoint Joe to a judgeship to make him go away. Continue reading Letter from the Editor: A Curtatone Judgeship, Not
My outline for a greater Somerville is to begin with restoring the dignity and integrity of the mayor’s office as well as to restore the faith of the people and to let them know that I will always hear them and that I’m here to work for them.
As I have made public in a previous announcement, I first plan on entertaining an open door policy. My belief is that right now, it is vital for communication between city Hall and the citizens of our city to be as transparent as possible. There are far too many problems that have gone unattended for many years. My team and I will be active on the ground prior to starting from day one! Continue reading My Outline for a Greater Somerville by William Tauro
The Somerville Police Department is seeking any information about a suspect in an unarmed bank robbery that took place on Monday, December 28, at around 10:45 a.m., at the East Cambridge Savings Bank at 285 Highland Ave. Continue reading Somerville Police Ask for Public’s Help to Identify Suspect in Unarmed Bank Robbery
By Bob Katzen
Gov. Baker vetoed millions of dollars in funding in the $46.2 billion fiscal 2021 state budget. This is in sharp contrast to last year when, in an unusual the governor signed the fiscal 2020 state budget into law without vetoing any of the $43.3 billion in spending approved by the House and Senate. Continue reading VETOES GALORE
By Bob Katzen
The House 31-126, Senate 4-35, rejected Gov. Baker’s amendment to a bill requiring the state to create a searchable website that will show how the state spends the federal funds it receives to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. Baker’s amendment made several changes including deleting a section that requires the site to be updated on a weekly basis and replacing it with a requirement it be updated on a “regular” basis. Continue reading COVID SPENDING WEBSITE
By Bob Katzen
The House 157-0, Senate 40-0, approved and sent to Gov. Baker a conference committee report of a bill that sponsors say will increase access to health care, protect patients and enhance quality care. The bill requires behavioral health treatment delivered via telehealth to be permanently reimbursed by insurers at the same rate as in-person services. Continue reading HEALTH CARE AND TELEHEALTH
By Bob Katzen
The Senate on a voice vote without a roll call vote, approved the bill that would allow abortions after 24 weeks in the case of lethal fetal anomalies and lower the age from 18 to 16 at which a minor can choose to have an abortion without parental or judicial consent. Continue reading BAKER VETOES BILL TO INCREASE ABORTION ACCESS
By Bob Katzen
The House 107-50, Senate 31-9, approved and sent to Governor Charlie Baker a new version of a bill making major changes in the state’s policing system. The House and Senate adopted some of Governor Baker’s amendments including scaling back a moratorium on the use of facial recognition software by law enforcement and limiting the influence of a civilian-led commission over police training.
By Bob Katzen
The House 151-6, overrode Governor Baker’s veto of the entire $500,000 for a neighborhood-based gun and violent crime prevention pilot program for targeted work with out-of-school youth and young adults aged 17 to 24. Continue reading $500,000 FOR GUN AND VIOLENT CRIME PREVENTION
By Bob Katzen
The House and Senate approved and sent to Gov. Baker a bill that would ban 11 toxic flame retardants from children’s products, bedding, carpeting and residential upholstered furniture sold or manufactured in Massachusetts, except for inventory already manufactured prior to December 1, 2021. Another provision requires the Department of Environmental Protection to review, at least every three years, chemical flame retardants used in these type of products and include them on the list of prohibited chemical flame retardants that are documented to pose a health risk. Violators would be fined up to $5,000 for a first offense, $25,000 for a second offense and up to $50,000 for a third and subsequent offense. Continue reading BAN TOXIC FLAME RETARDANTS
By Bob Katzen
Governor Baker announced a $668 million program to provide financial assistance to Massachusetts small businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The program is counting on federal funds the state will receive from the federal COVID-19 relief bill recently passed by Congress. But the Baker administration says it will soon start releasing millions in new funding to restaurants, retailers and other small businesses across the state regardless of the fate of the federal funding. Continue reading BAKER UNVEILS $668 MILLION SMALL BUSINESS RELIEF PACKAGE
By Bob Katzen
Effective January 1, the state’s minimum wage rises from $12.75 per hour to $13.50 per hour and the sub-minimum wage for tipped workers will rise from $4.95 per hour to $5.55 per hour. This hike is the third of five annual increases mandated by a law passed in 2018 that will eventually bring the minimum wage to $15 per hour in 2023. Continue reading MINIMUM WAGE HIKE AND PAID FAMILY AND MEDICAL LEAVE PROGRAM EFFECTIVE JANUARY
Dear Billy T and Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line,
Please publish this letter from Somerville Inspectional Services:
Mr. Antanavica (cc City Council, Mayor, Attorneys, Journalists)
I don’t deserve this email. No human does.
Your remarkable message below states that you will not vacate the first 12 days of Certificate of Occupancy Violations even after the Building Code Appeals Board determined I did not need a CO.
That means you are no longer enforcing the building code. You are actually violating it. Continue reading Somerville Speakup Line:Somerville Doctor Calling on Mayor and City Council to Remove Inspectional Services Director Mr. Antanavica from His Position Immediately
By Arthur Moore
Does anyone have a clue? If you call 311 they say street cleaning is in effect. Continue reading Somerville Street Sweeping. Anyone Home?
It’s with heavy hearts that we announce today is our last RoseBrunch for a while. We’re making the very difficult & heartbreaking decision to close our diner doors & turn off our neon for the winter. Continue reading Rosebud American Kitchen & Bar Closes
This very friendly boy was found tonight(12/27/20) on Broadway/Main St on the Medford line. Continue reading Somerville Animal Control News Updates:FOUND DOG!! PLEASE SHARE!
By William Tauro
A very well-known Somerville Youth Hockey coach that everybody has loved and adored for many seasons was let go for political retaliation just recently after he refused to meet Mayor Joe’s demands to make his son captain of the hockey team. Continue reading Letter from the Editor:Mayor Joe Says It’s My Ice and You Can’t Play With It As He Fires Somerville Youth Hockey Coach
Sponsored by STEALING SOMERVILLE Death of an Urban City To order STEALING SOMERVILLE go to: www.Amazon.com
GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS SATURDAY, December 26, the 361st day of 2020 with 05 to follow. Sunrise in the Boston area is @ 7:12 and sunset is @ 4:16. 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: 1620 – The Pilgrim Fathers landed at New Plymouth, MA, to found Plymouth Colony, with John Carver as Governor. Continue reading GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS by John Dwyer
By Arthur Moore
I suspect outside of people seeing them on detail they really do not know what they do in a day. I sort of don’t either. But what I can say is how much they can do for us that we are not aware of. Continue reading So, You Want to Defund the Police?
Photo courtesy of Somerville Firefighters Local 76
Shown from (L-R) being sworn in by IAFF District V.P. Jay Colbert are Secretary Treasurer Bobby Hodnett, Lowell Street Steward Matt Kirylo, Union Square Steward Seamus Lynch, Continue reading Congratulations to the newly elected representatives of Local 76!
This year, instead of gathering on Prospect Hill on New Year’s Day to reenact the raising of the Grand Union Flag (considered to be the first flag of the nation), you can tune in to a virtual celebration of this historical event. Continue reading Somerville’s First Flag Raising Celebration Going Virtual in 2021
By Arthur Moore
I must have misunderstood our governor when he said that front line workers like doctors and nurses will get the vaccine first, then the prisoners. I am wondering where the politicians fit in? Continue reading New Front Line Workers?
Updated: We just found out that Snuggles the dog was found safe.
The Somerville Police Department is seeking any information about a vehicle involved in a Tuesday, December 22, crash. At around 7:52 a.m. a 9-year-old boy was struck at Broadway and Walnut Street while walking his dog. Continue reading Somerville Police Ask for Public’s Help to Identify Vehicle Involved in 12/22 Crash
Dear Billy T and Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line,
5 million prominsed to small businesses? Where is the money coming from? Please investigate. They are also promising more housing? Where the hell are they going to put it? This is a newsletter generated by Matt McLaughlin. Continue reading Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line:Year end review: Charter reform, affordable housing overlay, Covid-19 relief
Click on link below to read December 22nd, 2020 The Somerville Medford News Weekly Print Edition Online
https://drive.google.com/file/d/12tzwIwara192u7K0C02A3dkUjS8b2Bjq/view
Hey Mayor Joe what happened did you forget to plow the storm this past week? Disgraceful! Even City Hall the day after the storm didn’t get plowed, shame on you Joe! This is not how you handle a snow emergency crisis! Continue reading Letter from the Editor:Mayor Joe Forgot To Plow The Snowstorm
Happy Birthday to a number of Villens celebrating their birthdays this week in the Ville and in the square! Happy Birthday to Happy Birthday Killian Medeiros, Carol Benoit, Paige Liana, Joanne Iantosca, Sheila O’Keefe, Steven Culleton, Michael Spear, Brendan Fletcher, Mary O’Brien, Janet Papa, Mary Midge Donovan Kelly, Joey Fahey, John Berniche, Shawn Coffman, Donna Cicolini-Overholser, Janice Angelini Natorelli, Doreen Winters, Tammy Lyman, William LaCource, Mike Holland, Terri Martin, Carol Antonelli, Karen Rosberg Furey, Mariluce Alves Braga, Laura Russell Adams, Chris Sciortino, Diane Nazzaro, Donna Clark, Noemia Alves-Vendetti, Kim Cotter Bocchino, Vince Beaudet, Mary E. Pother, Steve Botelho, Andrea Joy, Jessica Russell, Bobby Pasco, Catherine Therese, Christine Willard, Chrissy Willard, Christina Perrotti, Kimberly Ferreira, Marisa Penta Coughin, Peggy Piwinski, Maggie Chaves, Debbie Noe Alderman, Jim Henry, Ricky Salvia, mMaureen McKenna Keane, Mary Elizabeth, Rob Sullivan, Grace Silva Barton, Kristie Clough, Joellen Margarita, John Gogos, Karen Ricci Pelagrino, Patrick Arthur, Victor Ng, Chris Whalen, Terri Sannicandro Sullivan, Sheri Rios Graziano, Jim-Bob Farrel, Julie Gray, Tina McCarthy, Catherine Casey, Bridget Capobianco m-Rios, Happy 18th Birthday to Danny Sullivan, Happy 27th Birthday to Tori Lucreziano, Happy 19th Birthday to Rainb Savoia M, Happy 19th Birthday to Kyle Moniz and Happy Birthday to Michael, Ánthony and Benny Scarpa AKA the Scarpa Triplets, and Happy 90th Birthday to our absolute favorite Kay Post!
Sent in by our readers!
Send us your favorite photos to Wmtauro@bostonnewsgroup.com to be posted here live on Thesomervillenewsweekly.com as well as in our print edition for the world to see!
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[caption id="attachment_81304" align="alignnone" width="300"] Processed with MOLDIV
Continue reading The Somerville/Medford News Weekly Favorite Birthday Photos of the Week
BY JOE VIGLIONE
OUR CHRISTMAS ISSUE WITH A FOCUS ON TWO ARTISTS
If you’ve seen Teen Wolf star Ian Nelson – try Law and Order Special Victim’s Unit where he’s playing Erick Hendrickson – the grandson of a billionaire in the episode Decline and Fall, you know the rising star has acting talent. Now you can add singer/guitarist to the resume.
Continue reading HOTLINE TO THE UNDERGROUND MONDAY DEC 21, 2020
Charlie Horse is a book with an anti-bullying theme. It’s about camaraderie, compassion, bravery and overcoming a disability. Charlie horse itself was inspired by the experiences witnessed of the author Gary Leavitt the intention of Charlie Horse was to inspire all ages, demographics, genders and nationalities. Continue reading Charlie Horse by Author Gary Leavitt
by James Norton
A snow day to remember in the ‘Ville.
When it comes to snowstorms and how the city handles them, over the years, we have openly railed against the current mayor because his administration would treat every single snow storm as if it was “snowmageddon” – the overkill was utterly ridiculous, especially when there ended up being very little of it.
Continue reading Reality Bites:Somerville’s No Show “Snow” Joe
By Bob Katzen
The buzz at the Statehouse last week was that House Speaker Bob DeLeo (D-Winthrop), now in his 12th year as speaker, would soon resign from the House and take a job at Northeastern University. Continue reading THE “SPEAKER BUZZ” TURNS OUT TO BE TRUE
By Bob Katzen
The Senate approved and sent to the House a bill that would require public and private institutions of higher education in the state to conduct high-quality campus sexual misconduct climate surveys at least once every four years and annually report survey results on its website.
Continue reading SEXUAL MISCONDUCT ON COLLEGE CAMPUSES
By Bob Katzen
The House approved Gov. Baker’s proposal that would make the Supplier Diversity Office (SDO) an independent agency and transfer it from the Operational Services Division to the Executive Office for Administration and Finance. Continue reading SUPPLIER DIVERSITY OFFICE
By Bob Katzen
The House sent off to a study committee, where it will never be studied and essentially defeated, legislation that would make it illegal to have an open container of marijuana while driving, treating it the same way the state treats open containers of beer and alcohol. Continue reading BAN OPEN CONTAINERS OF MARIJUANA IN VEHICLES
By Bob Katzen
A proposal that would raise from 21 to 25 the age at which a person can legally purchase marijuana was also sent off to a study committee ensuring its demise. Continue reading RAISE AGE FOR PURCHASING MARIJUANA (H 3534)
Dear Billy T and Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line,
Arthur Moore It’s definitely time for a change. The mayor wanted a walk and bike only city. The war on cars has been apparent for the last 10 years. Ward 4 is building apartment buildings that will not provide parking. They expect that everyone who rents there will use a bike or take the bus. Continue reading Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line:To Many Selfish Changes Were Made Without Thinking of Our Residents and Senior’s Well Being, Time For Change In Somerville’s Leadership
Dear Billy T and Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line,
Judy Locchi Jacobs Since the city has been eliminating parking here in the city with an average of 800 cars being added to the city each year it is a plan that is going to cause problems. It’s just one more nail in the coffin for this city. Continue reading Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line:Time For Mayor Curtatone To Leave Dodge, Time For a New Mayor That Cares
Dear Billy T and Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line,
Attached photos will show a large area of snow left by the plow that my elder neighbor was forced to remove in order to get his car out of the driveway. The one below shows 2 young women pushing snow to the sidewalk. Continue reading Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line: City Plow Workers Called In Sick To Boycott Mayor’s Treatment, Scabs Ruin Streets During Storm
Dear Billy T and Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line,
Handicap parking snow removal should take priority over bike lanes. During the last storm the city piled the snow at the corner of Fairfax and North St blocking the sidewalk and blocked the handicapped spot access. Continue reading Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line:Snow plows blocking the sidewalk and blocked the handicapped spot access
Somerville leads the way again with longtime Somerville resident Margaret Klessens being the first VA patient in the nation to receive the new Covid19 vaccine!
Margaret Klessens, a former Bartlett Street Somerville resident who now is a resident of the Community Living Center in the Edith Nourse Rogers Memorial Veterans Hospital in Bedford made headlines around the world last Monday. Margaret now 96 years old and a World War II veteran made history being the first VA patient in the country to get the COVID-19 vaccine.
Please read the biography below of a real American hero! Continue reading THE SHOT HEARD AROUND THE WORLD THAT BEGAN IN SOMERVILLE
By Arthur Moore
On my street we have some handicapped parking, probably not enough as we have many elderly and handicapped. And I am also one of them. I do resent the fact that the unused bike lane on Winter Hill is so well plowed out while most streets are not and the handicapped people are ignored altogether. Continue reading Snow Removal in Somerville, Only for the Young and Agile
Our sincere condolences, thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of Jose A. Pereira on his passing.
Jose A. Pereira was a wonderful person who will be sadly missed here in Somerville.
Dear Billy T and Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line,
I have a very long story but short version…National Grid has been doing work as I’m sure you are aware for quite a few months. The gas smell is out of control. I was told once my house was connected to the new meters and the old gas lines were turned off, I wouldn’t smell it anymore by Matt Carmody the construction supervisor. Continue reading Somerville Speakup Line: The gas smell is out of control
By Arthur Moore
Having been here now for over 70 years I can that I have seen many changes here over the years. Some good, some not so good. Each year I have hopes for things to get better here. In some ways they do and in many ways they do not. 2021 should be a big year for change here.
Continue reading Somerville, A New Year
By Arthur Moore
Granted this is early in the game for the upcoming election. I can already see the running for office slogans coming up. The ones used to get themselves voted in. Slogans that are really meaningless as nothing will be done with it. Big one is affordable housing. We already know what that means. Some apartments which can be rented for less money but still not affordable. Continue reading Somerville City Hall’s Political Nonsense, A Chicken In Every Pot
Dear Billy T and Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line,
While the mayor of Somerville is shutting down businesses again for three weeks why is it that one of the biggest construction sites in the city at Assembly Row is a no holds barred. Continue reading Somerville Speakup Line: Why is it that one of the biggest construction sites in the city at Assembly Row is a no holds barred
Move Cars from City Lots by 12 noon
Property owners must shovel sidewalks by 1 p.m. Friday
SOMERVILLE – The City of Somerville’s snow emergency will end Friday, December 18, at 10 a.m. and normal parking rules will resume at that time. Continue reading SOMERVILLE SNOW EMERGENCY TO END FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18, AT 10 A.M.
Dear Billy T and Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line,
Here is a point you should make on line. The Mayor and his group of puppets on the Somerville City Council have proven that his strategy in handling the virus has failed. Continue reading Somerville Speakup Line:Somerville Still Closed via More Curtatone Political Games
(After reading this speak up line request, please notice “EDITORS NOTE” below)
Dear Billy T and Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line,
Dear Journalists Julia Taliesin and William Tauro (cc Commissioner Antanavica, City Council, Mayor’s Office, City Clerk, City Solicitor, Planning Staff, Somerville News Weekly),
This is a moment of reckoning….one that I truly never wanted to be a part of. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Speakup Line: “Commissioner Antanavica Abused Power against Minority”
During this historic and unprecedented time, the Massachusetts Legislature passed a budget in a bipartisan effort which invests in programs and services throughout the Commonwealth. Continue reading Op-Ed by Representative Paul J. Donato
Move vehicles to even-numbered side of street by 10 p.m. to avoid ticketing and towing (unless otherwise posted) Continue reading Somerville Declares Snow Emergency Effective Wednesday, December 16, at 6 p.m.
On December 12, more than 50 volunteers assisted with a community food drive spearheaded by members of the Somerville Stands Together coalition. Continue reading Coalition Food Drive provides help to struggling families in Somerville … and beyond
Sponsored by STEALING SOMERVILLE Death of an Urban City To order STEALING SOMERVILLE go to: www.Amazon.com
GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS TUESDAY, December 15, the 350th day of 2020 with 16 to follow. Sunrise in the Boston area is @ 7:05 and sunset is @ 4:18. 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: 1654 – A meteorological office established in Tuscany began recording daily temperature readings. Continue reading GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS by John Dwyer
Dear Billy T and Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line,
Margaret Klessens of Bartlett Street in Somerville Massachusetts
Ninety-six-year-old WWII veteran Margaret Klessens made history Monday as the first VA patient nationwide to get the COVID-19 vaccine. Klessens, who lives at the VA in Bedford, says she was very happy to get a dose of it. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Speakup Line: Margaret Klessens of Bartlett Street in Somerville Massachusetts First VA Patient Nationwide to get the COVID-19 Vaccine
December 15th, 2020 The Somerville m/Medford News Weekly Print Edition Online
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1D5580oH2iZlUtcI2zWvnJf-k5cfgBMk8/view
Click on link below to read: Somerville/Medford News Weekly Print Edition Online
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1D5580oH2iZlUtcI2zWvnJf-k5cfgBMk8/view
Many Villens celebrating their Birthdays this week in the Ville as well as in the Square. Happy Birthday to Brenna Kalicki, Annmarie Costante, Vanessa Leigh Oppedisano, Mrs. Guimaraes, Mary Byrne Snow, Taylor Janedy Medeiros, Mary Agritha, Joseph Nargi, Carol Siciliano Bailey, Lisa Noviello, Cheryl Callahan, Robin Foster Bouchard, Continue reading The Somerville/Medford News Weekly Favorite Birthday Photos of the Week
New closures primarily affect gyms and indoor recreation spaces
Mayor proposes $5 million in local business stabilization funds for City Council approval
SOMERVILLE, MA – Due to the accelerating spread of COVID-19 in Massachusetts and CDC warnings that the United States has entered a dangerous and record-breaking phase of high-level transmission for the virus, Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone and the Somerville Board of Health are rolling back the City of Somerville to a modified version of Phase II, Step 2 of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts’ reopening plan effective end of day Wednesday, December 16, at 11:59 p.m. and will be in effect for at least three weeks.
Continue reading Somerville Rolls Back COVID-19 Reopenings to a Modified Version of Phase II, Step 2
On December 10, 2020, I, Officer Tim Van Nostrand, was on duty and assigned to uniform patrol of Assembly Row. At approximately 2:00pm, while parked at the intersection of Artisan Way and Assembly Row, I observed a male known to me as Rachid Belhadj walking past LegoLand. Continue reading Real Life Somerville Police Stories: Rachid BELHADJ (Resisting Arrest) (Braintree & Boston Warrants)
Governor Baker signed onto law a $45.9 billion fiscal 2021 state budget that was approved by the House and Senate and sent to him on December 4. Baker also vetoed and amended several items and cut $156 million in spending on various programs. Continue reading GOVERNOR BAKER ACTS ON $45.9 BILLION FISCAL 2021 STATE BUDGET AND ABORTION PROVISIONS
The Senate 4-35, rejected an amendment that would allow bars and pubs and any other establishments that don’t serve food to reopen during the pandemic under the same timetable as restaurants that do serve food. Continue reading BARS AND PUBS DURING COVID-19
The Senate 9-30, rejected an amendment that supporters say eliminates a current contradiction in the law that allows some restaurants to open and others not to open based on what food is on the menu. Continue reading SERVING ALCOHOL WITH FOOD IN A RESTAURANT
By Bob Katzen
The Senate 39-0, approved an amendment that would establish an online “Supply and Buy Mass” program that would support the Massachusetts economy during its recovery from the economic shutdown in response to the pandemic. Continue reading SUPPLY AND BUY MASS (S 4)
By Bob Katzen
Governor Charlie Baker has returned the bill making changes in the state’s policing system to the Legislature without his signature. He offered several amendments for legislators to consider. Continue reading GOV. BAKER PROPOSES AMENDMENTS TO POLICING BILL
By Bob Katzen
The Senate gave initial approval to legislation that would provide victims of violent crime and human trafficking enhanced protections under the law. The bill standardizes the process for law enforcement, prosecution, judicial and investigatory agencies to provide noncitizen victims, who have been helpful in the investigation or prosecution of serious crimes, with the certification form they need to apply for a U-visa or T-visa. Continue reading PROTECT VICTIMS OF VIOLENT CRIME AND HUMAN TRAFFICKING (S 2973)
By Bob Katzen
Several bills heard by the Committee on Cannabis were shipped off to a study committee where bills are never actually studied and are essentially defeated. It is another way to kill a bill instead of holding a vote on the bill itself. Continue reading DOZENS OF MARIJUANA-RELATED BILLS ARE SHIPPED OFF TO A STUDY COMMITTEE
The number of COVID-19 infections throughout Massachusetts is rising at an alarming rate. Massachusetts now has more new COVID-19 cases per capita than Georgia, South Carolina, Florida, Louisiana, or Texas— and in the last week alone, MA has seen more COVID-19 deaths per capita than 23 other states. Continue reading State intervention, not personal responsibility, needed to stop the surge State Representative Christine Barber
By Arthur Moore
Here are two pictures of absolute insanity of placement of those silly poles. You cannot even see all of them in the photos. Continue reading Somerville, More Poles Than a AAA Defense Driving Course
Our sincere condolences, thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of Heather A. Young on her passing. Continue reading Somerville Remembering Heather A. Young
Our sincere condolences, thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of Daniel F. Splaine on his passing. Continue reading Somerville Remembering Daniel F. Splaine
Our sincere condolences, thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of Mary T Murphy (McNeil) on her passing.
Mary T Murphy (McNeil) will be sadly missed by many here in Somerville.
Mary’s Obituary:
Mary T Murphy (McNeil) R.N. of Peabody, formerly Somerville and Cape Breton Island, NS Canada passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her family on Monday December 7th 2020. Continue reading Somerville Remembering Mary T Murphy (McNeil)
Toys for Local Children
P O Box 45406
Somerville, MA 02145
Toy Drive: The Toys for Local Children Program in conjunction with the Somerville Parks and Recreation is holding a TOY DRIVE to support the 15th Anniversary of the Toys for Local Children efforts for this holiday season. Continue reading Toy Drive: The Toys for Local Children
Our sincere condolences, thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of Veronica J. “Ronnie” Berry on her passing. Continue reading Somerville Remembering Veronica J. “Ronnie” Berry
Our sincere condolences, thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of Michael R. Foster on his passing. Continue reading Somerville Remembering Michael R. Foster
Left: Rae. Marya and Mark, Summer 2005; Right: Mark, Marya and Rae, Fall 2020
Dear Ward 5 neighbors, Somerville community members, friends, and supporters,
I am writing to let you know that I will not be a candidate for re-election for Ward 5 City Councilor in the November 2, 2021 City election. The past 15 years serving on the School Committee and City Council have been the highlight of my work life. Continue reading Mark Niedergang, Ward 5 City Councilor Not Running for Re-Election
Congratulations goes out to Theresa Dipietro who received the Cornerstone Award from Massachusetts Housing Shelter Alliance. This was a big milestone in her career and she thanks the MHSA for recognition for all of her work with the homeless population in the Somerville, Chelsea, Medford, Winthrop, Malden, Melrose and Everett areas. Continue reading Somerville’s Theresa Dipietro Receives Cornerstone Award from Massachusetts Housing Shelter Alliance
Let’s voice our concerns and find a solution for a better Somerville.
Please feel free to post your thoughts and concerns as a comment here to share: Continue reading Mayoral Candidate William “Billy” Tauro Asks What Issues Are You Concerned About for Somerville’s Future?
Our sincere condolences, thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of Margaret A. “Peg” (O’Toole)Burgholzer on her passing.
Margaret A. “Peg” (O’Toole)Burgholzer was an amazing woman who will be sadly missed here in Somerville. Continue reading Somerville Remembering Margaret A. “Peg” (O’Toole)Burgholzer
This goes out to the good people of Somerville urging them to “Shop Local, Shop Somerville” this holiday season! Billy Tauro and his staff, the good people of the Somerville/Medford News Weekly are offering FREE ADVERTISING ads to small local Somerville businesses that have been hit hard and affected by the Covid19 pandemic. Continue reading Shop Local, Shop Somerville
Ok neighbors, the good folks at Green-Sew Bags, put together a little holiday hot sauce/pepper-centric gift pack…
-1 Stocking made from upcycled grain bags (from a certain local brewery), replete with dried chili peppers Continue reading Shop Local, Shop Somerville!
By Arthur Moore
Another one from my brother Richards stories.
Christmas. Putting up the tree was fun! Not so much for dad. I’m sure the tree was done totally wrong for his taste…and those little red and white Santa’s…jeez what were they 50 years old? Continue reading A Story of Christmas Past In Somerville
By Arthur Moore
I had hoped for some relief by now for those poor businesses in Winter Hill for this Christmas. Especially with the pandemic. I know the beauty places really could have used the parking for their less mobile patrons but looks like they will just have to suffer more losses since their parking was taken away from them.
Continue reading Christmas Nightmare On Somerville’s Winter Hill
Our sincere condolences thoughts,and prayers go out to the family and friends of Thomas J.Munger on his passing. Continue reading Somerville Remembering Thomas J.Munger
GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS TUESDAY, December 08, the 343rd day of 2020 with 23 to follow. Sunrise in the Boston area is @ 7:0 and sunset is @ 4:1. 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: 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
Click on link below to read December 8th, 2020 The Somerville Medford News Weekly Print Edition Online December 8th, 2020 The Somerville Medford News Weekly Print Edition Online
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_iv-XlATKHf3YvAv6g3xj2BIRLa3Ut5R/view
GG ALLIN – Rock and Roll Terrorist
The Graphic Life of Shock Rocker G G ALLIN
+ a second GG ALLIN Rock and Roll Terrorist Activity and Coloring Book – both written
By Reid Chancellor Continue reading HOTLINE TO THE UNDERGROUND by JOE VIGLIONE RELIVES LIFE WITH GG
Many Villens celebrating their birthdays this week in the Ville and square this week! Happy Birthday greetings go out to Bridie Glejzer, Craig Resmini, Ashley Jorge, Johnny Passanisi, Christopher Dennis Di Guardia, Michelle Sousa, Koni Palmisano, Laura Murphy, Tina Zanelli, Continue reading The Somerville/Medford News Weekly Favorite Birthday Photos of the Week
Open Positions: Eight positions available
Term: 12 months (anticipated)
Availability: Immediate
The City of Somerville is seeking community members to serve on a Charter Review Committee.
Continue reading Somerville’s Charter Review Committee Seeks Community Members
SOMERVILLE, December 3, 2020 – Revolutionary Clinics, one of the state’s leading providers of medical marijuana, is celebrating the three year anniversary of its medical marijuana dispensary located at 67 Broadway, Somerville, MA. Since opening on November 9, 2017 as the city’s second dispensary, the location has served over 160,000 patient visits. To mark the momentous occasion, Rev will make $10,000 in contributions to be split among four local non-profits. Continue reading REV CLINICS CELEBRATES THREE YEARS IN SOMERVILLE
Annual Christmas tree lighting and community candle lighting with Temple B’nai Brith moved online; Arts Council map can help you plan your own Illuminations Tour
Continue reading Somerville’s Holiday Traditions Adapt to COVID-19
The City of Somerville is seeking community members interested in taking action on the climate crisis to apply for the 2021 Climate Forward Ambassador Program. The program will begin January 2021, and meetings will be held virtually over Zoom. Continue reading City of Somerville Seeking Climate Forward Ambassadors for Winter/Spring 2021
By Bob Katzen
The House 147-10, Senate 40-0, approved and sent to Gov. Charlie Baker a compromise version of a $46.2 billion fiscal 2021 state budget for the fiscal year that began on July 1, 2020. The state has been operating on temporary budgets approved by the Legislature. The package includes using $1.7 billion from the state’s Rainy Day Fund which is $350 million more than Gov. Baker had recommended. That withdrawal leaves the fund with about $1.8 billion.
Continue reading $46.2 BILLION FISCAL 2021 STATE BUDGET (H 5164)
The House 91-67, Senate 28-12, approved and sent to Gov. Baker the conference committee version of a bill making major changes in the state’s policing system. Continue reading POLICING CHANGES
By Bob Katzen
This bill (H 3769) gives prosecutors the option to seek the death penalty for criminals who target and murder police officers solely because they wear the badge.
This bill (H 4186) Criminalizes suicide coercion in Massachusetts by imposing up to a 5-year prison sentence on any person who knows of another person’s propensity for suicidal ideation and exercises substantial control over the other person through control of the other person’s physical location or circumstances; deceptively or fraudulently manipulates the other person’s fears, affections or sympathies; or has undue influence whereby the will of one person is substituted for the wishes of another.
By Bob Katzen
This bill (H 3719) – It was more than a year ago, on October 15, 2009, when the Judiciary Committee held a hearing on a controversial bill that would impose up to a $100 fine on a person the first time he or she uses the word “bitch” to accost, annoy, degrade or demean another person. Continue reading PUNISH USE OF THE WORD “BITCH” IN PUBLIC
By Bob Katzen
This bill (H 3478) – Increases the penalties for violating a restraining order. The bill would keep the current law that imposes up to a $5,000 fine and/or up to 2.5 years in prison on offenders for violating a restraining order but would increase the fine to up to $10,000 and/or up to five years in prison. Continue reading INCREASE PENALTIES FOR VIOLATING RESTRAINING ORDER
By Bob Katzen
This bill Creates a Child Abuse Registry and requires the name of anyone convicted of child abuse or neglect of a child under 18 to be listed in the registry. Continue reading CHILD ABUSE REGISTRY (H 3462)
It was probablyaround 1952 I think. Seems like it was not that long ago. We lived in a one bedroom apartment. At that time it was just Richard and me, the other four arrived much later on.
Kerosene heat off Continue reading Christmas on Hinckly Street Somerville
“Knight” went missing this morning(12/05/20) in the area of Fountain Ave/Cross St. He was not wearing a collar but is microchipped. He is very friendly. Continue reading Somerville Animal Control Updates: MISSING DOG!
Somerville Firefighters responded to a house fire early this morning, Thursday, December 3, 2020 at 35-37 Teele Avenue. The fire was reported at 1208 a.m. by a neighbor on Whitfield Road behind the burning home. Continue reading Somerville House Fire at 35-37 Teele Avenue
By Arthur Moore
Thursday I on my home it was so nice not to see those saw horses and signs that have cluttered up our streets. Much of the time they are all over the place or in pieces. You know, the ones that once people know what they are for they just ignore them. Continue reading Thank You Storm Somerville?
Dear Billy T and Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line,
I had a conversation with Karen at the mayor office in regards to my street in how empty promises have been made to repave the street ….
& How the trees are popping up 45 percent of the sidewalk panels ……
Her response to me was I will get back to u ….. Continue reading Somerville Speaking Line: More broken promises out of City Hall
As we approach, our 15- year Anniversary as an organization, it saddens my heart, that this year like many other non-profits we are all hurting. Continue reading TOYS FOR LOCAL CHILDREN
Click on link below to read December 1st,, 2020 The Somerville Medford News Weekly Print Edition Online
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1MDfIBi86wttbCvDeTQ6WGAXT4CujNHuz/view
Many Villens celebrating their birthdays this week in the Ville and square this week! Happy Birthday greetings go out to Lucille Bordonaro, Mary Vasconcelos, Maeve Craven, Jimmy Del, Michael Giannasce, Jamie Lynn, Henry Korecki, Gerald Callahan, B Sherri M Sears, Maria Federico Digiustini, Gary Sullivan, Sean Higgins, Susan Caron, Janet Flynn, Tracy Desmond, Craige Resmini, Salvatore Noto, Lisa Duggan, Carmine Bonavita, Paul Teves, Bobby Foley, Brian Coveney, Robert Finocchiaro, Deborah Thomas, John J Alberts, Peter Forcellese, Lee Grassia Anderson, Antoniette Brooks, Linda Nixon, Mark P Shine, Amy Didomenico, William Stephens, Louise A Bernard, Laurie Luongo, Guy Contaldi, Peter Blaikie, Continue reading The Somerville/Medford News Weekly Favorite Birthday Photos of the Week
Our sincere condolences, thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of Concetta Maria (Beninati) Savoia on her passing.
Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Concetta Maria (Beninati) Savoia
The dreamworld that was the collection of films and bootlegs of Jimi Hendrix at Rainbow Bridge, including a Reprise records album (Original Motion Picture Sound Track From Rainbow Bridge) back in the 1970s, are for the many Hendrix collectors as exciting and difficult as figuring out the philosophical maze presented by the film The Matrix. Continue reading Jimi Hendrix Live Maui -Joe Viglione takes Another Look at the Haleakala Center Recordings
Our sincere condolences, thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of Mary E. McKenzie on her passing. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Mary E. McKenzie
Photos by Michael Diotisalvi
By William Tauro
The Somerville Fire Department responded to a 911 call early Monday night to a house located at 30 Oak Street in Somerville for a possible structure collapse. Continue reading Somerville Building Collapse
Our sincere condolences, thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of Margaret M. Cottier (Barry) on her passing.
Margaret M. Cottier (Barry) was a very nice lady who will be sadly missed by many here in Somerville. Continue reading Somerville Remembering Margaret M. Cottier (Barry)