On Sunday August 7, 2022 at approximately 11:15am the Medford 911 Dispatch Center received an emergency call from a person Continue reading Medford Water Rescue / Drowning →

Mr. Francis M. Linehan, of Medford and formerly of Somerville, passed away unexpectedly on August 6, 2022, he was 89. Born and raised in Somerville he was one of seven children born to Joseph E. and Sarah C. (Kearney) Linehan. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Francis M. Linehan →

By Bob Katzen

“[This is] another example of the commonwealth’s commitment to fully realize the benefits of its gaming industry as well as the Gaming Commission’s continued fulfillment of the mandate made by the Legislature to mitigate any unintended impacts tied to gaming in Massachusetts.” Continue reading THIS WEEK’S QUOTABLE QUOTES ON BEACON HILL →

By Bob Katzen

Governor Baker signed into law a measure that would regulate poaching—the illegal hunting that harms or kills wildlife including fish, birds, mammals and endangered or threatened species. Other provisions elevate the fines and penalties for poaching; align Massachusetts poaching regulations with other states; and bring Massachusetts into the Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact, which helps states work together to prevent illegal hunting across state lines.
Continue reading POACHING →

By Bob Katzen

Governor Baker signed into law legislation that would prohibit first responders from taking photos of crime scene victims, accidents or emergencies unless it is in the course of their official duties or with the consent of the victim. If the victim is unable to consent, an immediate family member of the victim is allowed to give consent. Continue reading CRIME VICTIMS’ PHOTOS →

By Bob Katzen

Governor Baker signed into law a bill that would require research labs to make every effort to offer healthy animals up for adoption by registered non-profit animal rescue organizations rather than euthanizing them when the research is done. Continue reading ADOPT ANIMALS USED IN RESEARCH →

By Bob Katzen

Governor Baker signed into law legislation that will make major changes to the oversight and governance structure of the state’s veterans’ homes in Holyoke and Chelsea. The proposal follows the deaths of 77 veteran residents in 2020 as a result of a COVID-19 outbreak at the Holyoke facility. The measure elevates the Department of Veterans Services to a cabinet-level executive office with direct reporting to the governor and the ability to hire and fire superintendents. Continue reading SOLDIERS’ HOMES MANAGEMENT (H 5106) →

By Bob Katzen

The Senate 40-0, (House on a voice vote without a roll call), approved and sent to the governor legislation giving equal access to original birth certificates to all persons born in Massachusetts. Continue reading ACCESS TO BIRTH CERTIFICATES →

By Bob Katzen

The Senate 39-0, (House on a voice vote without a roll call), approved and sent to Gov. Baker a bill designed to make mental health care more accessible in the Bay State. Continue reading ACCESS TO MENTAL HEALTH CARE PACKAGE →

By Bob Katzen

The Senate 38-0, approved a bill that would limit the use of health care plan mandated prescription drug “step therapy” protocols and provide more exemptions to the mandate. Step therapy requires the patient to try less expensive options before “stepping up” to drugs that cost more. The House has approved a different version of the measure and the Senate version now goes to the House for consideration. Continue reading STEP THERAPY →

By Bob Katzen

The House 153-0, approved and sent to the Senate a bill that would regulate the use of electric bicycles on the state’s roads. The measure classifies electric bikes the same as non-electric bikes and replaces a current law which classifies them as a motorized scooter or vehicle. Continue reading ELECTRIC BIKES →

By Bob Katzen

The House 153-0, Senate 39-0 approved and Gov. Charlie Baker signed into law most of a $5 billion bond bill that borrows money for hundreds of construction projects—the majority involving maintenance and modernization projects of buildings related to health care, higher education, information technology, workforce development, the environment and affordable housing. Many of the buildings are decades old. Baker vetoed several provisions including one that would have imposed a five-year moratorium on any prison or jail construction in Massachusetts.
Continue reading BORROW $5 BILLION FOR STATE PROJECTS →

EVENTS

Bingo – Tuesday, August 2nd, 9th, 16th, and 30th at Ralph & Jenny Center starting at 10:00 a.m. and Thursday, August 4th, 18th and 25th at Holland Street starting at 10:00 a.m. Keep your eyes open for occasional Wednesday Bingos. Lunch available following Bingo. RSVP to Debby Higgins by calling 617-625-6600, ext. 2321 or email Debby at DHiggins@Somervillema.gov
Project Outlook, Low Vision Group- 3rd Thursday of each month (August 18th) from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Holland Street Center. Project Outlook is a group of residents with low or no vision who enjoy getting together for camaraderie and socialization. Project Outlook has been active for over 30 years. Come join in the conversation, we look forward to meeting you. For more information, please contact Claudia Ferro at 857-237-1801. Continue reading Somerville Council on Aging Press & Organizational Outreach →