Continue reading Somerville Police Department presents “FILL THE CRUISER ” TOY DRIVE →

18th Annual Event
Benefits the Toys for Local Children Program Continue reading 18th Annual Event Benefits the Toys for Local Children Program →

I just received a call from a customer inquiring about a residen􏰀al mortgage. Her impression what that she needed to put down a minimum of 20% downpayment. My response was, did you know that to buy a residen􏰀al property you do not need to put 20% down payment? Continue reading You Do Not Need To Have A 20% Downpayment For A Residential Mortgage →

The buzzy Boston production brings its core mission of “diversity through
dance” to the stage with ballet, hip-hop, tap, and more. All set to music by Pyotr
Ilyich Tchaikovsky and Duke Ellington
Highlights include the inclusion of Bollywood dance, a partnership with the Continue reading Local Dancer Performs in Anthony Williams’ Urban Nutcracker this December at the Boch Center Shubert Theatre →

November 28th, 2023 The Somerville Medford News Weekly Print Edition Online) (1)

“Through the creation of readiness plans on college campuses, we are ensuring that more people will have safe and effective options for reproductive health care. Schools can and should use this toolkit to evaluate and improve their capacity to provide sexual and reproductive health services. Every student in Massachusetts deserves thoughtful and comprehensive support when making decisions about their own health.”
Continue reading QUOTABLE QUOTES →

By Bob Katzen

The Judiciary Committee hearing also included legislation that would outlaw the practice of phishing, Continue reading BAN PHISHING AND TRACKING (H 1573) →

By Bob Katzen

Continue reading DWARFISM AWARENESS DAY (H 3044) →

By Bob Katzen

Gov. Maura Healey signed into law a bill that beginning on December 1, 2023, will provide free phone calls and video calls for all prisoners in Massachusetts. Continue reading FREE PHONE CALLS FOR PRISONERS (S 4502) →

Bob Katzen

Campaigns to put questions on the November 2024 ballot had until November 22 to collect and file with local city and towns clerks the 74,574 signatures necessary to take the next step toward getting their proposals on the November 2024 ballot. Continue reading 2024 BALLOT QUESTION →

By Bob Katzen

The Senate 38-0, approved an amendment to a section of a drug price reform bill.

Continue reading REQUIRE PRICING DATA (S 2499) →

The Somerville Jingle Bell Run & Walk is happy to be partnering up again on Sunday, December 17, 2023 in Davis Square with the Toys for Local Children program. Continue reading Somerville Jingle Bell Run & Walk-Toys For Local Children →

City supporting two local gift drives for children and teens sponsored by Toys for Local Children and MAMA’s Mutual Aid Medford and Somerville Continue reading Donate to Local Holiday Gift Drives at City Buildings through Friday, Dec. 22 →

Obituary
Nguyen, Mau Thi- Of Cambridge, passed away on Friday, November 24th at St. Joseph Rehab. She was 86. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Nguyen, Mau Thi →

Obituary:

Joan (McPherson) Grimes passed away, at her Somerville home, surrounded by the love of her family on November 21, 2023, she was 68. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Joan (McPherson) Grimes →

Obituary:
Christopher James Hutchinson of Somerville passed away on Monday, November 20, 2023. He was born on October 28, 1989. He was 34 years young.
Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Christopher James Hutchinso →

By Rick Scirocco

After the November election, more than one city and town have the belief that abnormal election results have been unofficially declared.
Including Somerville, Medford, Revere, and other local cities, the questions of impropriety have cited challenges and discrepencies, and plan on taking action. Continue reading A CALL FOR TRANSPARENCY AND INTEGRITY IN ELECTIONS, PUTTING CITY ON NOTICE →

Indie Folk Pop artist American Beauties follow-up their eleven-song Too Worn to Mend cd with another eleven compositions from vocalist/band leader Michael A. Gray on 2023’s Sound of Mind. The only way to put it is that Gray’s songwriting on both discs is masterful. Continue reading American Beauties’ Sound of Mind Review by Joe Viglione →

Continue reading Our Lady of Assumption Inaugural Christmas Craft Fair →

Click on link below to read November 21st, 2023 The Somerville Medford News Weekly Print Edition Online November 21st, 2023 The Somerville Medford News Weekly Print Edition Online (2)
Continue reading November 21st, 2023 The Somerville Medford News Weekly Print Edition Online →

By William Tauro

Hey Mayor Ballantyne we lost another homeless person this Sunday morning sleeping next to the bridge right on lower Broadway. A homeless person died overnight sleeping in the elements, what are we going to do about it? Continue reading We Lost Another Homeless Person Due to Empty Suit’s Negligence In Somerville City GHall →

This morning our members joined forces with the Somerville Police Department to hand out turkey dinners to families at the Mystic Learning Center. Continue reading Somerville Firefighters Local 76 News Updates →

By Bob Katzen

It’s the end of this year’s campaign to put on the November 2024 ballot a question that would allow cities and towns the right to impose rent control, a practice which voters banned nearly 30 years ago on a 1994 ballot question.

Organizers announced that they will fall far short of the 74,574 signatures needed by November 22 to qualify for the ballot. Continue reading RENT CONTROL QUESTION WILL NOT APPEAR ON THE 2024 BALLOT →

By Bob Katzen

A bill heard by the Education Committee would prohibit public schools from using an athletic team name, logo or mascot which is associated with Native Americans, or which denigrates any racial, ethnic, gender or religious group. Continue reading PROHIBIT USE OF NATIVE AMERICAN MASCOTS IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS (H 477, S 245) →

By Bob Katzen

The Labor and Workforce Development Committee held a hearing on legislation that would create a voluntary 4-day work week pilot program in the Bay State. Continue reading 4-DAY WORK WEEK PILOT PROGRAM (H 3849) →

By Bob Katzen

The Senate 39-0, approved and sent to the House a bill that supporters say would make major changes and reforms to the state’s pharmaceutical system by “lowering the cost of drugs at the pharmacy counter and improving oversight of the pharmaceutical industry.” Continue reading PHARMACEUTICAL ACCESS, COSTS AND TRANSPARENCY (S 2499) →

By Bob Katzen

The Senate 3-36, rejected an amendment that would amend the state’s Right to Shelter Law which requires the state to provide shelter and other necessities to homeless parents with young children, pregnant women and recently the many migrant families arriving in the Bay State. Homeless individuals are not covered by the Right to Shelter law. Continue reading RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT (S 2502) →

By Bob Katzen

The Senate 36-3, approved a $2.81 billion supplemental budget to close out the books for fiscal year 2023. Continue reading $2.81 BILLION FISCAL 2023 SUPPLEMENTAL BUDGET (S 2502) →

By Bob Katzen

The House 158-0, approved and sent to the Senate legislation that supporters say will “take a comprehensive approach towards reforming the long-term care industry by supporting and expanding the workforce, enhancing oversight of facilities and ensuring greater access, all while prioritizing quality of care.” Continue reading LONG TERM CARE CHANGES (H 4178) →

Obituary

Charles A. Lovering – Of Somerville November 16, 2023. Beloved son of the late Frank and Esther Lovering. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Charles A. Lovering →

Thanks to the incredible work of our Medford Police Department, Medford Senior Center and local partners Wegmans and DICK’S Sporting Goods, seniors in Medford will have plenty of items to enjoy this Thanksgiving!

So many people helped make this food drive a huge success and I’m so grateful that our community cares so deeply for one another.

Awesome job coordinating by MPD Officer Jessica Walsh, and thanks to all the volunteers for making this years holiday so meaningful for our seniors.
Continue reading Mayor Breanna Lungo-Koehn‘s Senior’s Food Drive Thanksgiving Event →

Last week some Medord Lions attended the fine luncheon at the VFW in Medford. Continue reading LIONS HONOR VETERANS.. GO MEDFORD! →

The Somerville Housing Authority Board of Commissioners recently appointed Diane Cohen as Executive Director. Cohen will replace outgoing director Joe Macaluso who held the position since 1996. Continue reading SHA SELECTS NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR →

The Somerville Police Department recently held a RAD self defense class at the police station. The participants shown completed the class on November 13th. Continue reading RAD Is Back by Popular Demand! →

Click on link below to read November 14th, 2023 The Somerville Medford News Weekly Print Edition Online November 14th, 2023 The Somerville Medford News Weekly Print Edition Online (2)
Continue reading November 14th, 2023 The Somerville Medford News Weekly Print Edition Online →

Click on link below to read November 14th, 2023 The Somerville Medford News Weekly Print Edition Online November 14th, 2023 The Somerville Medford News Weekly Print Edition Online (2)
Continue reading November 14th, 2023 The Somerville Medford News Weekly Print Edition Online →

Happy 92nd Birthday to Emmet Smith of Somerville! Emmet is a wonderful man and we all wish him nothing but the very absolute best! Continue reading Happy 92nd Birthday to Emmet Smith →

Kelley A. Snell (Smith) 8/1/61 – 11/11/23 Lifelong resident of Somerville . Beloved Wife, Cherished Mother and Grandmother, Sister, Aunt, Niece, Cousin and friend, Kelley died peacefully in her home after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Kelley A. Snell (Smith) →

By Bob Katzen

“We are grateful to these 12 companies for choosing our state as their new home and are thrilled to welcome them to Team Massachusetts. These companies represent sectors where Massachusetts is leading, like life sciences and healthcare, innovation and technology, and clean energy and climate tech. We’re excited to see how these businesses will create new jobs and foster economic growth within our state and our administration stands ready to partner with them to ensure they succeed.” Continue reading This Week’s QUOTABLE QUOTES On Beacon Hill →

By Bob Katzen

This bill would make it illegal to sell a new manufactured fur product in Massachusetts and impose a fine between $500 and $5,000 per fur product for anyone convicted of the sale.
Continue reading BAN SALE OF FUR PRODUCTS (H 849) →

By Bob Katzen

This bill would allow new pet shops to sell only dogs and cats from shelters or rescue organizations and prohibit them from selling these animals from breeding facilities. Current pet shops would be exempt from the new law.
Continue reading NEW PET SHOPS CAN ONLY SELL SHELTER OR RESCUE DOGS AND CATS (H 826) →

By Bob Katzen

This bill Would require the Department of Agricultural Resources to establish rules and regulations for boarding kennels and daycare facilities for dogs, including home-based kennels and daycare facilities — including staff to dog ratios group sizes and supervision, minimum housing and care requirements, indoor and outdoor physical facility requirements, dog handling, insurance and penalties for violations.
Continue reading REGULATE DOG SHELTERS AND DAYCARE (H 835) →

By Bob Katzen

The Mental Health, Substance Use and Recovery Committee held a hearing on legislation that would allow school districts the option of creating a Narcan overdose prevention program. The measure would require every school nurse to be trained in Narcan assistance and to have Narcan in the nurse’s office. Narcan is an emergency treatment used for the complete or partial reversal of opioid overdose. Continue reading NARCAN IN SCHOOLS (S 1274) →

By Bob Katzen

The House 28-128, rejected an amendment that would amend the state’s Right to Shelter Law which requires the state to provide shelter and other necessities to homeless parents with young children, pregnant women and recently the many migrant families arriving in the Bay State. Homeless individuals are not covered by the Right to Shelter law. Continue reading RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT (H 4167 →

By Bob Katzen

The House 133-25, approved and sent to the Senate a $2.8 billion supplemental budget to close out the books for fiscal year 2023. Provisions include $2.1 billion for MassHealth for caseload adjustments; $300 million for a reserve to fund collective bargaining agreements with state employees; and $10 million in additional flood relief for municipalities hit by severe rain events this summer. Continue reading $2.8 BILLION FISCAL 2023 SUPPLEMENTAL BUDGET (H 4167) →

By Bob Katzen

The House 132-26, (Senate on a voice vote without a roll call vote), approved and sent to Gov. Maura Healey a bill that beginning on December 1, 2023, would provide free phone calls and video calls for all prisoners in Massachusetts. Gov. Healey supports the bill and is expected to sign it soon. Continue reading FREE PHONE CALLS FOR PRISONERS (H 4051) →

SOMERVILLE – Mayor Katjana Ballantyne, the Somerville Police Department, and Autism Eats warmly invite the Somerville community to a friendsgiving dinner at Mount Vernon Restaurant (14 Broadway) on Tuesday, November 14, from 6 to 8 p.m. Continue reading Somerville Community Invited to Autism Eats Friendsgiving Dinner →

Information Session and Registration Event Thursday, November 16, 4 – 7 p.m.

SOMERVILLE – Help with home heating costs is available for eligible persons. Continue reading Stay Warm for the Winter: Somerville Community Invited to Learn More About Financial Assistance Available for Home Heating Costs →

If passed, petition designed to help keep rental housing affordable will go to State Legislature for approval
Continue reading Ballantyne Administration Submits Rent Stabilization Home Rule Petition to City Council →

Obituary

BROWN, Barbara M. (Mulveyhill) – Of Somerville Barbara M. (Mulveyhill) November 9, 2023. Beloved wife of the late Bernard Brown Sr. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Barbara M. (Mulveyhill) BROWN →

Police Chief Search Committee Reopening Recruitment for Somerville’s Next Chief of Police
Acting Somerville Police Chief Charlie Femino Will Continue to Lead the Department
Continue reading City of Somerville Announcing Ongoing Police Chief Search →

Obituary

Mary J. (Bradley) Dowd, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Friday, November 10. She was 92 years old. She was predeceased by her beloved husband of 58 years, John J. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Mary J. (Bradley) Dowd →

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

I just saw the polls for Somerville mayoral votes and I’m beyond diagusted. Continue reading Talk about a society that needs to be examined →

By William Tauro

I applaud all the residents who actually took the time out of their daily lives and came out and voted for their candidate, Somerville Mayor Katjana Ballantyne who they supported and believed in who supports their causes. I think that is so totally awesome and like I said, I totally applaud them. Continue reading My Sincere Congratulations to the Somerville Voters Who Actually Came Out and Voted For Who and What They Believed In →

By William Tauro

Temperatures are dropping below 27° overnight tonight! For God’s sake please help these homeless people that live under the Route 93 bridge on Mystic Ave across from the Super Stop & Shop who are actually sleeping on the streets of Somerville crying desperately for help and being ignored by this heartless administration! These are the same people that you had removed from Broadway by first taking away the benchs and then escorting them off Broadway.  Continue reading Madame Mayor Please Help These People →

By William Tauro

So now I’m a bad guy because people take selfies with people. I take selfies with everyone and everyone knows that and I have been for doing so for some time. Continue reading There’s A Karen In Every Crowd →

SOMERVILLE – As communities nationwide look for innovative ways to address climate change, the City of Somerville recently took an outside-the-box approach by planting the community’s first Miyawaki forest. Continue reading Somerville Community Plants First Miyawaki Forest →

By RICHARD J. SCIROCCO

CHANGES IN THE LOCAL NEIGHBORHOODS HAVE INCREASED IN THE LAST FEW YEARS. SMALL BUSINESSES AND THE MOM AND POP SHOPS HAVE DWINDLED DOWN WITH MAJOR LOSSES OF PATRONS UNABLE TO SECURE PARKING IN PROXIMITY. THE CONTINUATION OF REMOVAL AND REDESIGNING OF OUR TRAVELWAYS HAVE IMPACTED THE ENTIRE COMMUNITY. Continue reading A TIME FOR AWARENESS →

Obituary
Peter A. Montalto, Jr., of Somerville and Wareham. Born to Peter and Jennie (Cammarata) on April 26, 1934. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Peter A. Montalto, Jr. →

SOMERVILLE_On Thursday, November 9th, the Kiwanis Club of Somerville again hosted a thanksgiving dinner for senior residents at the Culinary Arts Department of Somerville High School. Continue reading SOMERVILLE KIWANIS CLUB HOST THANKSGIVING DINNER FOR SENIORS →

By William Tauro

I applaud all the residents who actually took the time out of their daily lives and came out and voted for their candidate, Somerville Mayor Katjana Ballantyne who they supported and believed in who supports their causes. I think that is so totally awesome and like I said, I totally applaud them. Continue reading My Sincere Congratulations to the Somerville Voters Who Actually Came Out and Voted For Who and What They Believed In →

The Somerville boys soccer ended their regular season play 15-2-1. Winning the GBL league since co-champs in 2019. Continue reading Somerville boys soccer ended their regular season play 15-2-1 →

Click on link below to read November 7th, 2023 The Somerville Medford News Weekly Print Edition Online November 7th, 2023 The Somerville Medford News Weekly Print Edition Online (1)

Continue reading November 7th, 2023 The Somerville Medford News Weekly Print Edition Online →

OBITUARY OF ROBERT ANTHONY GIOIOSA

Robert “Bob” Anthony Gioiosa, a loving father and a US Army Veteran, passed away on November 4, 2023 at the age of 85. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Robert “Bob” Anthony Gioiosa →

Robbery

23062864: On 10/29/23 at approximately 8:18 PM, Somerville Police responded to a business on Broadway for report of a robbery. Upon arrival, officers spoke with the clerk who stated a male party entered the store and asked her how much cigarettes were. When she turned around, the male ran around the counter then brandished a small handgun and forced her to open the register. He took approximately $2300 USD and fled westbound on Broadway.

Robbery Continue reading Somerville Police Department Weekly Crime Log →

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

Fights are occurring at the High School on a daily basis. This isn’t news to anyone who attended SHS. However, things have escalated to a very dangerous level lately, and the administration is more concerned with politics than they are with protecting our kids.
Continue reading Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line: Violence at Somerville High School is out of control and the administration and the mayor’s office are to blame! →

“As business owners strive to fully staff their operations, lawmakers on Beacon Hill seek ways to expand time-off policies that make it more difficult for employers to find candidates to fill open positions. Employers attempt to hire, yet policymakers propose new job posting requirements.” Continue reading This Week’s QUOTABLE QUOTES On Beacon Hill →

By Bob Katzen

The Community Development and Small Businesses Committee held a hearing on a measure that would create a MassMade program designed to identify, connect and support businesses that produce consumer goods in Massachusetts; identify obstacles to conducting business in the Bay State; and act as a resource for consumers seeking consumer goods made in Massachusetts. MassMade would develop a searchable online directory of Massachusetts-based manufacturers and consumer goods companies, helping to connect them with potential customers. Continue reading MASS MADE (H 229/S 139) →

By Bob Katzen

The Transportation Committee’s agenda also included legislation that would require drivers on public roads to make reasonable efforts to remove accumulated ice or snow from their vehicle including the hood, trunk and roof within 24 hours after the end of the falling snow or ice. A driver who violates this new law may be stopped on a public roadway by a police officer if the officer believes the accumulated ice or snow may pose a threat to persons or property. Continue reading ICE OR SNOW ON CARS (H 3474) →

By Bob Katzen

Another bill heard by the Transportation Committee would make littering by the driver or any passenger, on public or private property, a civil offense punishable by a fine of $100 for a first offense, $250 for a second offense and $500 for a third and all subsequent offenses. The violation would be a surchargeable offense which under Bay State law, can lead to temporary higher insurance premiums for the driver. Continue reading LITTERING FROM YOUR VEHICLE (H 3346) →

A bill heard by the Transportation Committee would raise from $35 to $200 the fine for violating the traffic rule that provides when two vehicles approach or enter an intersection at approximately the same instant, the operator of the vehicle on the left must yield the right-of-way to the vehicle on the right. The proposal also imposes additional penalties and/or license revocation for up to six months for any of these violations that cause death, serious bodily harm or bodily harm. Continue reading RAISE FINE FOR “RIGHT OF WAY” VIOLATIONS (H 3477) →

By Bob Katzen

The Committee on Health Care Financing held a hearing on a measure creating a state-run “Medicare for All” single-payer health care system. Continue reading MEDICARE FOR ALL (H 1239)You →

The House 129-25, Senate 37-1 overrode Gov. Healey’s veto of the entire $7.6 million for operational support grants to community action agencies to “assist the agencies in their mission to assist residents of the commonwealth living with low incomes to stabilize their lives and achieve economic prosperity, and in creating and expanding opportunity for those residents in the neighborhoods and municipalities where they live and work.” Continue reading $7.6 MILLION FOR COMMUNITY ACTION AGENCIES (H 4040) →

By Bob Katzen

The House 151-3, Senate 37-1, overrode Gov. Healey’s veto of $100,000 (reducing funding from $3.3 to $3.2 million) for a program to increase participation and performance in advanced placement courses, particularly among underserved populations, to prepare students for college and career success in science, technology, engineering, math and English. Continue reading $100,000 FOR ADVANCED MATH AND SCIENCE (H 4040) →

The House 154-0, Senate 38-0, overrode Gov. Healey’s veto of $500,000 (reducing funding from $2 million to $1.5 million) for Regional Economic Development Grants for businesses seeking help from the state.
Continue reading $550,000 FOR REGIONAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT GRANTS (H 4040) →

By William Tauro

The House 129-26, Senate 38-0, overrode Gov. Healey’s veto of $774,000 (reducing funding from $10,474,000 million to $9,700,000 million) for housing services and counseling to find and maintain housing for many people who face significant barriers to sustaining housing payments. The money would be distributed via grants to regional housing consumer education centers operated by the regional nonprofit housing authorities. Continue reading $774,000 FOR HOUSING SERVICES (H 4040) →

Obituary:

Fleming, Mary R. (Crotty)- Of Medford, formerly of Somerville, passed away after a brief illness on Tuesday, October 31, 2023. She was 75.
Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Mary M. Fleming →

Obituary

Marie Yva Clerge, of Somerville, passed away surrounded by the love of her family on October 31, 2023, she was 74. Born and raised in Arniquet, Haiti, she was the daughter of the late Livie Larrame and Sonthonax Clerge. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Marie Yva Clerge →

City will Host Veterans’ Breakfast on Friday, November 10;
Memorial Ceremony and Wreath Laying on Saturday, November 11 Continue reading City of Somerville Invites Community to Veterans Day Events →

Obituary

Cotter, Edward J. – Passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Saturday, November 4th. He was 97. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Edward J. Cotter →

Continue reading My LAST Joy Street OPEN STUDIO →

Continue reading WH&S Construction Group 781-438-5458 →

by Tony Bottiglio

I grew up in Somerville. I attended Conwell, Powder House, West Somerville, and Somerville High. Back then, the city still had most of its charm, but it wasn’t always the safest place to live. My parents moved us out of Somerville, like so many others, and we settled in the suburbs. Twenty years later, I have returned with my own family. Continue reading ESCALATING VIOLENCE AT SOMERVILLE HIGH SCHOOL IS BEING IGNORED BY AN ADMINISTRATION THAT PRIORITIZES POLITICS OVER SAFETY →