Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line:NEW BOSTON CONVENIENT STORE ROBBED AT KNIFE POINT AGAIN

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

Hi Billy that same store got robbed at knife point once again at 6.15 pm & got away with $600. fyi thought u may like to no scoop that’s the 3rd time since they opened now have a good day sir.
Continue reading Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line:NEW BOSTON CONVENIENT STORE ROBBED AT KNIFE POINT AGAIN

Megalopolis Review by Marco Cuda

Megalopolis is a fun, yet tiring, memorable film with a good heart.

Megalopolis is a movie that at times comes off as random and after two and a quarter hours it doesn’t get old but it can be tiring. For a movie that struggles to find or stay on a single narrative at any given time, it doesn’t exactly find any lulls but it feels like it will never end. Continue reading Megalopolis Review by Marco Cuda

FAMILY OF DECEASED AUNT ACCUSING MIDDLESEX COUNTY REGISTER OF DEEDS MARIA CURTATONE OF ALLEGED WRONGDOING FOR FIXING A FRIEND’S DEED TO DEPRIVE OTHER FAMILY MEMBERS OF PROPERTY OWNERSHIP SHARES

Dear Editor,

Family members of the late Jennie C. Carvello are calling foul and alleging that Southern Middlesex County Register of Deeds Maria Curtatone allegedly used the influence of her office for a deceitful scheme to defraud other beneficiaries, then waiting a long period of time after the death of the property owner to record the documents at the Registry of Deeds in Cambridge where Curtatone oversees as registrar.
Continue reading FAMILY OF DECEASED AUNT ACCUSING MIDDLESEX COUNTY REGISTER OF DEEDS MARIA CURTATONE OF ALLEGED WRONGDOING FOR FIXING A FRIEND’S DEED TO DEPRIVE OTHER FAMILY MEMBERS OF PROPERTY OWNERSHIP SHARES

LIVING CURTATONE IN SOMERVILLE, THE TRUTH REVEALED OF ALLEGED CRIMES CARRIED OUT AND COVERED UP By Maria Curtatone Register of Deeds

Spend five-25 minutes to listen to this one-on-one audio interview below by a close family member of the Curtatones and let it sink in. The interview tells how my opponent South Middlesex Registrar of Deeds Maria Curtatone continuously assaults and beats up her own elderly mother. Absolutely disgusting!
Continue reading LIVING CURTATONE IN SOMERVILLE, THE TRUTH REVEALED OF ALLEGED CRIMES CARRIED OUT AND COVERED UP By Maria Curtatone Register of Deeds

Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line: November ballot Question to double the CPA your property taxes from 1.5% to 3%

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

Hey, Did you hear there’s a question on the November ballot to double the CPA your property taxes from 1.5% to 3%? Seem the Administration is trying to slide this one in. Continue reading Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line: November ballot Question to double the CPA your property taxes from 1.5% to 3%

Letter from the Editor: Somerville Police Officer Assaulted on Broadway

Your thoughts?

By William Tauro

At about 11:30 AM today Thursday, September 26th, I was stopped at the red light at the intersection on Broadway at Franklin Street waiting for the light to turn green when I noticed a Somerville Police Officer beginning to physically struggle with a homeless man at the corner in front of the Amigo’s Market. Continue reading Letter from the Editor: Somerville Police Officer Assaulted on Broadway

Religious Discrimination or Hidden Agenda? Pastor Launches Hunger Strike as Medford Mayor Faces Allegations Over Church Targeting

Click on link below to see video
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On September 11th, 2024, a seemingly minor incident—a single sprinkler malfunction—triggered an extraordinary response from the city of Medford. Instead of addressing the issue proportionately, the city inspector delivered a set of demands so extreme that they’ve left the congregation of Vida Real Church reeling. The church, led by Pastor Luis Morales, is now being told that its entire 19,000-square-foot building must be overhauled. The city is insisting on a complete rewiring of the electrical system, removal of baseboards, and the suspension of all services—over a single sprinkler mishap.
Continue reading Religious Discrimination or Hidden Agenda? Pastor Launches Hunger Strike as Medford Mayor Faces Allegations Over Church Targeting

Religious Discrimination or Hidden Agenda? Pastor Launches Hunger Strike as Medford Mayor Faces Allegations Over Church Targeting

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Click on link below to see video
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By William Tauro

On September 11th, 2024, a seemingly minor incident—a single sprinkler malfunction—triggered an extraordinary response from the city of Medford. Instead of addressing the issue proportionately, the city inspector delivered a set of demands so extreme that they’ve left the congregation of Vida Real Church reeling. The church, led by Pastor Luis Morales, is now being told that its entire 19,000-square-foot building must be overhauled. The city is insisting on a complete rewiring of the electrical system, removal of baseboards, and the suspension of all services—over a single sprinkler mishap.
Continue reading Religious Discrimination or Hidden Agenda? Pastor Launches Hunger Strike as Medford Mayor Faces Allegations Over Church Targeting

This Week’s Quotable Quotes On Beacon Hill

By Bob Katzen

Gov. Maura Healey and Attorney General Andrea Campbell released updated guidance to K-12 schools on how to address hate and bias-motivated incidents consistent with their legal obligations.

According to the report, “The guidance comes amid a rise in antisemitism, racism, anti-LGBTQ+ hate, Islamophobia and hate across the globe, the country and Massachusetts – including a rise in hate-fueled assaults, incidents of white supremacist propaganda, discriminatory bullying and harassment in Massachusetts K-12 schools.”
Continue reading This Week’s Quotable Quotes On Beacon Hill

$362 MILLION SUPPLEMENTAL BUDGET (H 5050)

By Bob Katzen

Gov. Healey signed into law a $362 million budget to help close out fiscal year 2024 that ended on July 31. Key provisions ratify and fund some 38 collective bargaining agreements and direct $228 million in funding for the American Rescue Plan Act Home and Community Based Services before a deadline that would require Massachusetts to return the money to Washington, D.C.
Continue reading $362 MILLION SUPPLEMENTAL BUDGET (H 5050)

USE INTEREST FROM STATE’S “RAIN DAY FUND” TO LEVERAGE FEDERAL FUNDS (S 2954)

By Bob Katzen

The House and Senate approved and sent to Gov. Maura Healey legislation that would leverage the interest from the state’s Rainy Day Fund to better compete for federal dollars, to ensure the state receives the maximum possible share of federal funds and to pay down the state’s long term debt liabilities. The Rainy Day Fund currently has a historic balance of $8.2 billion.
Continue reading USE INTEREST FROM STATE’S “RAIN DAY FUND” TO LEVERAGE FEDERAL FUNDS (S 2954)

THE HOUSE AND SENATE: There were no roll calls in the House or Senate last week

By Bob Katzen

THE HOUSE AND SENATE: There were no roll calls in the House or Senate last week. This week, Beacon Hill Roll Call reports on the percentage of times local representatives voted with their party’s leadership in the 2024 session through September 20.

Beacon Hill Roll Call uses 101 votes from the 2024 House session as the basis for this report. This includes all roll calls that were not quorum calls or votes on local issues. Quorum calls are used to gather a majority of members onto the House floor to conduct business and members simply vote “present” in order to indicate their presence in the chamber.
Continue reading THE HOUSE AND SENATE: There were no roll calls in the House or Senate last week

Somerville Launches Western Pearl Street Reconstruction Project with Oct 9 Virtual Community Meeting

City will offer a variety of ways to get involved in this redesign of Pearl Street (McGrath Highway to Medford) which aims to increase safety.

SOMERVILLE—As part of the City’s intensive efforts to improve street safety for all, community engagement and design for the
City’s reconstruction of Western Pearl Street is getting underway. All are invited to help inform this project which will bring increased safety, accessibility, and sustainability to Pearl Street between McGrath Highway and Medford Street.
Continue reading Somerville Launches Western Pearl Street Reconstruction Project with Oct 9 Virtual Community Meeting

Join the Final Presentation & Performance for Exchanging Notes: Dance and Drums from Somerville and Tbilisi, Georgia

SOMERVILLE – The Somerville Arts Council, in partnership with the Program on Georgian Studies at Harvard University’s Davis Center, invites the community to attend a unique cultural exchange project, Exchanging Notes.

This free event features performances by four talented artists from Somerville and Georgia, blending dance and percussion to celebrate the richness of both cultures. Continue reading Join the Final Presentation & Performance for Exchanging Notes: Dance and Drums from Somerville and Tbilisi, Georgia

Religious Discrimination or Hidden Agenda? Pastor Launches Hunger Strike as Medford Mayor Faces Allegations Over Church Targeting

By William Tauro

On September 11th, 2024, a seemingly minor incident—a single sprinkler malfunction—triggered an extraordinary response from the city of Medford. Instead of addressing the issue proportionately, the city inspector delivered a set of demands so extreme that they’ve left the congregation of Vida Real Church reeling. The church, led by Pastor Luis Morales, is now being told that its entire 19,000-square-foot building must be overhauled. Continue reading Religious Discrimination or Hidden Agenda? Pastor Launches Hunger Strike as Medford Mayor Faces Allegations Over Church Targeting

Letter from the Editor: Partial Paving” In Somerville A Bad Decision

By William Tauro

Mayor Katjana Ballantyne is now having the City of Somerville utilizing a road paving technique called “Partial Paving!” This technique of paving in past years in other cities and towns has proven not to be the right decision. Paving just the center drive lane strip and not the two parking lanes will create a lip at the edge of the pavement.
Continue reading Letter from the Editor: Partial Paving” In Somerville A Bad Decision

VOTE William “Billy” Tauro Middlesex County Register of Deeds Nov 5th

One of our most important institutions that is constantly forgotten is the Registry of Deeds.
We are only reminded of this elected office when securing property or concluding a transaction involving real estate. Then, it becomes the most important focus in the business of the day..

I plan to restore the integrity and accountability, that the Registry of Deeds should have at all times. But, has faltered, even prior to the covid epidemic. Continue reading VOTE William “Billy” Tauro Middlesex County Register of Deeds Nov 5th

Somerville/Medford Remembering Kathleen A. (Dowd) Malone

Obituary

Mrs. Kathleen A. (Dowd) Malone, of Reading and formerly of Charlestown passed away at home on September 17, 2024. She was 85. Kathleen was one of eight children born to Hannah (Needham) and Frank Dowd. As a single mother, she was devoted to raising her family and did so while also working full time as the executive assistant to the president of Northeastern University.
Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Kathleen A. (Dowd) Malone

MVES to Host “Feed the Need” Fundraiser Harvest Party Will Support Mystic Valley Elder Services’ Efforts in the Community

You’re invited to the Feed the Need Harvest Party on Wednesday, October 23, hosted by Mystic Valley Elder Services (MVES)! Enjoy a delicious meal, live entertainment and more, all while supporting a worthy cause.
Continue reading MVES to Host “Feed the Need” Fundraiser Harvest Party Will Support Mystic Valley Elder Services’ Efforts in the Community

Living Curtatone In Somerville, The Truth Revealed of Alleged Crimes Carried Out and Covered Up

Spend five-25 minutes to listen to this one-on-one audio interview below by a close family member of the Curtatones and let it sink in. The interview tells how my opponent South Middlesex Registrar of Deeds Maria Curtatone continuously assaults and beats up her own elderly mother. Absolutely disgusting!

thesomervillenewsweekly

Stream Life With The Curtatones Interview by Somerville News Weekly on desktop and mobile. Play over 320 million tracks for free on SoundCloud.
Source: SoundCloud
https://search.app/fGndiG6o7bipkzsw9

By William Tauro

Recently I sat down with a 1-on-1 interview with Barbara Curtatone who wanted to reveal 28 years of alleged criminal acts carried out by the Curtatone clan. Continue reading Living Curtatone In Somerville, The Truth Revealed of Alleged Crimes Carried Out and Covered Up

Somerville/Medford/Cambridge Remembering Rita A. Grassi

Ms. Rita A. Grassi

September 12, 2024

Rita Grassi of East Cambridge passed away peacefully at Beth Israel Hospital on September 10th. Rita was the daughter of the late Manfredi Grassi and Mary A. (Pasquariello) Grassi. She was the cherished sister, best friend and confidante to her sister, Mary Grassi, loving sister to brother Anthony and his wife Kelley, and brother Joseph and his wife Dawn. Continue reading Somerville/Medford/Cambridge Remembering Rita A. Grassi

As The City Of Medford Turns

Just Sayin’

Recently I had the pleasure of honoring Veterans at the Somerville Winter Hill Yacht Club…good food and spirit among GREAT CAPTAINS AND BOATS! We look forward to saying thanks in many ways. I must admit that after looking at news, issues, movements…much attention goes to selfish and social needs. I support VETS coming into my class and relate their duties to Writing skills and demands of them.
Continue reading As The City Of Medford Turns

This Week’s QUOTABLE QUOTES On Beacon Hill

By Bob Katzen

“[She] committed gross misconduct and demonstrated she is unable to discharge the powers and duties of a Cannabis Control Commission commissioner. I do so with deep regret because she has a long history of public service, and when appointed I anticipated she would lead the commission capably and in an appropriate manner. Continue reading This Week’s QUOTABLE QUOTES On Beacon Hill

RENAME THE MASSACHUSETTS REHABILITATION COMMISSION (S 2941)

By Bob Katzen

Gov. Healey signed into law legislation that would rename the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission to MassAbility, a change that supporters say will better define the agency’s role in supporting residents with disabilities to live independently. They said the legislation also removes outdated and offensive terminology in the Massachusetts General Laws like changing “handicap” to “barrier;” “handicapped” to “person with a disability;” and “retarded,” to “person with an intellectual disability.”
Continue reading RENAME THE MASSACHUSETTS REHABILITATION COMMISSION (S 2941)

DOG KENNEL SAFETY – OLLIE’S LAW (S 2929)

By Bob Katzen

The House and Senate approved and sent to Gov. Maura Healey a bill that would allow the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources to establish rules and regulations for dog kennels in the Bay State, to ensure animal welfare, protect consumers and keep kennel staff safe. A person who violates the regulations would be fined $500 for a first offense and $1,000 for a second or subsequent offense.
Continue reading DOG KENNEL SAFETY – OLLIE’S LAW (S 2929)

SENATORS’ SUPPORT OF THEIR PARTY’S LEADERSHIP IN 2024 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 13

By Bob Katzen

The percentage next to the senator’s name represents the percentage of times the senator supported his or her party’s leadership so far in 2024 through September 13. The number in parentheses represents the number of times the senator opposed his or her party’s leadership.
Continue reading SENATORS’ SUPPORT OF THEIR PARTY’S LEADERSHIP IN 2024 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 13

Second Stretch of Highland Avenue Paving Takes Place Overnight September 15 to 16 from School Street to Benton Road

Following critical utility work, interim paving will support safe travel prior to the full redesign of Highland Avenue

SOMERVILLE–Beginning Sunday, September 15 at 8 p.m. City contractors plan to pave the travel lane (approximately 28-feet wide) surface along Highland Avenue between School Street and Benton Road.
Continue reading Second Stretch of Highland Avenue Paving Takes Place Overnight September 15 to 16 from School Street to Benton Road

Somerville/Medford Remembering Joan E. (Vangel) Cosgrove

Obituary

Mrs. Joan E. (Vangel) Cosgrove, a lifelong Somerville resident, passed away surrounded by the love of her family on September 10, 2024, she was 90. Born and raised in Somerville she was the only daughter of Ellen J. (MacDonald) and James Vangel. Known affectionately as “Joanie” by her family and friends, she was the beloved wife of the late Charles M. Cosgrove.
Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Joan E. (Vangel) Cosgrove

Join the Somerville Arts Council Board Applications Due Thursday, October 10

SOMERVILLE – The Somerville Arts Council is actively seeking three to four dedicated community members to join its Board. This is an exciting opportunity for individuals with a passion for the arts to support and strengthen the vibrant cultural landscape of our city.
Continue reading Join the Somerville Arts Council Board Applications Due Thursday, October 10

Somerville/Medford Remembering Roderick, Regina (Cerasale)

Obituary

Roderick, Regina (Cerasale) – Of Somerville, passed away after a long illness on Saturday, September 14, 2024. She was 85.

Born in Boston and raised in Somerville, she was the daughter of the late James and Kathleen (Goddard) Cerasale.Regina was deeply rooted in her Catholic faith, and her life was a testament to her unwavering commitment to service and compassion. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Roderick, Regina (Cerasale)

William “Billy” Tauro’s first TV interview regarding political corruption and our campaign for Registrar of Deeds Southern Middlesex County

Tap on the link and check out and enjoy the show of our first TV interview regarding political corruption and our campaign for Registrar of Deeds Southern Middlesex County!
Continue reading William “Billy” Tauro’s first TV interview regarding political corruption and our campaign for Registrar of Deeds Southern Middlesex County

Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line: homeless are moving into other areas of the city!

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

Billy the homeless are moving into other areas of the city. They have returned under 93 at the crosswalk from the hotel to Stop n Shop. Sadly the Gilman Square Park has three homeless men staying there. The City has had to remove the portable potty and the water station as a result.
Continue reading Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line: homeless are moving into other areas of the city!

Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line: New Boston Convenient Store Robbed at Knife Point

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

Hi Billy,

FYI I thought that you might like to know that the New Boston Convenient Store that’s located at 6 Broadway Charlstown on the Somerville/Charlestown boarder next to the Mount Vernon Restaurant was robbed at knife point yesterday. Continue reading Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line: New Boston Convenient Store Robbed at Knife Point

SPD Officer Priscilla Ribeiro awarded the Arthur W. Regan Award for her initiative and leadership in bringing National Night Out back to Somerville

Congratulations Somerville Police Officer Priscilla Ribeiro and thank you for a job well done!

Officer Priscilla Ribeiro was awarded the Arthur W. Regan Award today for her initiative and leadership in bringing National Night Out back to Somerville. The Artie Regan Memorial Award is given to an SPD Employee whose work in the community goes beyond the call of duty. Continue reading SPD Officer Priscilla Ribeiro awarded the Arthur W. Regan Award for her initiative and leadership in bringing National Night Out back to Somerville

Somerville Police Department Crime Log 8/27/24 – 9/2/24

Assault
24052808: On 8/29/24 at approximately 7:15 PM, Somerville Housing Police responded to Weston Ave for report of a past assault. Upon arrival, officers spoke with the victim who stated he invited a male party inside his apartment and the male party threatened him with an object. Officers identified the male suspect.
Continue reading Somerville Police Department Crime Log 8/27/24 – 9/2/24

William “Billy” Tauro Candidate for Registrar of Deeds CAMPAIGN FUNDRAISER

Save the date! You’re invited!

William “Billy” Tauro
Candidate for
Registrar of Deeds
CAMPAIGN FUNDRAISER

ELVIS vs SINATRA
Two Great Entertainers
Dimitrios Stavropoulos as Elvis • Dom Catino as Sinatra

Come Out and Show Your Support for
Southern Middlesex County’s next Registrar of Deeds William “Billy” Tauro

Wednesday October 9th 6-9pm

Premiere on Broadway
517 Broadway Somerville, MA 02145 Continue reading William “Billy” Tauro Candidate for Registrar of Deeds CAMPAIGN FUNDRAISER

RENAME THE MASSACHUSETTS REHABILITATION COMMISSION (S 2941)

By Bob Katzen

The House and Senate approved and sent to Gov. Healey legislation that would rename the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission to MassAbility, a change that supporters say will better define the agency’s role in supporting residents with disabilities to live independently. The legislation also removes offensive terminology in the Massachusetts General Laws referring to people with disabilities in sections of the law that pertain to MassAbility.
Continue reading RENAME THE MASSACHUSETTS REHABILITATION COMMISSION (S 2941)

PROPERTY TAX REDUCTION FOR VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTERS AND EMTS (H 2832)

By Bob Katzen

The House gave initial approval to legislation that would allow cities and towns to establish a program to reduce the property tax for volunteer, call or auxiliary firefighters and EMTs in exchange for their services. The reduction would be in addition to any other exemption or abatement to which the person is entitled but the measure limits the total reduction of property taxes for any individual to $2,500.
Continue reading PROPERTY TAX REDUCTION FOR VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTERS AND EMTS (H 2832)

CAP LOCAL PROPERTY TAXES (H 2944)

By Bob Katzen

The House gave initial approval to legislation that would allow cities and towns to impose a cap on local property taxes paid by low-income seniors over 65. The cap would apply to single filer seniors with incomes of less than $50,000 and married filers with incomes below $60,000. The senior’s assets would have to be less than $75,000, excluding their primary residence and they would also be allowed to own one motor vehicle.
Continue reading CAP LOCAL PROPERTY TAXES (H 2944)

REPRESENTATIVES’ 2024 ROLL CALL ATTENDANCE RECORDS THROUGH SEPTEMBER 6 2024

By Bob Katzen

The House has held 129 roll calls in 2024. Beacon Hill Roll Call tabulates the number of roll calls on which each representative was present and voting, and then calculates that number as a percentage of the total roll call votes held. That percentage is the number referred to as the roll call attendance record.
Continue reading REPRESENTATIVES’ 2024 ROLL CALL ATTENDANCE RECORDS THROUGH SEPTEMBER 6 2024

Somerville Kicks Off Community Engagement for “Elm-Beacon Connector” Street Safety Project with Sept 25 Virtual Community Meeting

City will offer many diverse opportunities to get involved in “quick-build” safety upgrades planned
for portions of Elm Street, Somerville Avenue, Beacon Street and Mossland Street.
Continue reading Somerville Kicks Off Community Engagement for “Elm-Beacon Connector” Street Safety Project with Sept 25 Virtual Community Meeting

ALLEGED ACCUSATIONS AGAINST MIDDLESEX COUNTY REGISTER OF DEEDS MARIA CURTATONE’S CONSPIRACY SCHEME TO DEFRAUD BENEFICIARIES OUT OF PROPERTY SHARES THICKENS

By William Tauro

Last week I broke the news about an alleged attempted crime of changing a deed/defrauding family beneficiaries with the assistance of the current Southern Middlesex County Register of Deeds Maria Curtatone. Since the article of allegations came out and surfaced exposing the scheme, the property located at 44 Warren Street in East Cambridge MA. has been taken off the market. Continue reading ALLEGED ACCUSATIONS AGAINST MIDDLESEX COUNTY REGISTER OF DEEDS MARIA CURTATONE’S CONSPIRACY SCHEME TO DEFRAUD BENEFICIARIES OUT OF PROPERTY SHARES THICKENS

FAMILY OF DECEASED AUNT ACCUSING MIDDLESEX COUNTY REGISTER OF DEEDS MARIA CURTATONE OF ALLEGED WRONGDOING FOR FIXING A FRIEND’S DEED TO DEPRIVE OTHER FAMILY MEMBERS OF PROPERTY OWNERSHIP SHARES

Dear Editor,

Family members of the late Jennie C. Carvello are calling foul and alleging that Southern Middlesex County Register of Deeds Maria Curtatone allegedly used the influence of her office for a deceitful scheme to defraud other beneficiaries, then waiting a long period of time after the death of the property owner to record the documents at the Registry of Deeds in Cambridge where Curtatone oversees as registrar.
Continue reading FAMILY OF DECEASED AUNT ACCUSING MIDDLESEX COUNTY REGISTER OF DEEDS MARIA CURTATONE OF ALLEGED WRONGDOING FOR FIXING A FRIEND’S DEED TO DEPRIVE OTHER FAMILY MEMBERS OF PROPERTY OWNERSHIP SHARES

James Montgomery 9-13-24 The Cabot Theater Edited with some content from Joe Viglione

James is going to be performing in Beverly on September 13 at the Cabot Theater. James appeared on my TV show, the Pop Explosion, on Wednesday, September 4, 2024, right after I interviewed Billy Tauro on his potential election to be Registrar of Deeds. Continue reading James Montgomery 9-13-24 The Cabot Theater Edited with some content from Joe Viglione

School Violence and the Importance of Police Officers for Protection:

Dear Somerville School Parents and News Stations,

I am writing to express my concern about the recent rise in school violence that has left many parents, students, and educators anxious about safety in our local schools. As an active community member, I believe it is crucial to open a dialogue about effective strategies to protect our children and ensure a safe learning environment. Continue reading School Violence and the Importance of Police Officers for Protection:

City of Somerville Honoring Serving Chief of Police Charles Femino

for Over 30 Years of Distinguished Service
Femino to Retire this Fall

SOMERVILLE – On behalf of the City of Somerville, Mayor Katjana Ballantyne is extending her deepest gratitude to interim Police Chief Charles Femino for his exceptional leadership and unwavering dedication to the Somerville Police Department. Continue reading City of Somerville Honoring Serving Chief of Police Charles Femino

Somerville/Medford Remembering Loretta M. (Gaff) Lynch

Loretta Lynch Obituary

Loretta M. (Gaff) Lynch, 86, died on Sunday, September 1, 2024 at her home surrounded by her loving family. She was the beloved wife of the late Francis J. Lynch. She was raised and educated in Chelsea, MA and was a graduate of St. Rose High School in Chelsea. Loretta was employed for many years in the medical records department at Northeast Rehabilitation Hospital in Salem, NH until her retirement. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Loretta M. (Gaff) Lynch

Letter from the Editor: Somerville Mayor Quietly Trying to Raise CPA Property Tax Surcharge Rate From 1.5% to 3% via November Ballot Question

By William Tauro

Don’t be fooled, it’s right there in black-and-white they are quietly proposing to take more of your money. She wants to put it on the ballot to secretly raise it to 3%. Continue reading Letter from the Editor: Somerville Mayor Quietly Trying to Raise CPA Property Tax Surcharge Rate From 1.5% to 3% via November Ballot Question

This Week’s QUOTABLE QUOTES On Beacon Hill

By Bob Katzen

“We all have an important role to play in protecting civil rights, particularly at a time when societal divisions and political polarization have resulted in decreased civility and increased intolerance. The Healey-Driscoll Administration remains focused on developing and supporting the programs, policies and initiatives that strengthen Massachusetts’ ability to uphold our values and embrace our differences.”
Continue reading This Week’s QUOTABLE QUOTES On Beacon Hill

LONG TERM CARE AND ASSISTED LIVING (H 5033)

Bob Katzen

The House and Senate approved and sent to Gov. Healey a new version of a bill making changes to the state’s long term care and assisted living industry that supporters said will make sweeping reforms to these two industries and will take a powerful step toward delivering high quality and safe care for older residents across the state.
Continue reading LONG TERM CARE AND ASSISTED LIVING (H 5033)

RENAME THE MASSACHUSETTS REHABILITATION COMMISSION (S 2941)

By Bob Katzen

The Senate approved legislation that would rename the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission to MassAbility, a change that supporters say will better and properly define the agency’s role in supporting residents with disabilities to live independently. In April, the House approved a different version of the bill and the Senate version now goes to the House for consideration.
Continue reading RENAME THE MASSACHUSETTS REHABILITATION COMMISSION (S 2941)

Join Somerville’s Annual Evolution of Hip Hop Festival in Union Square

Festival Celebrates Tenth Anniversary with Performances by Local Hip Hop Artists and Dances on Saturday, September 7

SOMERVILLE – Mayor Katjana Ballantyne and the Somerville Arts Council (SAC) are inviting the community to join Somerville’s Tenth Annual Evolution of Hip Hop Festival that will take
place on Saturday, September 7 (rain date Saturday, September 14), from 4 to 7:30 p.m. in Union Square Plaza. Continue reading Join Somerville’s Annual Evolution of Hip Hop Festival in Union Square

Somerville’s Community Preservation Act Celebrates 10 Years with Over $35 Million Invested in Affordable Housing, Open Space, and Historic Preservation

SOMERVILLE – Mayor Katjana Ballantyne is proud to announce more than $35 million spent on affordable housing, open space, recreation projects, historical preservation
and accessibility upgrades spanning the entire city, Somerville’s Community Preservation Act (CPA) is now marking its tenth anniversary.
Continue reading Somerville’s Community Preservation Act Celebrates 10 Years with Over $35 Million Invested in Affordable Housing, Open Space, and Historic Preservation

Mayor Ballantyne Seeks to Expand Climate Action & Energy Savings to Renters via New Ordinance

Residents invited to help shape proposed Rental Registry and Energy Disclosure ordinance to bring greater energy efficiency, affordability, and more to renters

SOMERVILLE–Roughly two-thirds of Somerville residents are renters, and Mayor Katjana Ballantyne is determined to improve their access to the energy savings and health benefits of green energy upgrades often out of reach to renters–especially low-income renters. And she’s asking residents to help her do so.
Continue reading Mayor Ballantyne Seeks to Expand Climate Action & Energy Savings to Renters via New Ordinance