Somerville/Medford Remembering Eva R. (Morandi) Spitzer

Obituary
Mrs. Eva R. (Morandi) Spitzer, passed away on March 8, 2025, she was 99. Born and raised in Somerville, she was a lifelong resident. Cherished daughter of the late Sarah (Nazarro) and Joseph Morandi. A talented singer, she worked for the Boston Music Company assisting in their receiving department. Eva sang at weddings, funerals and other church services and even went on to sing in the United Service Organizations; or USO. It was there at the young age of 16 she would meet her future husband, Marvin H. Spitzer while he was serving in the US Coast Guard. They were later married and settled in Somerville to raise their family. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Eva R. (Morandi) Spitzer

Somerville/Medford Remembering John Charles Doherty

Obituary
John Charles Doherty, originally of Somerville, MA, passed away on March 2, 2025, at home, surrounded by the love of his family. For many years, John fought long and hard against several medically complex illnesses in order to be there for his family. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Judith Doherty. He was the proud father of two sons and one daughter, Connor Doherty, Seamus Doherty and Kerry Doherty. He is also survived by his four beloved grandchildren- Caitlin, Anja, Liam, and Gavin. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering John Charles Doherty

Somerville/Medford Remembering Silvano Garcia-Martinez

Obituary
Silvano Garcia-Martinez – Of Somerville, passed away on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at the age of 55.

Silvano Martinez-Garcia, born in El Salvador to Concepcion Martinez and Elida Garcia, was a devoted family man who will be deeply missed by all who knew him. Silvano’s greatest joy came from spending time with his loved ones, especially on long car rides where laughter and conversation filled the air.

A lover of the simple things in life, Silvano could often be found enjoying an ice-cold Coca-Cola or immersed in his favorite pastime, playing Candy Crush. Every Sunday, he would take to the water for his cherished fishing trips, a hobby that brought him peace and tranquility.

Beloved husband of 36 years to Ernestina M.Yanes. Devoted father of Nelson Alexander Garcia, Luis Angel Garcia and his partner Ana Maria Lopez, Yessenia Garcia, Cristian Manuel Garcia and Carolina Elizabeth Hernandez and her husband Edwin and David A. Garcia. Cherished grandfather of Alyanna Garcia-Lopez, Jonathan Hernandez and Sofia Hernandez. Dear brother of Virgilio Garcia-Martinez and the late Ismael Garcia-Martinez, and Angel Garicia-Matinez. Also survived by many loving nieces, nephews, in-law and extended family members.

A funeral procession will be held in the George L. Doherty Funeral Home 855 Broadway (Powder House SQ.) on Tuesday, March 11th at 10:00AM. Followed by a funeral mass celebrated in St. Benedict Church, Somerville at 11:00AM.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend.

Calling Hours will be held on Monday from 4:00PM to 7:00PM.

Services will conclude with interment at Oak Grove Cemtery, Medford.

Somerville/Medford Remembering Gertrude “Betty” E. (Carr) Evans

Obituary

Mrs. Gertrude “Betty” E. (Carr) Evans passed away on Sunday, March 9, 2025 in West Hartford, CT she was 102. Born and raised in Medford, MA she was the daughter of the late Gertrude F. (Chapman) and Herbert V. Carr. She was the beloved wife of the late Joseph H. Evans. Together they raised their family in Medford. As a member of the Greatest Generation, Gertrude lived by Family, Faith and Country. In earlier years, she worked as an assistant for the First National Stores, before devoting herself to her family. She enjoyed time spent at Nantasket Beach and especially loved the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays, but above all, she cherished time spent with family.
Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Gertrude “Betty” E. (Carr) Evans

This Week’s Quotable Quotes On Beacon Hill

By Bob Katzen

“[President Trump] is taking the bureaucracy out of education so that more money flows to the states. Better education is closest to the kids, with parents, with local superintendents, with local school boards.”
—U.S. Education Secretary Linda McMahon on the Trump Administration’s announcement of a cut to nearly half of the Department of Education’s 4,000-person workforce. Continue reading This Week’s Quotable Quotes On Beacon Hill

STRENGTHEN HUMAN TRAFFICKING TRAINING IN MASSACHUSETTS HOTELS

By Bob Katzen

Massachusetts state legislators, hospitality industry leaders and survivor advocates gathered at the Statehouse to highlight the urgent need to implement human trafficking recognition training across the hotel industry in the Bay State. They urged approval of legislation that would mandate human trafficking training for all hotel employees in the Bay State, from the front desk to housekeeping and food service, in order to equip them to recognize and respond to trafficking situations.
Continue reading STRENGTHEN HUMAN TRAFFICKING TRAINING IN MASSACHUSETTS HOTELS

$825,000 TO IMPROVE WATER QUAILTY

By Bob Katzen

The Healey Administration announced $825,000 in water quality grants to several Cape Cod towns – Barnstable, Brewster, Chatham, Dennis, Falmouth, Mashpee, Wellfleet and Yarmouth. The grants are aimed at reducing nitrogen pollution, which mostly comes from wastewater. Nitrogen can cause serious problems in the water, such as harmful algae blooms that can affect both the environment and public health.
Continue reading $825,000 TO IMPROVE WATER QUAILTY

PROHIBIT LATE VOTES ON CONFERENCE COMMITTEE REPORTS (S 15)

By Bob Katzen

Senate 6-32, rejected an amendment that would prohibit any conference committee bills from being considered less than 72 hours before the end of a formal legislative session. The amendment would allow the Legislature to consider a conference committee bill at any time only if the House and Senate vote unanimously to allow consideration. The amendment would replace a rule that allows the Legislature to consider conference committee reports at any time during the legislative session. Continue reading PROHIBIT LATE VOTES ON CONFERENCE COMMITTEE REPORTS (S 15)

ALLOW MINORITY REPORT ON CONFERENCE COMMITTEE BILLS (S 15)

By Bob Katzen

Senate 6-32, rejected an amendment allowing the minority members who voted against a conference committee version of a bill to issue a report on why they voted against it. A conference committee is a committee that is appointed by the Senate president and House speaker when the House and Senate approve different versions of a bill. The committee’s job is to craft a compromise version.

Continue reading ALLOW MINORITY REPORT ON CONFERENCE COMMITTEE BILLS (S 15)

Somerville PorchFest 2025: Important Safety & Event Updates

SOMERVILLE– The Somerville Arts Council is excited to announce PorchFest 2025, the citywide live music event, is returning on Saturday, May 10, from 12 to 6 p.m. (rain date: Sunday, May 11).

To ensure a safe, enjoyable, and well-organized experience for all, this year’s event will feature new safety measures and structural updates designed to enhance the day for both performers and residents. All information is available on somervilleartscouncil.org/porchfest
Continue reading Somerville PorchFest 2025: Important Safety & Event Updates

Elliott Murphy’s Infinity Goes There and Beyond 52 albums and going strong

Joe Viglione

“Granny Takes a Trip” opens this extraordinary 52nd album from Elliott Murphy merging Roger Maris and Richard Harris in a quasi-rap-meets-folk, perhaps the psychedelia after effect of Woodstock concert goers now grandparents, it is fun and different. “Red Moon over Paris” has Beatles elements for its opening, and grows dark with the twilight ending and Murphy indulging John Cale meets Leonard Cohen. It’s a tremendous chorus over the poetry-meets-song verses. Continue reading Elliott Murphy’s Infinity Goes There and Beyond 52 albums and going strong

Mayor Ballantyne Invites Community to Somerville’s Third Annual Civic Day Celebration

Join family-friendly activities and games to learn about local government & services on Saturday,
April 5

SOMERVILLE – Mayor Katjana Ballantyne invites community members to attend the city’s spring Civic Day celebration on Saturday, April 5, from noon to 4 p.m. at City Hall (93 Highland Ave.) and on the City Hall concourse.

Continue reading Mayor Ballantyne Invites Community to Somerville’s Third Annual Civic Day Celebration

Somerville Police Department Weekly Crime Log

Assault
25013007: On 3/9/25 at approximately 5:51 PM, Somerville Police responded to 779 McGrath Hwy for a weapons call. Upon arrival, officers encountered two juvenile males who stated they were being chased by a group of five juveniles with knives. Officers located the group of juvenile suspects nearby and identified them. Officers recovered knives from two of the juvenile suspects.
Continue reading Somerville Police Department Weekly Crime Log