Somerville: Join ‘Slice of the City’ Meet-Up Events Next Week: Ward 3 (5/12) & Ward 6 (5/13)

Residents gather for Ward 1 Slice of City event
The ‘Slice of the City’ spring meet-up series is an opportunity to connect and engage with City leaders and staff as well as neighbors, all while enjoying Somerville’s parks. The series continues next week in Wards 3 and 6. Continue reading Somerville: Join ‘Slice of the City’ Meet-Up Events Next Week: Ward 3 (5/12) & Ward 6 (5/13)

Somerville/Medford Remembering Walter (Wally) Fitzgerald

Obituary

Walter (Wally) Fitzgerald, of Methuen, MA, beloved husband, father, Grampy, brother, uncle and friend, passed away peacefully on May 8, 2025, surrounded by the family he cherished. Wally was the devoted husband of Dianne (Donahue) Fitzgerald for 60 wonderful years, with whom he shared a lifetime of laughter, love, and unforgettable memories. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Walter (Wally) Fitzgerald

Somerville/Medford Remembering Edward Leo Kelley

Edward Leo Kelley

April 12, 1933-May 1, 2025

A few years ago, while walking home from Market Basket with one of his granddaughters, Ed Kelley asked if they could walk a little slower.

“I’m slowing down, hon,” he said. “I’m getting old! But it’s okay. I’ve had a good life. I love my wife. I have four good kids, eight good grandkids, all these great-grandkids. I’ve had a very good life.” Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Edward Leo Kelley

Somerville/Medford Remembering Robert F. “Bob” Driscoll

Obituary

Robert F. “Bob” Driscoll, of Somerville and formerly of Nantucket, passed away surrounded by his family on April 28, 2025, he was 84. Born and raised on Nantucket, he was the son of Constance (Miller) and John J. Driscoll. A talented athlete, Bob was captain of the Nantucket High Football Team. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Robert F. “Bob” Driscoll

THIS WEEK’S QUOTABLE QUOTES ON BEACON HILL

By Bob Katzen

“The clean energy economy is growing fast and we need to make sure people across Massachusetts can take part in that growth. Today’s summit shows how powerful local collaboration can be. Together, we’re building training pathways that are not only relevant and responsive but also rooted in the needs and aspirations of our communities.”
—Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll on the Healey-Driscoll Administration awarding more than $7.3 million in grants to enhance workforce development in climatetech. Continue reading THIS WEEK’S QUOTABLE QUOTES ON BEACON HILL

ALLOW 16-AND 17-YEAR OLDS TO VOTE IN LOCAL ELECTIONS (H 813)

By Bob Katzen

Another proposal heard by the Election Laws Committee would allow 16- and 17-year-olds who are U.S citizens to vote in city and town elections. It also allows them to vote in any presidential primary if the political party for which a presidential primary is held consents to the participation of 16- and 17-year-olds.
Continue reading ALLOW 16-AND 17-YEAR OLDS TO VOTE IN LOCAL ELECTIONS (H 813)

BAN USE OF HELIUM BALLOONS (H 996)

By Bob Katzen

Another bill heard by the Environment and Natural Resources Committee would ban the intentional release in the air of any type of balloon that is filled with helium or any other type of gas that is lighter than air. First-time offenders would be fined $100 and an additional $100 per ten balloons released. Subsequent violations would be fined $500 and an additional $100 per ten balloons released. Continue reading BAN USE OF HELIUM BALLOONS (H 996)

BAN HOTELS FROM PROIVIDING PLASTIC-PACKAGED TOILETRIES TO GUESTS (S 609)

By Bob Katzen

The Environment and Natural Resources Committee held a hearing on legislation that would ban, beginning in January 2027, hotels, motels and boarding houses from providing small plastic-packaged toiletries to guests. Toiletries are defined as a product provided by a hotel “intended to be applied to or used on the human body or any part thereof for cleansing, conditioning or moisturizing including, but not limited to, shampoo, conditioner, lotion and liquid soap.”
Continue reading BAN HOTELS FROM PROIVIDING PLASTIC-PACKAGED TOILETRIES TO GUESTS (S 609)