All posts by thesomervillenewsweekly

Kiwanis Club of Somerville Award Twelve Scholarships

Pictured L-R: Kiwanis President Dean Austin; First row-Sophia Robbins, Yasmin Nazhar, Emely Portillo-Pena; Second row- Christopher Hopkin, Kyle Ray-Dutra and Kiwanis Scholarship Chairman, Past President Anthony Ciccariello.

SOMERVILLE_The Kiwanis Club of Somerville awarded twelve $1,000 scholarships to deserving Somerville High School students this week. The students were selected from among seventy-five applicants for the annual awards. Six of those students were able to join us today for the club’s annual scholarship luncheon at the Mount Vernon Restaurant. Continue reading Kiwanis Club of Somerville Award Twelve Scholarships

Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line:Corrupt, Illegal and Unethical Practices at the South Middlesex Registry of Deeds

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

I’m a very concerned citizen and affiliate who has daily interactions at the Registry of Deeds for your opponent Maria Curtatone…..if you want some information to help your campaign I’m sure I can provide some useful news and this is what I have been told……I am also a concerned property owner in Middlesex South District…..who is very concerned for my friend because I believe my friend is a target and is afraid for their job. Continue reading Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line:Corrupt, Illegal and Unethical Practices at the South Middlesex Registry of Deeds

The Week’s Quotable Quotes On Beacon Hill

By Bob Katzen

“As Massachusetts seeks to address soaring housing prices and rising rents that harm our residents, families and businesses, my office has unique tools to help address the crisis, and we intend to do our part. By establishing the Housing Affordability Unit and appointing Esme Caramello, who has deep expertise in housing, my office is committed to using all of our tools to ensure more safe and affordable housing opportunities for all.” Continue reading The Week’s Quotable Quotes On Beacon Hill

VETERANS’ PREFERENCE (H 3515)

By Bob Katzen

The House gave initial approval to legislation that would amend the state’s current veterans’ preference law which places veterans who pass the exam at the top of the eligibility list for civil service positions. The current order is: disabled veterans, veterans and spouses or single parents of veterans who were killed in action or who died from a service-connected disability incurred during wartime service, provided that the spouse or parent has not remarried. Continue reading VETERANS’ PREFERENCE (H 3515)

RESTRICT CARRYING GUNS (H 2305)

By Bob Katzen

The House gave initial approval to a bill that would prohibit anyone, except on-duty law enforcement officers, from carrying a firearm in any state or local government-owned building, polling place or demonstration. The measure imposes up to a $1,000 fine and/or up to a 2-year prison sentence on violators and allows law enforcement officers to arrest, without a warrant, anyone who violates this law.
Continue reading RESTRICT CARRYING GUNS (H 2305)

RENAME THE OFFICE OF ELDER AFFAIRS

By Bob Katzen

Gov. Maura Healey filed legislation that would change the name of the Executive Office of Elder Affairs to the Executive Office of Aging and Independence. The proposal also replaces outdated language in the state’s lawbooks, including changing “elderly persons,” to “older adults” and “handicapped” to “adults with a disability.” The new legislation also incorporates gender-neutral language into current law.
Continue reading RENAME THE OFFICE OF ELDER AFFAIRS

COMBAT ANTISEMITISM (S 4)

By Bob Katzen

The Senate 40-0, approved an amendment that would require the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to make resources, curriculum and professional development available to schools on antisemitism and the harm that it causes. The amendment also establishes and regulates a special commission on combating antisemitism in the Bay State.
Continue reading COMBAT ANTISEMITISM (S 4)

Somerville Community Invited to Immigrant Workers’ Rights Fair on Saturday, June 8

SOMERVILLE – Mayor Katjana Ballantyne, Somerville’s SomerViva Office of Immigrant Affairs, and the Somerville Worker Center, in partnership with the Brazilian Worker Center and the Brazilian Women’s Group, are announcing a free immigrant workers’ rights fair on Saturday, June 8, 2024, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Somerville Worker Center located at 530 Mystic Ave, Suite 111. Continue reading Somerville Community Invited to Immigrant Workers’ Rights Fair on Saturday, June 8

Applications Now Open for Two Income-Restricted Somerville Rental Apartments at 205 Beacon Street

    SOMERVILLE – Mayor Katjana Ballantyne and the Somerville Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development (OSPCD), in partnership with 717-719 Washington St, LLC, are pleased to announce an income-restricted rental opportunity of two (2) 2-bedroom apartments.

    Continue reading Applications Now Open for Two Income-Restricted Somerville Rental Apartments at 205 Beacon Street

Central Street between Summer Street and Highland Avenue to Become One-Way (Northbound) for Vehicle Traffic on Monday, June 17 or Soon After

Change will precede construction of streetscape improvements including new sidewalks, cycle tracks in each direction, and new tree plantings.

SOMERVILLE – Beginning on Monday, June 17 or soon after, the segment of Central Street between Summer Street and Highland Avenue will become a permanently one-way northbound (travel from Summer St. north toward Highland Ave.) street for vehicle traffic.
Continue reading Central Street between Summer Street and Highland Avenue to Become One-Way (Northbound) for Vehicle Traffic on Monday, June 17 or Soon After

Attend the Morrison Ave. Flood Relief & Water Quality Open House on June 10

Mayor Katjana Ballantyne, Ward 6 Councilor Lance Davis, and Ward 5 Councilor Naima Sait, and the City of Somerville’s Engineering Division are inviting the community to an open house on flood relief and water quality improvement efforts planned for Morrison Avenue (Cedar Street to Grove Street) and the surrounding neighborhood.
Continue reading Attend the Morrison Ave. Flood Relief & Water Quality Open House on June 10

Fueling the Future: Somerville to Implement Charging Fees for Electric Vehicles

Charge4Charge aims to help City invest in future electric vehicle charging infrastructure

SOMERVILLE– The City of Somerville is announcing that starting Monday, July 1, 2024 a fee of $0.25 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) will be implemented at all City-owned electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, aligning with neighboring communities including Boston, Cambridge, Medford, and Arlington. Continue reading Fueling the Future: Somerville to Implement Charging Fees for Electric Vehicles

Boston, Brookline, Medford & Waltham Middle School Students Participate in Discovering Justice Mock Appeal

Concluding an eleven-week program in which middle schools partnered with legal mentors from area law offices, law schools, and state offices, Boston, Brookline, Medford & Waltham students gathered for an in-person Mock Appeal at the John Joseph Moakley U.S Courthouse (One Courthouse Way, Boston, MA) to present their cases about the First Amendment. Continue reading Boston, Brookline, Medford & Waltham Middle School Students Participate in Discovering Justice Mock Appeal

$13 MILLION FOR STUDENT MENTAL HEALTH PROGRAM

By Bob Katzen
Gov. Healey announced that the state is investing $13 million in the Bridge for Resilient Youth in Transition (BRYT) program, an in-school program supporting students who have fallen behind academically due to challenges with their mental health. This is the first time the state has provided funding to establish BRYT in schools. Up until now, the program had only been available to districts with the economic resources to get it off the ground.
Continue reading $13 MILLION FOR STUDENT MENTAL HEALTH PROGRAM

PROTECT FIREFIGHTERS (H 2339)

By Bob Katzen

The House gave initial approval to a measure that would require a manufacturer or person that sells Firefighting Personal Protective Equipment to any person or government agency, to provide, beginning January 1, 2025, written notice to the buyer, at the time of sale, if the equipment contains toxic PSAs, as well as the reason such chemicals were added to the equipment. Continue reading PROTECT FIREFIGHTERS (H 2339)

BAN HOME EQUITY THEFT (S 4)

By Bob Katzen

The Senate 39-0, approved an amendment that would prohibit cities and towns that foreclose on properties on which the owner owes back property taxes, from keeping all of the profits when the city or town sells the property at auction. Current Massachusetts law allows this practice. The bill would allow the city or town to keep only the amount owed in back taxes and send the remainder to the owner.
Continue reading BAN HOME EQUITY THEFT (S 4)

CAPITAL GAINS TAX (S 4)

By Bob Katzen

The Senate 4-35, rejected an amendment that would retain a current law that requires any excess revenue in capital gains revenue over $1 billion to annually automatically be transferred as follows: 90 percent to the Rainy Day Fund; 5 percent to the State Retiree Benefits Trust Fund; and 5 percent to the State Pension Liability Fund. The $1 billion would remain in the General Fund and be spent by the Legislature with no restrictions.
Continue reading CAPITAL GAINS TAX (S 4)

SENATE APPROVES $57.999 BILLION FISCAL 2025 BUDGET (S 3)

By Bob Katzen

The Senate 40-0, approved a $55.9 billion fiscal 2025 state budget after adding an estimated $89.6 million in spending during three days of debate. The House has already approved a different version and a House-Senate conference committee will eventually craft a plan that will be presented to the House and Senate for consideration and sent to the governor.
Continue reading SENATE APPROVES $57.999 BILLION FISCAL 2025 BUDGET (S 3)

Naveo Credit Union collects nearly 100 books to benefit The Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless and their A Bed for Every Child program.

(Somerville, MA) Naveo Credit Union collected nearly 100 books during the month of April as part of their Children’s Book Drive. Each year, Naveo Credit Union participates in the statewide book drive spearheaded by the Cooperative Credit Union Association (CCUA) to benefit the Continue reading Naveo Credit Union collects nearly 100 books to benefit The Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless and their A Bed for Every Child program.

2024 SomerStreets Festival Season to Kick off with Carnaval Celebration on Sunday, June 2

SomerStreets: Carnaval returns for the 14th year to East Somerville on Sunday, June 2, from 2 to 6 p.m.

SOMERVILLE – Somerville is invited to get their dancing shoes on as the 2024 SomerStreets: Carnaval returns Sunday, June 2, from 2 to 6 p.m. (rain date Sunday, June 9)
to kick off the 2024 SomerStreets season, which will include a series of four neighborhood street festivals across Somerville.

Continue reading 2024 SomerStreets Festival Season to Kick off with Carnaval Celebration on Sunday, June 2

Somerville Community Invited to Morrison Avenue Flood Relief & Water Quality Improvements Open House on Monday, June 10

Community Open House Will Showcase Proposed Concept Designs
and Collect Neighborhood Feedback

SOMERVILLE – Mayor Katjana Ballantyne, Ward 6 Councilor Lance Davis, Ward 5 Councilor Naima Sait, and the City of Somerville’s Engineering Division are inviting the community to an open house on flood relief and water quality improvement efforts planned for Morrison Avenue (Cedar Street to Grove Street) and the surrounding neighborhood. Continue reading Somerville Community Invited to Morrison Avenue Flood Relief & Water Quality Improvements Open House on Monday, June 10

Somerville/Medford Remembering Reverend Dr. Florence (Nottage) King

Reverend Dr. Florence (Nottage) King, D.Min., native of Nassau, Bahamas and resident of Medford, Massachusetts was born on September 25, 1941. She was the daughter of the late John and Ophelia (Allen) Nottage. Rev. King’s family immigrated to the U.S. where she became a naturalized citizen who attended school in Cambridge, MA. She peacefully passed away on May 10, 2024, in her home surrounded by her daughters. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Reverend Dr. Florence (Nottage) King

This Week’s QUOTABLE QUOTES On Beacon Hill

By Bob Katzen

“It is an honor to be named the most sustainable state in the nation. State and local partnerships like the Green Communities program have propelled clean energy innovation across Massachusetts. We are grateful for the hard work being done by our cities and towns to address climate change and protect public health. Local action is vital to reducing Massachusetts’ carbon emissions.” Continue reading This Week’s QUOTABLE QUOTES On Beacon Hill

RAISE FINE FOR “RIGHT OF WAY” VIOLATIONS (H 3477)

By Bob Katzen

The House gave initial approval to a measure that 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. Continue reading RAISE FINE FOR “RIGHT OF WAY” VIOLATIONS (H 3477)

Somerville Community Encouraged to Join Public Hearing on Proposed 2025 Water & Sewer Rates Hybrid Meeting Will be Held Wednesday, May 29 at 6 p.m.

SOMERVILLE – The City of Somerville Water & Sewer Department is inviting all members of the community to a public hearing that will share proposed Water and Sewer rates for Fiscal Year 2025. Continue reading Somerville Community Encouraged to Join Public Hearing on Proposed 2025 Water & Sewer Rates Hybrid Meeting Will be Held Wednesday, May 29 at 6 p.m.

Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line: Central Street from Summer Street to Highland Avenue will be changed to a one way!

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

Your thoughts?

Here’s the latest not sure if you heard…. Coming soon… Central Street from Summer Street to Highland Avenue will be changed to a one way. Bike lanes added in both directions. The travel lane reduced to 12’ feet. All parking will be removed. Continue reading Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line: Central Street from Summer Street to Highland Avenue will be changed to a one way!

Somerville/Medford Remembering Joseph A. Pinto

Obituary

Pinto, Joseph Anthony – 90, Of Medford, formerly of Boston’s West End, May 12, 2024. Beloved son of John and Rosa (Daniele) Pinto. Devoted brother of Margaret Henn-Robillard, Rosemarie Pinto, Helen Marujo and her husband Celemente and the late Salvatore Pinto and his late wife Angelina, Paul Pinto and his late wife Gloria, James Pinto, Josephine Fallon and Catherine Amato. Also survived by many loving nieces and nephews.

A funeral procession will be held on Monday, May 20th in the George L. Doherty Funeral Home 855 Broadway, Somervile at 9AM. Followed by a funeral mass celebrated in Immaculate Conception Church, 600 Pleasant St., Malden at 10AM. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Joseph A. Pinto

Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line: More of “As the City of Medford Turns” and Need About Town

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

Good job by Residents, Homeowners, former Public Workers, Commission members, Firemen, Councilor Scarpelli, and a Union Rep. These are just a few who were vocal at a well attended Community gathering at the Elks in Medford. Continue reading Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line: More of “As the City of Medford Turns” and Need About Town

Somerville/Medford Remembering Nancy A. King

Obituary for Nancy A. King (McCann)
KING, Nancy of Arlington, formerly of Cambridge, passed away at home, surrounded by her loving family, on Tuesday, May 14, 2024. Beloved wife of the late William F. King. Loving mother of William King of Reading, Deborah King of Reading, and Donna King and her fiancé John DeCologero of Winchester. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Nancy A. King

Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line:The Real Somerville Story Page 1

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

I think that you’ll like these little ensembles of weekly true stories that I will be sending you. 

Back in the ‘80s and into 2000’s; when I used to hang in the bars, it was rumored a few things happened. A huge one was the 279 private properties eminant domained in Union Square Somerville. Major GRAND THEFT!!
Continue reading Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line:The Real Somerville Story Page 1

HOME OIL LEAKS (S 2737)

By Bob Katzen

The House gave initial approval to a bill that would mandate that insurance companies in the Bay State automatically provide residential owners with insurance for damage to home and property caused by a leak in a residential liquid fuel tank or home fuel supply lines. Each policy would provide this coverage and homeowners can either keep the coverage or opt out.
Continue reading HOME OIL LEAKS (S 2737)

$375 MILLION FOR ROADS AND BRIDGES SIGNED BY GOVERNOR (H 4529)

By Bob Katzen

Gov. Healey signed into law a bill that includes authorizing $200 million in one-time funding for the maintenance and repair of local roads and bridges in cities and towns across the state. The $375 million package, a bond bill under which the funding would be borrowed by the state through the sale of bonds, also includes $175 million for several transportation-related grant programs.
Continue reading $375 MILLION FOR ROADS AND BRIDGES SIGNED BY GOVERNOR (H 4529)

IMPOSE REGULATIONS INSTEAD OF BANNING (S 2738)

By Bob Katzen

The Senate 5-33, rejected an amendment that would replace the bill barring electric suppliers from enrolling new individual residential customers in contracts, with a different bill that would have allowed the practice to continue and would instead impose more barriers for competitive suppliers to enter the market and provided the attorney general with more oversight authority. Continue reading IMPOSE REGULATIONS INSTEAD OF BANNING (S 2738)

Mayor Katjana Ballantyne Announcing New Somerville School Building Committee Members

SOMERVILLE – Mayor Katjana Ballantyne is announcing the members of the School Building Committee (SBC) who will provide oversight of the City’s construction plans for a new school to meet the needs of the Winter Hill Community Innovation School and potentially the Benjamin G. Brown School. Continue reading Mayor Katjana Ballantyne Announcing New Somerville School Building Committee Members

Somerville Police Chief Finalist Interview Recordings Now Available

Residents, community members encouraged to review interview and submit feedback to help choose Somerville’s next Chief of Police

SOMERVILLE – Somerville community members are encouraged to provide feedback on Police Chief finalists. Search Committee interviews with finalists under consideration to become the next Somerville Chief of Police were recently recorded for public review. The interviews are now available online for viewing and comment.
Continue reading Somerville Police Chief Finalist Interview Recordings Now Available

Join ‘Slice of the City’ Meet-Up Events Next Week: Ward 7 (5/13) & Ward 5 (5/16) Slice of the City

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. Events continue next week with meet-ups in Wards 7 and 5.
Continue reading Join ‘Slice of the City’ Meet-Up Events Next Week: Ward 7 (5/13) & Ward 5 (5/16) Slice of the City

Somerville HS Students Visit CHA Cambridge Hospital Operating Room to Learn About Surgical Careers

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. — Cambridge Health Alliance, a community health system serving Cambridge, Somerville, and Boston’s metro-north communities, recently hosted an exciting event for local students interested in healthcare careers. As part of CHA’s Career Pathways Program, high school students from Somerville participated in a special Saturday Program at CHA Cambridge Hospital. Continue reading Somerville HS Students Visit CHA Cambridge Hospital Operating Room to Learn About Surgical Careers

TEAMSTERS APPLAUD SOMERVILLE CITY COUNCIL VOTE TO STOP MISCLASSIFICATION OF WORKERS

(SOMERVILLE, MA) — Teamsters Local 25 praised the Somerville City Council today for its unanimous vote to pass a resolution aimed at stopping Uber, Lyft, Doordash and other so-called ‘gig’ companies from abusing drivers by misclassifying them as independent contractors. Continue reading TEAMSTERS APPLAUD SOMERVILLE CITY COUNCIL VOTE TO STOP MISCLASSIFICATION OF WORKERS

Medford Remembering Retired Officer Brian Doherty

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of retired Officer Brian Doherty. Officer Doherty passed away Wednesday, May 8, 2024. He was 76 years old.

Officer Doherty worked for the Medford Police Department for 32 years. He first joined the department on September 8, 1980. He retired from the Medford Police Department on June 30, 2012.
Continue reading Medford Remembering Retired Officer Brian Doherty