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Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line: Somerville Administration Perpetrating a Psychological Warfare Assault on its Citizens

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

Remember the pleasurable days when you could drive thru Powderhouse Sq. and even enjoy the scenic ambience of the rotary? Continue reading Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line: Somerville Administration Perpetrating a Psychological Warfare Assault on its Citizens →

Displaced Somerville War Memorial Monuments Found Crated Up at MBTA Storage Yard

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By William Tauro

Condolences to Somerville residents for the three year mystery of the missing Somerville War Memorial Monuments solved! They were dismantled and in some instances unthoughtfully dismantled with a sawsall then transported to an old dusty MBTA storage lot on Inner Belt Road in Somerville in October of 2020. Continue reading Displaced Somerville War Memorial Monuments Found Crated Up at MBTA Storage Yard →

Dormition Church to Bless and Place Cross on New Dome Tower

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Somerville, MA – The Dormition of the Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Parish located on 29 Central Street, in Somerville will celebrate a milestone on Friday, May 19th at 11 am when the presiding priest Fr. Anthony Tandilyan is hoisted on a cherry picker forklift and places a beautitu gold cross to acom the new come tower. Continue reading Dormition Church to Bless and Place Cross on New Dome Tower →

Real Life Somerville Police Stories: (A&B on Police Officer, Poss. of Dangerous Weapon, Resisting Arrest) (Lowell Warrants)Arrest

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On Sunday, May 7th, 2023, I was working my assigned 4PM to 12AM shift in the East-1 cruiser. At approximately 9:10PM, I was dispatched to the intersection of Myrtle Street and Washington Street for a female passed out. The Somerville Fire Department and Cataldo Ambulance were also dispatched. The following is a summary of the incident:
Continue reading Real Life Somerville Police Stories: (A&B on Police Officer, Poss. of Dangerous Weapon, Resisting Arrest) (Lowell Warrants)Arrest →

William “Billy” Tauro Pulls Nomination Papers to Run for Mayor of Somerville

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By Somerville/Medford News staff

William “Billy” Tauro pulled nomination papers at Somerville City Hall this past Wednesday to run for Mayor of Somerville. He promises that he will be that mayor who will be bringing people together and promises he will be that Mayor for everyone! Continue reading William “Billy” Tauro Pulls Nomination Papers to Run for Mayor of Somerville →

RAW OR UNPASTEURIZED MILK SALES (S 43)

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By Bob Katzen

The Committee on Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture’s hearing also included legislation that would allow licensed raw milk farmers to deliver raw milk directly to the consumer. Current law allows only the on-farm sale of raw milk. The measure also allows raw milk farmers to sell raw milk from their farm stands even if the stand is not contiguous to their raw milk dairy. Continue reading RAW OR UNPASTEURIZED MILK SALES (S 43) →

May 19 Medford Lions Scholarship Recipient

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You are cordially invited to attend the Medford Lions Club Scholarship Social – 2023 for a MHS Senior who has shown fine academic and character standing at MHS! It is designed for an eye or hearing impaired student or a student with a challenge. Many of you have attended in the past, and we are SO grateful for your interest in this evening and the student. Continue reading May 19 Medford Lions Scholarship Recipient →

Information Session and Public Hearing on FY 2024 Water and Sewer Rates, May 15

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The City of Somerville will hold an information session and public hearing on the proposed fiscal year 2024 water and sewer rates on Monday, May 15. The information session will start at 6 p.m. and the public hearing will begin at 6:30 p.m. Anyone who would like to testify is welcome to attend and will be heard. Additional Q&A time will be offered following the hearing if attendees have remaining topics of discussion.
Continue reading Information Session and Public Hearing on FY 2024 Water and Sewer Rates, May 15 →

VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS OF MASSACHUSETTS STATE-WIDE PRESS CONFERENCE

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SUNDAY MAY 7th, 11 AM – NOON
VFW Post 2498
20 Junction St. Needham MA
Every year the VFW State Commander and the State Auxiliary President each spearhead a special project for their year in command. This year, the leaders of both organizations will conduct a joint special project for the Medic Now Foundation, Inc. (MNF) who provides healthcare assistance to veterans and military families through their Healthcare Cost Assistance Program (HCAP). Continue reading VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS OF MASSACHUSETTS STATE-WIDE PRESS CONFERENCE →

MVES Chosen to Pilot Hospital-to-Home Program

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Mystic Valley Elder Services (MVES) is honored to be one of nine non-profit organizations awarded funds to through the state’s new Hospital to Home Partnership Program. This new pilot initiative supports partnerships between hospitals and Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs). By strengthening communication and coordination with community providers, MVES and its partners will promote institutional diversion and increase discharge rates from hospital to home.
Continue reading MVES Chosen to Pilot Hospital-to-Home Program →

Convicted Inc Painting Pavers & More Free Estimates

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I’m sure most of you remember the tragedy that occurred last March when state trooper Tamar A Bucci was killed assisting a disabled motorist. I personally know her dad, Anthony J Bucci and he is doing something amazing for his daughter. Anthony started a company called Convicted Inc. specializing in Interior/ Exterior Painting and Masonry Pavers. Continue reading Convicted Inc Painting Pavers & More Free Estimates →

This Week’s QUOTABLE QUOTES on Beacon Hill

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“Massachusetts has a real opportunity to close the digital divide and ensure all people in our state can participate in the digital economy. These grants will help residents build their digital skills and get online affordably, thereby expanding their connections to job and training opportunities, healthcare resources, social connections and so much more.” Continue reading This Week’s QUOTABLE QUOTES on Beacon Hill →

LAURA’S LAW: NEW SIGNAGE, LIGHTING, SECURITY FEATURES NOW ORDERED FOR MASS EMERGENCY DEPARTMENTS

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By Bob Katzen

In 2021, former-Gov. Charlie Baker signed into law “Laura’s Law” that would require all hospitals to meet minimum criteria and standards that ensure safe, timely and accessible patient access to hospital emergency departments. The Department of Public Health has finally established a set of regulations for “Laura’s Law” that hospitals must comply with by Jan. 1, 2024. Continue reading LAURA’S LAW: NEW SIGNAGE, LIGHTING, SECURITY FEATURES NOW ORDERED FOR MASS EMERGENCY DEPARTMENTS →

CONSOLIDATED AMENDMENT ON ENERGY, ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS AND HOUSING (H 3900

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By Bob Katzen

The House 158-0, approved a $7.3 million consolidated amendment that funds energy, environmental affairs and housing programs.

“We are on the front lines of the climate crisis and if we are to minimize irreversible impacts, we must make unparalleled changes,” said State Representative Jeffrey N. Roy (D-Franklin), House Chair of the Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities, and Energy. “The House budget and adopted energy and environmental amendment together commit 1.25 percent of the state’s total budget to implement the policies and strategies stemming from robust climate bills passed over the past few sessions.”
Continue reading CONSOLIDATED AMENDMENT ON ENERGY, ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS AND HOUSING (H 3900 →

TAX REVENUE FROM MILLIONAIRE’S TAX (H 3900)

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By Bob Katzen

The House 25-132, rejected an amendment that would remove a section in the budget that exempts tax revenue generated from the recently voter-approved Millionaire Tax from counting toward the allowable state tax revenue limitations, under Chapter 62F, which provides that whenever revenue collections in a fiscal year exceed an annual cap tied to wage and salary growth, the excess is returned to taxpayers. Last year, $3 billion in refunds were returned to taxpayers when the law was triggered for just the second time since its passage in 1986. The revenue from the Millionaire Tax is deposited into the new Education and Transportation Stabilization Fund. Continue reading TAX REVENUE FROM MILLIONAIRE’S TAX (H 3900) →

HOUSE APPROVES $56.2 BILLION FISCAL 2024 STATE BUDGET (H 3900)

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By Bob Katzen

The House 156-0, approved and sent to the Senate a $56.2 billion fiscal 2024 state budget after adding an estimated $120 million in spending during three days of debate. The House version now goes to the Senate which will approve a different version. A House-Senate conference committee will eventually craft a plan that will be presented to the House and Senate for consideration and then sent to the governor.
Continue reading HOUSE APPROVES $56.2 BILLION FISCAL 2024 STATE BUDGET (H 3900) →

City Councilor Rick Caraviello officially launches campaign for Mayor of Medford

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Cites his consistent, transparent, and common-sense approach to city government

MEDFORD, MA – City Councilor Richard “Rick” Caraviello announced his candidacy for Mayor of Medford. With over 12 years of experience serving on the Medford City Council, including three terms as President, Caraviello brings a wealth of knowledge and dedication to the community.
Continue reading City Councilor Rick Caraviello officially launches campaign for Mayor of Medford →

Somerville Affordable Housing Trust Seeks One New Member

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The City of Somerville seeks one Somerville resident to serve in a volunteer capacity on the Somerville Affordable Housing Trust (SAHT). This vacancy is for a Somerville tenant whose household is income eligible for federal or state housing programs with an interest in addressing and advocating for the city’s affordable housing needs. Continue reading Somerville Affordable Housing Trust Seeks One New Member →

Brad Rawson’s cContinuing Spree of Failures to this City

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By Arthur Moore

It just goes on and on as one failure after another leads to another one. Our Powder House Circle was like a national monument to this city. Not it looks like something out of a comic book causing people to drive more to get around this corn maze. It should be considered defacing a national treasure it is so bad. Why is he still employed here? His job is like plagiarism. He copies things that are in place in other cities and pastes them here. Continue reading Brad Rawson’s cContinuing Spree of Failures to this City →

USPS Improving Service Reliability, Financial Sustainability in First Two Years of Delivering for America Plan

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New progress report details milestones to date under 10-year plan, including:
Improved operating practices across the organization driving transformational change.
Service performance improves today with 98% of American public receiving mail and packages within three days. Continue reading USPS Improving Service Reliability, Financial Sustainability in First Two Years of Delivering for America Plan →

Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line: Brad Rawson hands-down wins the award for having an ego bigger than the universe!

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

I belong to Ward 7, but decided to attend Ward 5 Meeting as well.
Among the glaring highlights, Brad Rawson hands-down wins the award for having an ego bigger than the universe. Continue reading Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line: Brad Rawson hands-down wins the award for having an ego bigger than the universe! →

Letter from the Editor: “Do as I say not as I do!” It Must Be Nice to Be Entitled?

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“Do as I say not as I do!” it must be nice to be entitled? This is the same person, our new mayor, Katjana Ballantyne that I had a televised debate with during the last election that she said that her “husband was not a developer”, but people were more concerned that I drove a Hummer! Continue reading Letter from the Editor: “Do as I say not as I do!” It Must Be Nice to Be Entitled? →

Join Somerville Prevention Services to Learn About Preventing, Spotting, and Treating Problem Gambling

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Are you familiar with problem gambling? The National Council on Problem Gambling estimates that two million adults in the U.S. meet the criteria for gambling disorder, with another four to six million people in the U.S. struggling with problem gambling. Continue reading Join Somerville Prevention Services to Learn About Preventing, Spotting, and Treating Problem Gambling →

Attend a Nibble Kitchen Cooking Class in May

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Calling all food explorers – Nibble Kitchen, a Somerville Arts Council initiative that celebrates culinary-cultural exchange, is hosting a series of cooking classes led by Nibble Chefs and program graduates representing their home countries, cultures, and cuisine. Participants prepare a meal and dine together all while learning about delicious foods. Continue reading Attend a Nibble Kitchen Cooking Class in May →

Meetings Start This Week With Ward 3 (Tuesday 4/25) & Ward 5 (Wed. 4/26)

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Come to your ward’s City Hall Community Meeting for an overview of the latest City and neighborhood news and to learn more about City programs and initiatives, meet your neighbors, find ways to get involved, talk with elected officials and City staff, and enjoy local pizza. The spring season starts this week with meetings in Ward 3 and Ward 5. Continue reading Meetings Start This Week With Ward 3 (Tuesday 4/25) & Ward 5 (Wed. 4/26) →

SustainaVille Week Returns! Celebrate & Learn About Climate Action April 22-29

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SustainaVille: Creating a Resilient and Carbon Neutral Somerville

SustainaVille Week, the City’s annual celebration of sustainability and climate action in Somerville returns April 22-27 with a series of free events, workshops, and interactive activities this week. Continue reading SustainaVille Week Returns! Celebrate & Learn About Climate Action April 22-29 →

This Week’s QUOTABLE QUOTES on Beacon Hill

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By Bob Katzen

“Companies who employ young workers must comply with our child labor laws and provide a safe and fair environment for them. My office remains committed to protecting the health and well-being of the state’s youngest workers, ensuring their rights are protected, and that companies are complying with the rules we have in place.” Continue reading This Week’s QUOTABLE QUOTES on Beacon Hill →

Real Life Somerville Police Stories: (Assault w/ Dangerous Weapon, Larceny) (Boston & Brockton Warrants) Arrest

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On April 16, 2023, I, Officer Ferrara, was in full uniform working for the Somerville Police Department, assigned to marked unit East-1. At approximately 1842 HRS, I was dispatched along with Sector East to the area of 698 Assembly Row, for a report of a white male wearing a white shirt and tan pants with a blue duffel bag threatening people with a knife. Continue reading Real Life Somerville Police Stories: (Assault w/ Dangerous Weapon, Larceny) (Boston & Brockton Warrants) Arrest →

Real Life Somerville Police Stories: (A&B w/ Dangerous Weapon, A&B on Person over 60 or Disabled Arrest

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The following report is a brief summary of incident #23020338:

On April 15, 2023, I, Officer Dylan Lambert, was working my assigned shift in marked unit East-1. At approximately 5:26 PM, I was dispatched to the area of Bairos Liquors located at 78 Broadway, Somerville, MA in regards an injured party that was bleeding. As I was enroute, Somerville Dispatch informed me that the injured party may have been assaulted. Somerville Dispatch radioed that the suspect was still on scene, but was attempting to flee. All of the East-End Patrol Units responded to assist. Continue reading Real Life Somerville Police Stories: (A&B w/ Dangerous Weapon, A&B on Person over 60 or Disabled Arrest →

Man Found Guilty in Connection with 2021 North Cambridge Shooting

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CAMBRIDGE – Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan and Cambridge Police Commissioner Christine Elow have announced that Che Meranda, 31 of Boston, was found guilty last week by a Middlesex Superior Court jury of two counts of assault with intent to kill, assault with a dangerous weapon, two counts of carrying a firearm and carrying a firearm while loaded, possession of ammunition, two counts of reckless endangerment of a child and discharging a firearm within 500 feet of a building. These charges stem from an incident in August, 2021 in which Meranda drove through North Cambridge firing multiple rounds from his car at another man. Continue reading Man Found Guilty in Connection with 2021 North Cambridge Shooting →

Somerville 2023 Yard Waste Pickup Begins April 18

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SOMERVILLE– The City’s yard waste pickup program resumes for 2023 on Tuesday, April 18. Yard waste is picked up weekly in the early spring (April 18 through May 12, 2023) and mid-to-late fall (October 10-December 8, 2023) and is picked up every other week during the intervening weeks. To check the full yard waste calendar, please visit somervillema.gov/yardwaste or call 311 (617-666-3311). Continue reading Somerville 2023 Yard Waste Pickup Begins April 18 →

Somerville Police Department Crime Log 4/11/2023 – 4/17/2023

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Residential Breaking & Entering

23018904: On 4/13/23 at approximately 8:03 AM, Somerville Police responded to an apartment complex in Assembly Row for report of a past breaking and entering. Upon arrival, officers spoke with the victim who stated that his storage unit was broken into and multiple electronics were stolen.

Commercial Breaking & Entering Continue reading Somerville Police Department Crime Log 4/11/2023 – 4/17/2023 →

BRING BACK THE ANNUAL TIP OFF CLASSIC TO SPRINGFIELD

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By Bob Katzen

Rep. Angelo Puppolo (D-Springfield) and other Springfield officials have begun a campaign lobbying National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) President and former Bay State Gov. Charlie Baker to return the annual Tip-Off Classic game to Springfield, the home of the Basketball Hall of Fame. The city hosted the games for some 26 years at the former Springfield Civic Center from 1979 to 2005. Continue reading BRING BACK THE ANNUAL TIP OFF CLASSIC TO SPRINGFIELD →

CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHT TO HOUSING (H 29)

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By Bob Katzen

The Housing Committee held a hearing on a proposed constitutional amendment requiring that the state provide “sufficient and comprehensive planning, for affordable, well-constructed and reasonably varied housing for all residents.” The housing policies would focus on restoration, rehabilitation and new construction of housing units to all identifiable population groups, without discrimination. Continue reading CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHT TO HOUSING (H 29) →

HOUSE WAYS AND MEANS COMMITTEE PROPOSES $56.2 BILLION FISCAL 2024 STATE BUDGET (H 4000)

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By Bob Katzen

The House fired the second shot in the long battle over the state budget for fiscal year 2022 that begins on July 1. Gov. Maura Healey fired the opening volley in January when she filed her version of the spending package. The House Ways and Means Committee last week unveiled its own $56.2 billion version. Continue reading HOUSE WAYS AND MEANS COMMITTEE PROPOSES $56.2 BILLION FISCAL 2024 STATE BUDGET (H 4000) →

NEW CABINET POSITION: SECRETARY OF HOUSING AND LIVABLE COMMUNITIES (H 43)

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By Bob Katzen

The Senate 39-0, approved and sent to the House Gov. Maura Healey’s reorganization plan that would split the current Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development into two separate cabinet level departments: the new Secretary of Housing and Livable Communities and the renamed Secretary of Economic Development.
Continue reading NEW CABINET POSITION: SECRETARY OF HOUSING AND LIVABLE COMMUNITIES (H 43) →

RAISE TRIGGER POINT FOR TAX REFUND (H 3770)

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By Bob Katzen

The House 25-129, rejected a Republican amendment to a section of the Democrats’ tax relief bill that would change a current law that provides when the state’s Stabilization Fund, also known as the Rainy Day Fund, exceeds 15 percent of budgeted revenues, the excess is transferred to the Tax Reduction Fund which eventually is returned to taxpayers. The Democrats’ tax relief bill would raise that percent to 25.5 percent.
Continue reading RAISE TRIGGER POINT FOR TAX REFUND (H 3770) →

13 Arrested in Connection with Large Scale, $2 Million a Year, Drug Operation that Included Sale of Drugs Containing Dangerous Tranquilizer, Xylazine

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Search Warrants Executed Across Framingham and Multiple Communities

Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan, Framingham Chief of Police Lester Baker, Massachusetts State Police Colonel John Mawn, the MetroWest Drug Task Force, Michael Krol, Acting Special Agent in Charge for Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in New England and the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) Boston, Financial Investigations Team have confirmed that 13 individuals have been arrested in connection with a large scale operation to traffic drugs including fentanyl, methamphetamine, pills and cocaine. Continue reading 13 Arrested in Connection with Large Scale, $2 Million a Year, Drug Operation that Included Sale of Drugs Containing Dangerous Tranquilizer, Xylazine →

Somerville Anti-Displacement Task Force Seeks New Members for Cultural, Residential and Small Business Displacement Committees

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The City of Somerville Anti-Displacement Task Force (ADTF), which was formed to research and recommend policies to prevent residential displacement, has now expanded to advocate for a wider range of the Somerville community, including small business displacement and cultural displacement. Continue reading Somerville Anti-Displacement Task Force Seeks New Members for Cultural, Residential and Small Business Displacement Committees →

Medford-Bodies of Two Missing Men Located, Man Charged in Connection with Murder

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Top photo:Leonid Volkov Booking Photo Coutesty of Medford Police Department

MEDFORD – Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan and Medford Chief of Police Jack Buckley have confirmed that the bodies of Kiryl Schukin, 37 and Pavel Vekshin, 28 were located early yesterday morning (Saturday) inside a storage unit on North Beacon Street in Brighton. The investigation indicates that both men succumbed to stab wounds. Leonid Volkov, 37, of Medford, who was known to the victims has been arrested and charged with murder. Continue reading Medford-Bodies of Two Missing Men Located, Man Charged in Connection with Murder →

Letter from the Editor: Now You See It, Now You Don’t! Giraffe Named After Deceased Medford Boy Removed

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By William Tauro

Now You See It, Now You Don’t!

They took out the giraffe that was in front of Legoland at Assembly Row to put in a new Rainbow 🌈 colored one! It’s going to be installed soon!

The sad part of it is that in 2017 the giraffe was renamed Geo after a Medford boy who died after battling congenital heart problems. Let’s see if they keep Gio as a name?
Continue reading Letter from the Editor: Now You See It, Now You Don’t! Giraffe Named After Deceased Medford Boy Removed →

Applications Open for 18 Income-Restricted Rental Units at 346 Somerville Ave.

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Mayor Katjana Ballantyne and the City of Somerville Housing Division are pleased to announce that applications are now open for 18 income-restricted rental units at Union 346 (346 Somerville Ave.) in Union Square, available through the City of Somerville’s Inclusionary Housing Program. Units are available to households making at or below 50%, 80%, and 110% of the Area Median Income. The lottery includes 15 studios and three 1-bedroom units. Continue reading Applications Open for 18 Income-Restricted Rental Units at 346 Somerville Ave. →

This Week’s QUOTABLE QUOTES on Beacon Hill

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By Bob Katzen

“The cost of labor remains an elevated concern for small business owners, many of whom still can’t hire qualified workers. Beacon Hill must heed the warnings from beleaguered employers and reject special interest group demands to increase the minimum wage to an unsustainable $20 per hour. Further driving up the cost of doing business would be detrimental to economic growth and could not only put a chill on job creation but increase the cost of products and services for Massachusetts consumers.” Continue reading This Week’s QUOTABLE QUOTES on Beacon Hill →

ANIMAL ABUSE REGISTRY (H 1557)

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By Bob Katzen

Another bill heard by the Judiciary Committee would create a registry of Massachusetts residents convicted of abusing animals and require the abusers to register. A first conviction of failure to register would be punishable by up to five years in jail and/or up to a $1,000 fine. Subsequent convictions would result in a mandatory 5-year prison sentence.
Continue reading ANIMAL ABUSE REGISTRY (H 1557) →

FAKE SERVICE ANIMALS (H 1481)

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By Bob Katzen

A bill that would make it a crime for anyone to misrepresent that a dog or other animal is a service animal was heard by the Judiciary Committee. First-time offenders would be required to perform 30 hours of community service for an organization that serves individuals with disabilities and/or up to a $500 fine. Subsequent offenses would be punishable by 60 hours of community service and/or up to a $1,000 fine.
Continue reading FAKE SERVICE ANIMALS (H 1481) →

ESTABLISH INDEPENDENT REDISTRICTING COMMISSION (S 7)

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By Bob Katzen

The Election Laws Committee held a hearing on a proposed constitutional amendment that would establish a seven-member redistricting commission to draw Massachusetts legislative and congressional districts every 10 years. The plan then would be submitted to the Legislature, which would vote it up or down. The amendment would replace current law which allows the Legislature itself to draw the districts.
Continue reading ESTABLISH INDEPENDENT REDISTRICTING COMMISSION (S 7) →

ALLOW TEMPORARY LICENSE PLATES

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By Bob Katzen

A new Massachusetts law that took effect last week would allow car dealers and sellers in Massachusetts to provide temporary 9-day license plates for vehicles that are purchased by out-of-state residents and allow them to use the plates until the vehicle can be driven to and registered in their home state. The measure went into effect last week but was originally approved by the Legislature and signed into law by former Gov. Charlie Baker in January. Under Massachusetts law, most new laws take effect 90 days following the governor’s signing of them.
Continue reading ALLOW TEMPORARY LICENSE PLATES →

EXTRA PAY FOR 103 REPRESENTATIVES

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By Bob Katzen

One hundred and three of the current 158 representatives receive an additional stipend, ranging from $7,096 to $109,163, above the $73,655 base salary, for their positions in the Democratic and Republican leadership, as committee chairs, vice chairs and the ranking Republican on some committees. Fifty-five representatives do not receive a stipend. The stipend is increased or decreased every two years based on data from the BEA that measures the quarterly change in salaries and wages. Continue reading EXTRA PAY FOR 103 REPRESENTATIVES →

BBB Scam Alert: Small businesses spot an invoice scam posing as the Geek Squad or PayPal

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BBB in Eastern MA, ME, RI & VT —

You may have encountered a fake invoice if you are running a small business (or keeping books for one). Phony bills have long been a favorite and effective trick of scammers. Recently, BBB Scam Tracker has gotten multiple reports of a new version of this scam, where con artists pretend to be contacting you as part of the Geek Squad, which is owned by Best Buy (BBB Accredited Business) or through PayPal (BBB Accredited Business). Continue reading BBB Scam Alert: Small businesses spot an invoice scam posing as the Geek Squad or PayPal →

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If you have any questions about these Terms and Conditions, or the content or practices of our website, you can contact Mass Publishing Inc. directly at: Wmtauro@aol.com WHAT OUR PRIVACY POLICY COVERS · What our Privacy Policy Covers · What Personal Information is Collected · How We Protect Your Information · How We Use Your Personal Information · Who Views Your Personal Information · Making a Purchase · Children Under 13 · Website Cookies · Questions About This Policy WHAT OUR PRIVACY POLICY COVERS Thank you for visiting our site. We are committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy covers any personal information that we obtain from you when you use services on our site. This policy does not cover the practices of companies that we do not own or control, or the actions of people that we do not employ or manage. Our Privacy Policy may change in the future. We invite you to check back periodically to see if we have made any changes. By using this site, you agree to the terms of our policy. For more information about the terms of use for this site, please visit our legal page. WHAT PERSONAL INFORMATION IS COLLECTED Depending on how you use our site, we may ask you to share personal information with us. Whether you choose to give us this information is completely up to you, but keep in mind that if you withhold information, you may not be able to use some of our services. We will ask you for information, including some personal information, when you Make a purchase. When you buy something on this site, you have to supply a billing address, phone number, shipping address, and credit card information. HOW WE PROTECT YOUR INFORMATION We realize that our customers trust us to protect their personal information. We take that task seriously. We never display your full credit card number once it has been entered. We urge you to protect your own privacy. We recommend that you do not share your password with anyone or share your password in an unsolicited phone call or e-mail. Unfortunately, despite all of our efforts, there is always a risk that third parties may unlawfully intercept transmissions. This reality is true of all Internet use. As a result, we cannot ensure the security of any information you transmit, and you transmit all information at your own risk. HOW WE USE YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION We collect personal information primarily to make our services more rewarding for you to use. We usually use this information for internal purposes, such as studying our customers' preferences. We may also use your information to contact you for account and promotional purposes. WHO VIEWS YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION We may share your personal information with companies that perform services for us, such as delivering packages, sending postal mail and e-mails, processing credit card payments, investigating fraudulent activity, and providing customer service. They have access to personal information needed to perform their functions, but may not disclose your personally identifiable information for other purposes. Some personal information is stored on servers owned by other companies. Only our personel and our websites have the right to access this information. We do not currently sell or license personal information and have no plans to do so. Your personal information will only be used by this site. At this time, we do not share any personal information with marketing affiliates. It is unlikely that this policy will change in the future. If we do decide to share information with our affiliates, we will post a notice in this Privacy Policy. MAKING A PURCHASE When you buy something on this site, you have to supply a billing address, phone number, shipping address, and credit card information. By making a purchase, you become a registered user. You can choose to store information needed to make a purchase, such as your shipping and billing addresses in the My Account — Profile page. Your credit card information is NEVER stored in our databases and is used only for the duration of the purchase transaction. This data is always transmitted securely to the merchant bank and immediately erased from our systems. CHILDREN UNDER 13 Our site is not designed for children. We do not wish to collect personal information from children under 13. This policy is designed to protect children. Federal law requires us to take special steps to safeguard children's privacy. If you register with us and we discover that you are under 13, we will delete your registration. We will send you a message if we do this. If you are under 13 and want to make a purchase, please ask a parent to place the order for you. WEBSITE COOKIES We collect some anonymous information about how you use the site by setting and accessing cookies on your computer. These cookies track information such as how often you visit our web site, what pages you view, and where you go after you leave the site. The cookies track your computer, not you. They are not connected to any personal information about you. QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS POLICY If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy, or the content or practices of our website, you can contact us directly at: Mass Publishing Inc. wmtauro@aol.com Terms & Conditions/ Cancellation/return policy:If unsatisfied with subscription 7 day money back cancellation return policy on monthly subscriptions. 30 day money back cancellation return policy on yearly subscriptions. Contact Email: Somervillenewsweekly@yahoo.com