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

HOW ABOUT IF I, Karen Glover, a woman, decide that I want to be a DRAG KING? Yes, that’s right, a DRAG KING…I’ll wear an oversized mustache, thick fake eyebrows, a man’s wig…I’ll wear exaggerated muscular padding to emulate that of the most extreme body builder. I’ll have to attach a huge, prominent plastic male appendage below my waist to be hidden in extra room jeans to achieve my desired effect. Continue reading Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line: LIBRARIES MAY NO LONGER PROVIDE WHOLESOME ENVIRON- MENTS FOR CHILDREN… JUST THE OPPOSITE! →

PHILIPPE’S OBITUARY

Diligent, Philippe D. – Of Medford October 11, 2022. Beloved husband of Jeanne (Andre) Diligent. Complete notice to follow. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Philippe D. Diligent →

VINCENZA’S OBITUARY

Capobianco, Vincenza (Patalano)– Of Somerville, passed away on Sunday October 23rd surrounded by her loving family. She was 82.
Born and raised in Gaeta, Italy. She was the daughter of the late Carlo and Concettina (Simeone) Patalano. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Vincenza Capobianco →

CATHERINE’S OBITUARY
Hughes, Catherine (Cosegrove)– Of Somerville, passed away at home after a courageous battle with cancer surrounded by her loving family on Saturday October 22, 2022. She was 67.
Complete obit to follow. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Catherine Hughes →

By Bob Katzen

Beacon Hill Roll Call tracks the length of time that the House and Senate were in session each week. Many legislators say that legislative sessions are only one aspect of the Legislature’s job and that a lot of important work is done outside of the House and Senate chambers. Continue reading HOW LONG WAS LAST WEEK’S SESSION? →

On the afternoon of October 18, 2022, I, Officer Ferrara, was in full uniform working for the Somerville Police Department, assigned to marked unit East-1. At approximately 2:52 P.M, I was dispatched to 460 Assembly Row, (Ralph Lauren) for a report of a past larceny. Officer Nick Moreira, East-2, responded as back up.
Continue reading Real Life Somerville Police Stories: (Larceny)Arrest →

By Bob Katzen

#1.
— From research by WeWin.com, a personal injury law firm in Louisville, Kentucky declaring Massachusetts as the safest state in which to drive. Continue reading This Week’s QUOTABLE QUOTES on Beacon Hill →

By Bob Katzen

The Senate approved a measure, sponsored by Rep. Michelle Ciccolo (D-Lexington), designating July 8 as Massachusetts Emancipation Day also to be known as Quock Walker Day, in recognition of the court ruling that rendered slavery unconstitutional in the commonwealth. Walker, born to enslaved Black parents in Massachusetts, was the driving force behind this ruling.
Continue reading DESIGNATING JULY 8 AS MASSACHUSETTS EMANCIPATION DAY (H 3117) →

By Bob Katzen

The House approved and sent to the Senate a bill designating the last day of February as rare disease day in Massachusetts in order to “increase public awareness of rare diseases which affect millions of Americans resulting in special challenges encountered by patients and their families as well as the impact upon medical professionals, researchers, educators and others who serve the rare disease community.”
Continue reading RARE DISEASE DAY (H 3101) →

By Bob Katzen

The House approved and sent to the Senate a bill that would create a “chain of custody” for used catalytic converter sales. A catalytic converter is a device that converts the environmentally hazardous exhaust emitted by a vehicle’s engine into less harmful gasses. The measure requires the buyer to keep records of each converter purchased, from which vehicle it was removed from, and who the seller was. These records would be made available upon request to law enforcement. Continue reading THEFT OF CATALYTIC CONVERTERS (H 4722) →

By Bob Katzen

The fourth question on the November ballot asks voters if they support a law, approved by the Legislature, which will allow, starting July 1, 2023, undocumented/illegal immigrants to apply for a Massachusetts standard driver’s license.
Continue reading QUESTION 4 – ALLOWING DRIVER’S LICENSES FOR UNDOCUMENTED/ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS →

Over a year passed. Hope all enjoy color and mild days. You are cordially invited to a 1965 MHS BUSPASSBOOKBAG LUNCHEON Continue reading Welcome Fall Buspass Luncheon →

Free Open Streets event to feature live music, family-friendly activities, and more

SomerStreets: Monster Mash, the final SomerStreets festival of the year, takes over Somerville Avenue on Sunday, October 30, from 2 to 6 p.m. (rain date: November 6). Join the family-friendly festivities for tricks and treats aplenty between School Street and Warren Avenue, including: Continue reading SomerStreets Monster Mash: Sunday, October 30, 2-6 p.m. →

City Halloween Celebration Scheduled for October 27, 5-7p.m.

SOMERVILLE – Mayor Katjana Ballantyne and the City of Somerville are excited to invite all local ghosts and ghouls to “Truck O’Treat” on Thursday, October 27, from 5-7 p.m. outside City Hall. Continue reading Somerville Invites Kids of All Ages to “Truck O’ Treat” at City Hall →

Our sincere condolences, thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of Lawrence W. Moore on his passing. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Lawrence W. Moore →

Our sincere condolences, thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of Barbara Cassesso on her passing. Barbara was a wonderful person who will be sadly missed here in Somerville.

BARBARA’S OBITUARY
When Barbara Cassesso passed away in her home in Somerville on October 18, 2022, the world lost a little bit of its tolerance; its compassion; and its will to stand up for those who are oppressed, abandoned, ignored and in need. Barbara passed away peacefully and without pain in the constant and loving care of her children. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Barbara Cassesso →

WILLIAM’S OBITUARY
O’Riordan, William “Bill”– Of Somerville passed away peacefully at home with his family by his side on Wednesday October 19, 2022. He was 95.
Born and raised in Cork, Ireland. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering William O’Riordan →

Louis A. “Louie” Barretto Sr., called to the arms of the Lord at his home in Melrose with his family by his side on October 18th, 2022. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Louis A. Barretto Sr. →

Click on link below to read October 18th, 2022 The Somerville Medford News Weekly Print Edition Online October 18th, 2022 The Somerville Medford News Weekly Print Edition Online (1)

STS. LOUIS & ZELIE MARTIN PARISH’S Annual Holiday Bazaar will take place on Friday, November 4 from 2:00-7:00 p.m., and Saturday, November 5, 2022, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in St. CATHERINE’S parish hall, 179 Summer Street, Somerville. Silent auction, jewelry table, raffles, refreshments, etc. Continue reading STS. LOUIS & ZELIE MARTIN PARISH’S Annual Holiday Bazaar →

By Karen Glover

MBTA BOARD OF DIRECTORS CO-CHAIR, MAYOR OF THE CITY OF QUINCY, THE HONORABLE THOMAS P. KOCH, WHOLEHEARTEDLY SUPPORTS THE ONGOING EFFORTS OF ALL SOMERVILLE CITIZENS TO SAVE ALL VITAL BUS ROUTES! Continue reading FiNALLY, A GLIMMER OF HOPE IN SOMERVILLE →

The City of Somerville seeks five members for the Mayor’s Appointments Advisory Committee (AAC), and all Somerville residents are invited to apply. Boards and commissions offer an opportunity for residents with a range of experience, skills, expertise, and perspectives to share their talents and insights with their community. Continue reading Appointments Advisory Committee Seeks New Members →

Vigil Scheduled for Wednesday, October 26, 2022, at 6:00pm

SOMERVILLE – Mayor Katjana Ballantyne, the Somerville Commission for Women, and RESPOND, Inc. are honored to invite residents to join them for the annual Domestic Violence Vigil on Wednesday, October 26, to remember those who lost their lives to domestic violence in 2022.
Continue reading Somerville Holding Vigil for Victims of Domestic Violence →

By Bob Katzen

“The ability to grant pardons is a very serious responsibility, but through careful consideration and review, I believe these individuals are worthy candidates for a pardon. All of these individuals have shown a commitment to their communities and rehabilitation since their convictions. However, the charges are related to decades-old convictions that continue to have an impact on their lives. I look forward to the Governor’s Council’s review of these recommendations.” Continue reading THIS WEEK’S QUOTABLE QUOTES ON BEACON HILL →

By Bob Katzen

Sen. Patrick O’Connor (R-Weymouth) filed several bills that were shipped off to a study committee including:
S 1946: Allows a credit for childcare costs up to $3,000 per year. The childcare provider must be licensed in Massachusetts and the child must be a dependent of the taxpayer. Continue reading FOUR MORE TAX REDUCTION BILLS →

By Bob Katzen

Bill# (H 3058) – Would create a 25 percent personal income tax credit of up to $250, on the purchase and installation of plants and landscaping items intended to reduce water usage including drought resistant plants that last for more than one year; kits or devices specifically designed for generating compost; rainwater recovery and storage devices where they are used for watering plants; and underground drip irrigation systems.
Continue reading UP TO $250 TAX CREDIT FOR PURCHASE AND INSTALLATION OF PLANTS AND LANDSCAPING INTENDED TO REDUCE WATER USAGE →

By Bob Katzen

This bill would create property tax exemptions for the primary homes of veterans who are disabled as a result of their service. The state would reimburse cities and towns for this exemption. Continue reading TAX EXEMPTIONS FOR DISABLED VETERANS (S 1934) →

By Bob Katzen

The House approved and sent to the Senate a bill that would establish an annual Right Whale Day in Massachusetts on April 24. Continue reading RIGHT WHALE DAY (H 3869) →

By Bob Katzen

Rep. Mike Connolly (D-Cambridge) has filed a bill that would change the formula for how $2.9 billion in tax refunds will be distributed to taxpayers based on Chapter 62F, a 1986 law approved by the voters. That law requires that tax revenue above a certain amount collected by the state go back to the taxpayers on a proportional basis equal to the amount of state income tax they paid the state in 2021. Auditor Suzanne Bump has determined that the net state tax revenues of $41,812,654,358 for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2022 is $2,941,499,731 above the allowable state tax revenues of $38,871,154,627.
Continue reading CHANGE DISTRIBUTION FORMULA FOR $2.9 BILLION IN TAX RELIEF (HD 5394) →

By Bob Katzen

QUESTION 3 – The third question on the November ballot asks voters if they support a law that would increase the statewide limits on the combined number of licenses that one retailer could control for the sale of alcoholic beverages and beer and wine for off-premises (non-restaurant and bar) consumption. Off-premises includes package stores, supermarkets and other venues where alcohol can be purchased but not consumed. The law would increase the number from the current nine to 12 licenses in 2023; 15 licenses in 2027 and 18 licenses in 2031. Continue reading Question #3: EXPANDS AVAILABILITY OF LICENSES FOR OFF-PREMISES CONSUMPTION OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES →

DOROTHEA’S OBITUARY
Cook, Dorothea L. (Gerbrands)– Of Somerville, passed away on Wednesday October 12th at the Winchester Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. She was 96. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Dorothea L Cook →

The Somerville Job Creation and Retention Trust (JCRT) Board is hosting its annual public forum on Tuesday, October 25, and launching a survey to understand community priorities for JCRT funds.
Continue reading Job Creation and Retention Trust Survey and Public Meeting, October 25 →

The following is a summary of the details related to this incident.

On Sunday, October 16, 2022, I, Officer David Ruf, was in full-uniform and assigned to marked cruiser East-1, for the Somerville Police Department. At approximately 5:02 A.M, Officer Morel (East-4) and I were dispatched to 10 Connecticut Ave for a dispute.
Continue reading Real Life Somerville Police Stories: (MV Vandalism, Resisting Arrest, Disorderly Conduct) →

FOUND DOGS!!! PLEASE SHARE!!!

Does anyone recognize us? We were found today (10/16/22) in Assembly. We are a male (black) and female (cream) very friendly pair. If you have any information please call us at 617-625-6600 ext. 2190 thank you! Continue reading Somerville Animal Control Updates: FOUND DOGS! →

Click on link below to see video:

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By William Tauro

Open year round, dawn to dusk. The banks of the Mystic Lake beginning in Somerville and Medford are almost entirely publicly owned, from the Amelia Earhart Dam at the mouth of the Mystic Lakes, making it one of the Commonwealth’s best protected streams.

The Mystic Lakes flows through Somerville, Medford, Arlington, Malden, Its headwaters begin in Reading, and form the Aberjona River which flows through Winchester and into the upper Mystic Lake. From the lower Mystic Lake, the Mystic River flows through Arlington, Somerville, Medford, Everett, Chelsea, Charlestown, and East Boston before discharging to Boston Harbor.

Continue reading Mystic Lakes Environmentle Disaster Due To Neglect and Incompetence →

Congratulations to newly promoted Sergeant, Mackenzie Richardson. Continue reading Somerville Police Department Sergeant Promotion →

MARGARET’S OBITUARY
Inman, Margaret L. ( Milley) Of Columbia, SC formerly of Somerville, passed away on Monday October 10, 2022. She was 93 years young. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Margaret L. Inman →

Louis F. ‘Louie’ Soares, 58, of Andover, passed away Monday, October 10, 2022, at Mass General Hospital after a period of declining health. He was the beloved husband of Leonilda A. (Alves) Soares, with whom he shared Thirty Eight years of Marriage this past September 29th. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Louis F. ‘Louie’ Soares →

Please share this with every small business and resident in Somerville to attend this meeting. They will be discussing eliminating parking and expanding dedicated bike lanes, so act on it and let your voices be heard! Let’s all share the roads in Somerville using common sense! Continue reading Letter from the Editor: CITYWIDE PARKING AND CURB USE STUDY FINAL REPORT AND COMMUNITY MEETING, OCTOBER 19 →

For the first time ever, the Department of Veterans Services will have the exciting opportunity to host the Vietnam Moving Wall from November 10th to November 14th. Continue reading Vietnam Moving Wall from November 10th to November 14th →

Mayor Katjana Ballantyne and City staff invite you to a community meeting to discuss findings from the Citywide Parking and Curb Use Study and its proposed recommendations for developing an effective, equitable curb-management system in Somerville.
Continue reading Citywide Parking and Curb Use Study Final Report and Community Meeting, October 19 →

TIFFANY’S OBITUARY
Tiffany Taylor passed away on October 7th 2022 at her home in Somerville Ma. She was 52 and died of liver failure. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Tiffany Taylor →

On Tuesday, October 4, 2022, I Officer Paul Beckford, was on duty for the Somerville Police (East 2). At approximately 5:11PM, Officer Ed Soares (East 3), Officer Samir Messaoudi (East 1), and I were dispatched to Target located at 180 Somerville Ave for an unwanted.

Continue reading Real Life Somerville Police Stories: (Trespass, Possession of Dangerous Weapons, Shoplifting) →

MARGARET’S OBITUARY

Agostinelli, Margaret R. (McDonald)- Of Stoneham passed away peacefully on Tuesday October 11, 2022 at The Brentwood Nursing and Rehabilitation in Danvers. She was 80 years young. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Margaret R Augustinelli →

HENRY’S OBITUARY

Augustin, Henry B. — Of Somerville passed away on Sunday October 2, 2022 after a tragic motor vehicle accident. He was 23 years young.
Born in Port Au Prince, Haiti, he was the beloved son of Parete and Mirdith A. Joseph of Somerville, Ma. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Henry B. Augustin →

Robbery
22055354: On 9/28/22 at approximately 4:01 PM, Somerville Police responded to 268 Powder House Blvd for report of a past robbery. Upon arrival, officers spoke with two juvenile victims who stated they were approached by two juvenile males whom demanded they give up their phones. The victims complied and both suspects fled into the Clarendon Hill Housing. Continue reading Somerville Police Updates →

Commercial Breaking and Entering
22056865: Somerville Police are interested in speaking with the individual shown below in relation to a breaking and entering that occurred at a business in Assembly Row on 10/5/22 at approximately 1:27 AM. The suspect left in a late 90’s or early 2000’s red Mercedes convertible. Anyone with information regarding this individual is asked to please contact the Somerville Police Department at 617-625-1600. Continue reading Somerville Police Department Updates →

Click on link below to read October 11th, 2022 The Somerville Medford News Weekly Print Edition Online October 11th, 2022 The Somerville Medford News Weekly Print Edition Online (1)

By Karen Glover

Melissa Dullea, Senior Director of Service Planning at The Mbta, a/k/a The Bus Redesign Project, along with Brad Rawson, Director of the Somerville Mobility Division of Strategic Planning& Community Development, are determined to attempt to brainwash us into thinking that eliminating # 89 buses arriving and departing from Clarendon Hill Towers is an acceptable idea. This idea is absolutely unacceptable! Continue reading NOW MBTA DETERMINED TO INFLICT A “TRANSFER” HARDSHIP UPON CLARENDON HILL TOWERS POPULATION AND ALL BUS RIDERS ASSOCIATED WITH THE #89 BUS! →

ALICE’S OBITUARY:

Alice M. Howard (Drummey) of Peabody, MA formally of Medford passed peacefully on Saturday, October 8th. Daughter of the late John J. Drummey and Julianne Drummey (Meagher). The loving wife of 67 years to the late John J. Howard.
Sister of the late James Drummey, Mary McCarthy, Anne Scollans. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Alice M. Howard →

By Bob Katzen

HAPPY CRANBERRY MONTH – Gov. Charlie Baker declared October as “Massachusetts Cranberry Month.”

“The Baker-Polito Administration is proud to support cranberry growers, who make significant contributions to the commonwealth’s agricultural sector and local economies. Our local growers are true stewards of the land, implementing the latest in proprietary technology and equipment to harvest their fruit, and utilizing innovative methods that conserve water and protect Massachusetts’ natural resources.”
— Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Beth Card. Continue reading THIS WEEK’S QUOTABLE QUOTES ON BEACON HILL →

By Bob Katzen

Bill#(H 821) – Would require anyone conducting a “push poll” to identify the candidate or organization for which he or she is working and inform the interviewee that the telephone call is a paid political advertisement.
Continue reading REGULATE “PUSH POLLING” →

By Bob Katzen

Bill# (S 456) – Under current law, all Massachusetts households receive in the mail and must fill out an annual street listing (census) form that includes each resident’s name, address, date of birth, occupation, veteran status and nationality, if not a citizen of the United States, in January of each year. The information is used to maintain voting and jury lists, aid in school enrollment projections and for many other things including veterans’ benefits and proof of residency for state universities. Continue reading ALLOW RESIDENTS TO REQUEST ANONYMITY ON STREET LISTINGS →

By Bob Katzen
Bill#(S 467) – Makes it a crime to bribe someone to attend or not to attend their local town meeting and imposes up to a 1-year prison sentence on violators. Current law makes it illegal to pay someone to vote at an election but does not apply to town meetings. Continue reading MAKE IT ILLEGAL TO PAY SOMEONE TO ATTEND TOWN MEETING →

By Bob Katzen

The House gave initial approval to a bill that applies to cities and towns which have put a tax lien on a condominium property for the owner’s failure to pay property taxes. The measure allows cities and towns to collect, at the time of the foreclosure sale, any condo fees owed to the condo association, during the foreclosure process. Under current law, the city or town can collect only the back taxes but not the condo fees. Continue reading ALLOW CITIES AND TOWNS TO COLLECT CONDO FEES ACCUMULATED DURING FORECLOSURE PROCESS →

By Bob Katzen

The second question on the November ballot asks voters if they support a requirement that dental insurance plans spend at least 83 percent of their premiums received from members on dental care for the members and quality improvements rather than the administrative expenses of running the company. Continue reading BALLOT QUESTION #2 – REQUIRE DENTAL INSURANCE PLANS TO SPEND AT LEAST 83 PERCENT OF THEIR PREMIUMS ON DENTAL CARE →

SOMERVILLE — Mayor Katjana Ballantyne and the Somerville Office of Sustainability and Environment today announced the continuation of the City’s Community Choice Electricity (CCE) program, which will increase amounts of zero-carbon renewable energy from regional sources. Direct Energy is Somerville’s current supplier through the CCE program. After a competitive process, Direct Energy will continue to be Somerville’s CCE program supplier, with new electricity rates that will be fixed from November 2022 through December 2024.
Continue reading Somerville’s Community Choice Electricity Program to Provide Stable Electricity Costs, Double the Renewable Energy →

PATRICIA’S OBITUARY:

Doherty, Patricia R. (Soressi) – of Somerville, MA. Devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and aunt passed away peacefully on October 6, 2022. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Patricia R. Doherty →

RUTH’S OBITUARY:

Breen, Ruth A. (Hoey), of Somerville, passed away peacefully on Wednesday October 5, 2022, at home with her family by her side. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Ruth A. Breen →

CLORINDA’S OBITUARY:

DeVito, Clorinda M. (Gazzola- October 6, 2022 at age 101. Clorinda was the daughter of the late Giuseppe and Mary Gazzola, and sister of the late John Gazzola and Louis Gazzola of Somerville. She was born and raised in Somerville where she was a life long resident. She graduated from Somerville High School with the Class of 1938. She was a stitcher for many years. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Clorinda M. DeVito →

ROBERT “BOB”‘S OBITUARY:

Robert “Bob” Tivnan, age 80 of Medford formerly of Somerville. Bob passed peacefully with his daughters by his side after a short illness October 7th, 2022. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Robert “Bob” J. Tivnan →

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

The Next MBTA Board Meeting is Oct.27th.
The rewrite of MBTA Bus Proposal will be submitted…because we stuck together and loudly let them know…the 88 & 89 buses will remain!
But…now we have to save the #89 bus to arrive & depart from Clarendon Hill Towers as it has been for decades!. Continue reading Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line:Somerville Bus Routes-The Next MBTA Board Meeting is Oct.27th →

From Medford Mayor Breanna Lungo-Koehn

Medford made history today, promoting our first female officer ever, and I’m so excited that I have to share everywhere possible!!!! Continue reading Medford Makes Historical Police Promotion →

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

Billy: if you want to laugh go up school st, take a right onRichdale St. Go to the end and check out the signs. They had a detour sign going left, the only problem is that there are 2 signs pointing to right turn only. Take your camera it’s hilarious. Continue reading Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line: I’m confused????!!!!! →

Robbery
22053540: On 9/20/22 at approximately 3:02 PM, Somerville Police responded to Walnut St for report of a fight. Upon arrival, officers observed dozens of students pointing at two juvenile males running away. Officers were able to stop one of the males and identified him. Officers learned that the juvenile suspect punched another juvenile then stole his phone and money. One juvenile has been charged with robbery. Continue reading Somerville Police Department Updates →

The Somerville Police Department would like to welcome two new police officers. Officer Patrick Barton and Officer Tenzing Kartso graduated the Lowell Police Academy Friday and have started field training. Best of luck to a long and rewarding career to these young, new officers.

Click on link below to read October 4th, 2022 The Somerville Medford News Weekly Print Edition Online October 4th, 2022 The Somerville Medford News Weekly Print Edition Online (1)

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Committee identifies funding priorities for approximately $3 million annually across affordable housing, historic preservation, and open space projects Continue reading Somerville Community Preservation Committee Seeks New Member →

Casparriello, Salvatore– Of Somerville, passed away at home on Monday October 3, 2022 surround by his loving family. He was 91.
Complete obit to follow. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Salvatore Casparriello →

Albano, Salvatore R. — October 1, 2022 passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family.
Complete obit to follow. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Salvatore R. Albano →

On Sunday, October 2, 2022, at 4:10 P.M., Somerville Police control received a 9-1-1 call from XXXX (Witness) reporting a dispute between a male shoplifter and a Liquor Junction store employee. Somerville Police control received a second 9-1-1 call from a store employee stating a male shoplifter was harassing employees.
Continue reading Real Life Somerville Police Stories: (Shoplifting) Arrest →

On October 2, 2022, at approximately 2:04 AM, I, Officer Daniel Dell’Isola, assigned to cruiser W6, was conducting routine patrols in my assigned area when I came across a black BMW, bearing MA Reg. XXXX, stopped in the middle of Powder House rotary, facing the wrong way. There was smoke coming from the vehicle and there was a male, who was later identified as Jarred Parker, standing outside of the vehicle’s drivers side door. I relayed the information to dispatch and Officer Justin Brown responded as back up.

Continue reading Real Life Somerville Police Stories: (OUI Liquor) Arrest →

The City of Somerville seeks three full and six alternate members for the Historic Preservation Commission (HPC). Available roles and open positions are listed below. Continue reading Historic Preservation Commission Seeks New Members →

The City of Somerville Urban Forestry Committee (UFC) is now accepting applications for three new members. One vacancy is for a youth member (14 to 17 years old), one is for a member with urban forestry expertise, and one is open to all applicants. Continue reading Somerville Urban Forestry Committee Seeks Three Members →

The Somerville Traffic Commission will host a special virtual meeting on Thursday, October 6, at 5:30 p.m. to review public comment and deliberate the City’s new draft safety plan for Holland Street. This meeting follows the special Traffic Commission meeting held on September 21, where Mayor Ballantyne and City staff presented the draft plan and Commissioners heard public comment.
Continue reading Special Traffic Commission Meeting to Deliberate New Draft Safety Plan for Holland Street, October 6 →

ABOUT
Rayla Campbell

I am a native of Boston that grew up in Scituate. I have lived in Randolph for the last 14 years and maintain strong family ties to the communities of Mattapan, Dorchester, Mission Hill, Roslindale. While campaigning I have developed many relationships across the state and this great nation. But my heart is in Massachusetts. Continue reading Rayla Campbell for Secretary of State →

By Bob Katzen

“The MCAS results released today are anything but surprising. Massachusetts students are showing the cumulative impact of trauma, given a pandemic that has brought staggering losses to families and communities—including the deaths of loved ones.”
—MTA President Max Page on the disappointing results of the MCAS tests. Continue reading THIS WEEK’S QUOTABLE QUOTES ON BEACON HILL →

By Bob Katzen

The House approved and sent to the Senate legislation establishing October 25 as Dwarfism Awareness Day. Supporters say that around the world people with dwarfism face social and physical barriers. They note that October 25 was chosen as the day for Dwarfism Awareness Day because it was the birthday of Billy Barty who was an American actor who had dwarfism, and in 1957 set up Little People of America—an organization that supports people with dwarfism as well as raising awareness about the issue. Continue reading NATIONAL DWARFISM AWARENESS DAY (H 5321) →

By Bob Katzen

The House approved and sent to the Senate a measure, sponsored by Rep. Michelle Ciccolo (D-Lexington) designating July 8 as Massachusetts Emancipation Day also to be known as Quock Walker Day, in recognition of the court ruling that rendered slavery unconstitutional in the commonwealth. Walker, born to enslaved Black parents in Massachusetts, was the driving force behind this ruling. Continue reading DESIGNATING JULY 8 AS MASSACHUSETTS EMANCIPATION DAY (H 3117) →

By Bob Katzen

The first question on the November ballot asks voters if they favor a proposed constitutional amendment that would allow a graduated income tax in Massachusetts and impose an additional 4 percent income tax, in addition to the current flat 5 percent one, on taxpayers’ earnings of more than $1 million annually. Language in the amendment requires that “subject to appropriation” the revenue will go to fund quality public education, affordable public colleges and universities, and for the repair and maintenance of roads, bridges and public transportation. Continue reading BALLOT QUESTION #1?- INCOME TAX HIKE FOR TAXPAYERS EARNING MORE THAN $1 MILLION PER YEAR →

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

The MBTA 1:00 pm Oct.6th Meeting at Clarendon Hill Towers is an excellent time for Retired Seniors, etc. and they are, of course, anxiously awaiting this meeting…but what about The Workers, The Stop & Shop Employees,The Highschool and College Students and EVERYBODY ELSE who depends upon the #87,88,89 and 80 buses…they’ll all be at work or at school!…This certainly makes attendance extremely difficult. 6:00pm is actually the best all around time for Clarendon Hill Towers so as many people as possible would be able to attend…but this obvious fact wasn’t taken into consideration. Continue reading Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line: ONCE AGAIN! ALL BUS RIDERS MATTER! →

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

Please post this Notice on your Facebook Page. The MBTA is determined to convince us that eliminating our buses is a great idea…WHAT??! Continue reading Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line: MBTA determined to convince us that eliminating our buses is a great idea…WHAT?? →

Joan B. Patrick Butler Of Somerville, Ma, age 83, passed away on Monday, September 26, 2022 after a long battle with breast cancer. Born in Boston to the late Arthur and Rachel Cromwell Patrick from St. John’s, Newfoundland, she was a resident of Somerville, MA for 71 years. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Joan B. Butler →

Celebrate Union Square’s sizzling food landscape at the Ignite Festival this Saturday, October 1, from 6 to 10 p.m. Enjoy an evening of international eats while artists and performers light up Union Square Plaza. This year’s festival features fire throwers, interactive light installations, lively performances, and a dance party to round out the night. Local eateries throughout the square will offer Ignite-themed specials. Please see the full schedule attached or at somervilleartscouncil.org. Continue reading Ignite Festival Celebrates Global Street Food, Fire, & Light on October 1 →

HENRY, William James “Bill” of Medford passed into eternal peace surrounded by loved ones on September 26, 2022. He was 78. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering William James “Bill” Henry →

Click on link below to read September 27th, 2022 The Somerville Medford News Weekly Print Edition Online September 27th, 2022 The Somerville Medford News Weekly Print Edition Online (1)

Diane M. O’Brien (Baldasaro), age 73, of Wilmington, passed away on September 24, 2022, with her loving family at her side. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Diane M. O’Brien →

Mayor Katjana Ballantyne and City of Somerville staff invite you to attend the next community meeting to discuss 90 Washington Street, a 4-acre site near the East Somerville Green Line station envisioned as the home of a new Public Safety Building and a range of civic, commercial, and residential spaces. Continue reading 90 Washington Street Redevelopment Public Meeting, October 6 →

QUINLAN, Patricia A. (McCormick) – Of Somerville, September 26, 2022. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Patricia A. Quinlan →

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

Check out the incident that happened today at the new Somerville High School. Parents were all sent this attached notice explaining nothing. Please help us! Continue reading Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line:Recent Incident At Somerville High School →

I, Officer Mark McLaughlin of the Somerville Police Department, report the following summary of facts:

On Saturday, September 24, 2022, I worked my assigned 4PM- 12AM shift, in full uniform, in marked cruiser West-6. Continue reading Real Life Somerville Police Stories: (ABDW) Assault & Battery With a Deadly Weapon →

“Luna” went missing on 09/23/22 and was last seen in Cambridge on 3rd St at Broadway close to Somerville. Continue reading Somerville Animal Control Updates: MISSING DOG →

The City of Somerville seeks two residents to fill vacancies on the City’s Condominium Review Board (CRB). One vacancy is for a full member, which is open to Somerville tenants, and one vacancy is for an alternate member, which is open to all Somerville residents. Continue reading Somerville Condominium Review Board Seeks Two Members →

By Bob Katzen

“This winter will be, at best, a very high-cost energy winter. So everybody should conserve. Everybody who has close friends, please tell them conserve … I think it’s useful for everyone to be aware of that and spread the word for conservation as much as possible.”
—Judy Chang, undersecretary of Energy and Climate Solutions in the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs.
Continue reading THIS WEEK’S QUOTABLE QUOTES ON BEACON HILL →

By Bob Katzen
Bill:(H 704) – Under current law, students can request, under the inter-district school choice program, that they be allowed to attend a school outside of where they live. Participation in the program is limited to 2 percent of all public school students enrolled. Each district decides whether it will participate in this program. For the 2021-2022 school year, 170 or 53 percent of Massachusetts’ total districts chose to participate in the program. Tuition is paid by the sending district to the receiving district.
Continue reading REQUIRE STUDENTS TO DISCLOSE WHY THEY CHOOSE TO GO TO A SCHOOL OUTSIDE THEIR CITY OR TOWN (H 704) →

By Bob Katzen

Bill: (H 688) – Would require the Department of Education to integrate media literacy skills in all health and core curricular content for grades K-12. Media literacy is defined in the bill as consumption and production of media, digital products and communication technology of all kinds including news in print, television, radio, movies, music, video games, websites, advertisements, content posted on social media platforms, AI, algorithms, virtual reality and surveillance systems. And it encompasses the foundational skills of digital citizenship and Internet safety “including the norms of appropriate, responsible, ethical, healthy behavior and cyberbullying prevention, and the ability to recognize bias, stereotypes, representation and the lack of inclusion in media messages.” Continue reading MEDIA LITERACY (H 688) →

By Bob Katzen

Bill:(H 578) – Would require the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to develop and assist in the implementation of curriculum on personal financial literacy to equip students with the knowledge and skills they need to become self-supporting and to enable them to make critical decisions regarding personal finances. The components of the curriculum would include the understanding of loans, borrowing money, interest, credit card debt and online commerce; rights and responsibilities of renting or buying a home; saving, investing and planning for retirement; banking and financial services; balancing a checkbook; state and federal taxes; and charitable giving. Continue reading TEACH PERSONAL FINANCE IN SCHOOLS →

By Bob Katzen

This bill would create an 8-member commission to study and investigate the status of geography education in public schools and make recommendations on how to improve it. Continue reading COMMISSION ON GEOGRAPHY TEACHING IN SCHOOLS →

By Bob Katzen

Governor Baker has proposed amendments to a bill, sent to him by the Legislature a few days ago, designed to protect “vulnerable road users” which includes pedestrians, construction workers, emergency responders, bicyclists, skateboarders, roller skates and wheelchair users. “[The bill] strengthens traffic safety regulations, making our roads safer and taking critical steps to save lives, and reduce crashes that needlessly put people at risk,” said sponsor Rep. Christine Barber (D-Somerville) when the House approved the bill on September 12 and sent it to the governor. “With an emphasis on enhancing safeguards for pedestrians and bikers, the commonwealth positions itself as a leader in road user safety and promotes alternative modes of transportation.”
Continue reading REDUCED TRAFFIC FATALITIES AND PROTECT PEDESTRIANS AND BICYCLISTS →

By William Tauro

Somerville is getting a new dog park! The new park will be located at the end of Artisan Way at Assembly Row. This past Thursday morning, the Somerville Police closed down the street while work crews were installing a new sewage system to ensure proper drainage of the park. Continue reading A New Dog Park Is Coming to Somerville at Assembly Row →

You know the three rules of real estate:
Location on a lovely residential side street near Davis Square
Location just a short walk from myriad of restaurants, shops, and theaters
Location steps to the Red Line, bike path, and buses Continue reading 25 Elmwood St Somerville Contact:Jennifer Rose 617 943 9581 or Lynn Graham 617 216 5244 →

This fall, the City is hosting multiple free vaccine clinics for the flu and updated COVID-19 booster. Registration is required. Here’s what to know before you schedule: Continue reading City is hosting multiple free vaccine clinics for the flu and updated COVID-19 booster →

This friendly boy was found today(09/22/22) in the area of Highland Ave. Continue reading Somerville Animal Control Updates: FOUND DOG →

Rosemary D (Busi) Watson, 85 – lifelong resident of Somerville MA. Rosemary (Busi) Watson of Somerville, MA passed away peacefully, September 22, 2022 surrounded by her family.
Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Rosemary D. Watson →

Agenda for Somerville City Council on 09-22-2022 7:00 PM – on Thursday, September 22, 2022 at 7:00 PM EDT Continue reading Agenda for Somerville City Council on 09-22-2022 →

Coelho, Lawrence A. “Larry” of Cambridge, September 16, 2022, at age 75. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering LAWRENCE A. COELHO →

Photos by William Gioiosa

By William Tauro

At 9:00pm on Wednesday evening, Somerville first responders responded to a motor vehicle rollover in front of 425 Broadway in Somerville. Continue reading Rollover Crash On Broadway Somerville →

Our sincere condolences, thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of NANCY A. O’CONNOR (LEBLANC) on her passing. Nancy was a wonderful lady who will be sadly missed here in East Cambridge, Somerville and Medford!

Obituary: Continue reading Somerville/East Cambridge/Medford Remembering MRS. NANCY A. O’CONNOR (LEBLANC) →

By William Tauro

Late Wednesday afternoon, Somerville Fire fighters from the Somerville Department Fire Marine Unit and Somerville animal control officer Haley LaMonica were on a mission to help a swan in distress.
Continue reading Somerville Fire Department Marine Unit and Somerville Animal Control Saving a Swan In Distress on the Mystic River →

By William Tauro

Has anyone noticed over the past two weeks the excessive airplane traffic noise of flying aircrafts over the City of Somerville?
Continue reading Letter from the Editor:Excessive Airplane Noise Over Somerville →

Click on link below to read September 20th, 2022 The Somerville Medford News Weekly Print Edition Online (1)

MADELINE’S OBITUARY

McCrorey, Madeline L. (Callahan)– Of Medford, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family at home on Sunday September 18, 2022. She was 89. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Madeline L. McCrorey January 01, 1933 – September 18, 2022 →

On Sunday Medford Mayor Breanna Lungo-Koehn wrote:
“Today our community came together to take part in Run Medford put on by Dave McGilivray and DMSE Sports as a way to give back to Medford!
Continue reading Run Medford put on by Dave McGilivray and DMSE Sports →

ear Billy T and Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line, Continue reading Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line: Does anyone know if the City of Somerville has any plans to celebrate our Sesqui-Centennial before 2022 is over? →

Rita A. McCarthy of Somerville, Massachusetts
November 9, 1937 – September 18, 2022
Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Rita A. McCarthy →

RICHARD HART OBITUARY

HART, Richard A. “Dick” Of Woburn, formerly of Somerville, died peacefully, at the age of 81, September 12, 2022, at his home with his family by his side. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering RICHARD A. “DICK” HART →

Lima, Linda of Somerville, September 18, 2022 at age 73 Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Linda Lima →

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

Hi how are you? I hope u and family are well!
I just want to send you pictures of as I drove through our Union Squre everyday and I see this.
Continue reading Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line: our city looks awful and not clean with weeds everywhere →

By Karen Glover

WHEN???
Somerville, MA residents are anxiously anticipating the MBTA Board of Director’s Vote on the redesign proposal.
We have along with Medford, MA submitted petitions, articles, online commentaries, emails and voicemails.
The Question is: Will the MBTA Board of Directors pay attention to our loud and clear opposition to this ill-conceived proposal for cutting and changing routes in Somerville and Medford?
Will the MBTA respect the loud outcry and testimonies from the young, the seniors, school children, workers, the able-bodied and the disabled citizens?
WHAT WILL BE OUR FATE??? Continue reading The MBTA Board of Directors Vote on Bus Proposal? →

By Bob Katzen

“We remain committed to delivering support to local officials who understand the positive effect of sustainable roadway safety. Every tool made possible by today’s grants empowers police to educate the public about our commonwealth’s laws, reduce speeding, renew our commitment to wear seat belts and properly address all forms of distracted and impaired driving.”
—Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito upon announcing $10.9 million in federal grant funding to cities and towns to improve road safety across the state.
Continue reading THIS WEEK’S QUOTABLE QUOTES ON BEACON HILL →

By Bob Katzen

The momentum of labor, including the growth of unions and the increased leverage of workers, is reshaping the traditional workplace dynamic In Massachusetts and beyond. Continue reading U.S. LABOR SECRETARY MARTY WALSH TALKS UNIONS AND THE FUTURE →