BOSTON– After a historic vote in the House of Representatives in February and state Senate in early May, the state legislature voted this week to override the Governor’s veto of the Work and Family Mobility Act (WFMA), and it is now state law. The bill, filed by Representative Christine Barber of Somerville and Medford, with Rep. Tricia Farley-Bouvier and Senators Brendan Crighton and Adam Gomez, enables all state residents to apply for a standard Massachusetts driver’s license regardless of immigration status. Continue reading Legislature Overrides Governor Veto; Driver’s License Bill Now Law→
Somerville City Councilor William Burley and City Councilor should have to resign or recuse themselves due to a conflict of interest to vote for and approving the police budget because where they are both directly affiliated and founders or co-founders of the Defund Police Organization?
Anne L. (Barton) Sullivan was born November 11, 1943 in Mattapan, MA to Annie T. (Carty) and Leo C. Barton. She grew up in Mattapan and attended Cathedral High School in Boston. As a young adult she began working at First National Bank, where she met her husband William F. Sullivan. They were married 56 years. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Anne L. Sullivan→
WEAVER, David L. – Of Somerville passed away suddenly, June 3, 2022.
Beloved husband of Lorraine (Ward) Weaver.
Loving father of Stacey Amaral, Theresa Baxter both of Somerville and the late Sharon Walsh.
Brother of Kenneth Weaver and his wife Mona and the late Carl Weaver. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering David Lee Weaver→
Attempted Residential Breaking and Entering
22030629: On 6/1/22 at approximately 7:38 PM, Somerville Police responded to a residence on Loring St. for a past attempted breaking and entering. Upon arrival, officers spoke with the victim who stated after returning home from work, he noticed damage to his rear door. Continue reading Somerville Police Department News Updates→
On Tuesday, June 7th, at 8:32 PM, the Somerville Police Department received calls for two men fighting and one possibly had a knife. Upon arrival, officers located a 31 YO male with multiple stab wounds to his torso. The victim suffered serious but non-life threatening injuries and is recovering in a local hospital. Continue reading Somerville Stabbing – Davis Square→
On Wednesday, June 1st, at 9:44 PM, the Somerville Police responded to 34 Paulina Street for a report of shots having been fired at the rear of the residence. On arrival, Officers learned the shooting incident occurred this same date between 5:00AM-5:15AM. Witnesses heard what sounded like four shots fired and soon after a fleeing vehicle but did not call the police at the time the shots were heard. There were no injuries reported. Continue reading Real Life Somerville Police Stories:Shots Fired→
SOMERVILLE, Mass. – The City of Somerville Police Department and the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office will partner to host the Somerville gun buyback initiative Saturday, June18, 2022 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Somerville Department of Public Works Yard located at 1 Franey Road. The regional initiative includes several communities in the Middlesex county over the past couple of years. The focus is on providing residents with a safe and secure way of removing unwanted firearms from their homes. Continue reading Somerville Will Participate in Regional Gun Buy Back Initiative 2022→
On Sunday, June 5th, Somerville Kiwanis Club members distributed nearly 200 bicycle helmets to bike riders who were participating in the East Somerville Carnival 2022 along Broadway. The helmets were donated by the personal injury law firm, Breakstone, White and Gluck as part of their Project KidSafe. They have partnered with the Somerville Kiwanis Club for many years, providing hundreds of bicycle helmets every year that the club has distributed and helped to properly fit to each rider. Continue reading Somerville Kiwanis Club Distribute Free Bicycle Helmets→
“The alarm has been sounded. There is an inability of police departments to recruit and retain police officers. It’s deeply concerning because having diverse, well-trained and effective police professionals is a necessity. We need to study the issue, understand it better and focus on making sure we have police departments that are sufficiently staffed with qualified and diverse officers.”
—Sen. Bruce Tarr (R-Gloucester) on his bill to create a special commission charged with taking stock of the police workforce challenges experienced by cities and towns across the state. Continue reading THIS WEEK’S QUOTABLE QUOTES ON BEACON HILL→
The House and Senate each appointed three members to a conference committee to hammer out a compromise version of the different $49 billion plus versions of the fiscal 2023 budget passed by each branch. Continue reading STATE BUDGET DEADLINE IS JULY 1→
The U.S. Department of Labor announced the awarding of more than $57 million in grants nationwide to organizations that help veterans experiencing homelessness find meaningful employment and assist them in overcoming barriers to transition back successfully into the workforce. The grants include $1,506,323 for the Bay State including $501,834 For Volunteers of America of Massachusetts in Jamaica Plain; $184,489 for the Massachusetts Military Support Foundation in West Barnstable; and $820,000 for Veterans Inc. in Worcester. Continue reading FUNDS FOR HOMELESSNESS→
Stuck in the House Ways and Means Committee for nearly three months, since March 7, is a measure, approved unanimously 40-0 by the Senate, designed to ensure that pregnant and postpartum mothers get necessary and potentially life-saving health care by extending MassHealth insurance coverage to 12 months after pregnancy. MassHealth is the state’s Medicaid program that provides health care for low-income and disabled persons. Continue reading PREGNANT AND POST PARTUM MOTHERS→
The House gave initial approval to a proposal that would impose up to a five-year prison sentence and/or $10,000 fine on anyone who discharges an assault weapon, firearm, large capacity weapon, machine gun, rifle, sawed-off shotgun or shotgun into a dwelling. Under current law this crime is a misdemeanor punishable by up to a 30-day jail sentence and/or $100 fine. Continue reading SHOOTING AT A HOUSE OR APARTMENT→
THE HOUSE AND SENATE: There were no roll call votes in the House or Senate last week. This week, Beacon Hill Roll Call reports local senators’ roll call attendance records for the 2022 session through June 3. Continue reading This Past Week On Beacon Hill→
SOMERVILLE_ On Thursday, June 2nd, The Somerville Kiwanis Club presented eight $1500 scholarships to deserving Somerville High School seniors. The eight students receiving scholarships were among 117 students who competed for the annual awards. The scholarship committee, headed by Distinguished Past President Dave O’Brien, who is a former SHS teacher, did an outstanding
job selecting these students. Five of the recipients were present at the club’s meeting at the Mount Vernon Restaurant. President Mernaysa Rivera-Bujosa congratulated the students for their hard work during these difficult years of studying with pandemic restrictions. Continue reading Somerville Kiwanis Club Award Eight Scholarships→
Don’t Let the Girlfriend Fool Ya, Tom Cruise is Back, and he’s looking for a new wing man!
Maverick
The Sequel to Top Gun
An Evaluation by Joe Viglione
Tom Cruise, the film-making businessman, plays to his strengths in what is a quasi-Mission Impossible saga. This critic has no idea who the enemy is that has some nuclear something somewhere that now-teacher Maverick (Tom Cruise) has to train his children to blast into oblivion. Vladmir Putin and Osama Bin Laden are not blamed for this, and it could be an alien entity taking over Iraq for all we know: the plot doesn’t depend on a known enemy…how strange is that?
Proposed FY23 budget includes largest increase in history for Somerville Public Schools; repurposes nearly $8.3 million in GLX funds for affordable housing; makes first ever $1 million investment in participatory budgeting; and creates new Office of Accountability, Transparency, and Access Continue reading Mayor Ballantyne Releases First Budget: Foundations for Progress→
The City of Somerville is partnering with community groups again this year to raise awareness about black swallow-wort (BSW), a very aggressive and invasive, non-native weed that can be found throughout Somerville. BSW displaces native plants and habitats, threatens butterflies and songbirds, and is toxic to deer and livestock. It is especially harmful to the monarch butterfly population because it resembles milkweed, where monarchs lay their eggs, and once the monarch larvae hatch, they die from eating the toxic BSW leaves. Continue reading Somerville-Help Stop Black Swallow-Wort in Somerville This Summer→
On Thursday May 26, 2022 at approximately 1221 hours Officer Van Nostrand and myself, Officer Lentini (East-1), were contacted by Officer Pavao about a shoplifting suspect from Polo. Officer Pavao was contacted by XXXX, a worker at Polo, who stated a female party left the store after concealing a few items in her bag. Continue reading Real Life Somerville Police Stories: (Shoplifting Arrest→
On 05/27/2022, I, Officer Christopher Collette was assigned to Somerville marked unit West Seven. At approximately 03:14 hours, Officer Dell’Isola advised Somerville Control that he had been flagged down in regards to a motor vehicle stopped on Paulina St. where it intersects Broadway. I recognized this location as within my assigned area of patrol and I made my way to the scene. Continue reading Real Life Somerville Police Stories: (OUI Liquor) Arrest→
New Director to Oversee Expansion and Reorganization of Services
SOMERVILLE – Mayor Katjana Ballantyne today announced Karin Carroll, MPH, has been hired as the City of Somerville’s Director of Health and Human Services. In addition to overseeing the ongoing work of the department, Carroll will be charged with expanding and reorganizing services to best serve the community and advance the Ballantyne administration’s focus on equity. Continue reading Karin Carroll Hired as Somerville Director of Health & Human Services→
All interested community members are invited to attend and speak at the Budget Public Hearing before the Somerville City Council’s Committee on Finance on Monday, June 6, at 6 p.m. for public input on the proposed FY 2023 municipal budget. Continue reading City of Somerville FY 2023 Budget Public Hearing→
SomerStreets promotes active living and reconnecting with city neighborhoods
SomerStreets: Carnaval returns to East Somerville on Sunday, June 5, from 2 to 6 p.m. (rain date: Sunday, June 12). Enjoy interactive games and activities, three stages of live music and dancing, food from around the world, and local craft vendors, plus a dunk tank to soak your neighbors and elected officials. Programming will extend along East Broadway between Kensington and Pennsylvania avenues. The festival begins at 2 p.m. with an opening parade led by Mayor Katjana Ballantyne, starting on Broadway at Kensington Avenue. Continue reading SomerStreets: Carnaval Shakes Up East Somerville on June 5→
Joseph, Guy J. – Of Somerville, formerly of Plaisance, Haiti passed away peacefully on Saturday May 28, 2022 at Tufts Medical Center. He was 76. Continue reading Guy J. Joseph→
The Baker administration announced the launch of the Massachusetts Data Hub, a new data search tool that allows users to search state resources and data by topic and keyword and to browse featured data published by state government. Continue reading LAUNCH OF MASSACHUSETTS DATA HUB→
The House gave initial approval to a bill that makes it a criminal offense when a medical or healthcare professional induces a patient to engage in sexual intercourse or touching by falsely representing that the act is necessary for a legitimate medical purpose. The measure adds sections to the existing rape and indecent assault and battery statutes to criminalize behavior by medical professionals where there has been a fraudulent representation of the necessity and propriety of conduct and adds these crimes to the law on the statute of limitations for other sexual assaults. Continue reading SEXUAL ASSAULT UNDER FALSE MEDICAL REPRESENTATION→
By Bob Katzen
The Senate approved an amendment clearing the name of Elizabeth Johnson who in 1693 was the last person convicted of witchcraft, at the height of the Salem Witch Trials. Johnson was sentenced to death by hanging but was never executed. The state approved legislation in the 1900s that cleared the names of those who were executed and had not been exonerated, but that excluded Johnson. She never had children so there has never been a group of descendants pushing for exoneration. Continue reading CLEARING NAME OF “NON-WITCH” ELIZABETH JOHNSON→
The House and Senate approved and sent to Gov. Baker a bill that would require the state to develop and implement a Women’s Rights History Trail Program. The measure includes requiring the state to designate properties and sites that are historically and thematically associated with the struggle for women’s rights and women’s suffrage. Continue reading CREATING WOMEN’S RIGHTS HISTORY TRAIL PROGRAM→
The Senate 39-0, approved an amendment increasing by $500,000 (from $1,033,019 to $1,533,019) funding for the “Citizenship for New Americans Program” to assist eligible low-income legal permanent residents of the Bay State to become citizens of the United States. They said that this program leads to high rates of success on the naturalization exam. Continue reading NEW AMERICANS→
The Senate 40-0, approved an amendment requiring that LGBTQ service members who were forced out of the military with anything other than an honorable discharge under the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell'” policy that barred openly gay, lesbian or bisexual persons from military service from 1994 to 2011, be eligible for state benefits from the Massachusetts Department of Veterans Services. Continue reading DON’T ASK, DON’T TELL→
The Senate 38-0, approved an amendment providing an additional $750,000 to fund “Hey Sam”—an anonymous peer-to-peer mental health texting program staffed by young people. The service, available to people up to 24 years old, gives youths the opportunity to reach peers if they are suicidal, lonely, depressed, overwhelmed, struggling or need any kind of support an domeone with whom they can talk. Continue reading ADDITIONAL $750,000 FOR GOOD SAMARITANS→
The Senate 10-30, rejected a tax reduction amendment that would provide a 3-month suspension of the 24-cent -per-gallon gas tax; reduce from 12 percent to 5 percent the short-term capital gains tax rate; double the dependent care tax credit from $240 to $480 for one qualifying individual and to $960 for two or more individuals; increase the rental deduction cap from $3,000 to $5,000; increase the threshold for “no tax status” to $12,400 for single filers and $24,800 for joint filers; and double the maximum Senior Circuit Breaker Credit. Continue reading TAX CUTS→
The Senate 40-0, approved a $49.78 billion fiscal 2023 state budget after adding nearly 500 amendments and $93 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 $49.78 BILLION FISCAL 2023 STATE BUDGET→
The House 154-0, approved and sent to the Senate a proposal that would prohibit the posting of sexually explicit images of another person online without their permission— commonly referred to as “revenge porn.” The practice is often used by ex-spouses or ex-partners. Massachusetts is one of only two states that does not have a law about this crime. Continue reading REVENGE PORN (H 4498)→
The House 118-36, Senate 32-8, approved and Gov. Charlie Baker vetoed a conference committee version of legislation that would, starting July 1, 2023, allow undocumented/illegal immigrants to apply for a Massachusetts standard driver’s license. The House and Senate had approved different versions of the measure and this compromise was reached by a conference committee comprised of three senators and three representatives. The wide margin of passage by both branches means that each branch has the necessary two-thirds vote to override Baker’s veto. Continue reading BAKER VETOES ALLOWING DRIVER’S LICENSE FOR UNDOCUMENTED/ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS(H 4805)→
Freeman, Elaine P. “Honey” (Malaney) – Of Somerville, passed away on May 28, 2022. She was 82.
Born and raised in Somerville to the late Cornelius F. and Susan N. (Grady) Malaney. She was the beloved mother of Laura Patterson and her husband Robert of Methuen, Stephen Freeman of NJ, Elaine Colangeli and her husband William of Westford and the late Lawrence Freeman. She as the devoted grandmother of 11 grandchildren and two late grandchildren and also a loving great-grandmother. The dear sister of the late Anne Joyce, Thomas and Neil Malaney. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Elaine P. “Honey” Freeman→
Luauna (Sisson) Demont, of Somerville, passed away at the Mass General Hospital in Boston surrounded by her family on May 26, 2022, she was 68. Born and raised in Somerville she was the daughter of the late Lorraine (Brown) and William B. Sisson, Jr. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Luauna (Sisson) Demont→
An MBTA bus leaves a station at night with MBTA logo and Better Bus Network logo
The City is hosting a virtual information session and public hearing on the proposed Fiscal Year 2023 water and sewer rates on Tuesday, June 7. The information session will start at 6 p.m. and the public hearing will start at 6:30 p.m. Continue reading Somerville-Water & Sewer Rates Public Hearing→
An MBTA bus leaves a station at night with MBTA logo and Better Bus Network logo
Have you seen a new street tree in your neighborhood? Consider joining the Adopt-A-Tree program to help it get settled in Somerville. Name it, water it, love it, and even receive an adoption certificate. Continue reading Somerville-Help Care for Young and Newly Planted Trees→
As Mental Health Awareness Month comes to a close, this is an opportunity to remind residents that the City’s Human Services Division is available to provide a variety of supportive services, as well as resources and referrals for a range of needs. Continue reading Get Connected to Mental Health Services & More→
Join the City of Somerville and Fenway Health for a virtual community forum to discuss a local supervised consumption site (SCS) on Wednesday, June 1, at 6 p.m. This forum will discuss what SCSs are, what the need is in Somerville, and ongoing efforts to explore establishing an SCS locally. This is an opportunity to learn more, ask questions, and share feedback. Continue reading Supervised Consumption Site Community Forum→
Open Positions: Four
Term: Three years
The Somerville Commission for Women (SCW) seeks four new members, and all women who live in Somerville 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 Somerville Commission for Women Seeks Four Members→
Open Positions: Four
Term: Three years
The City of Somerville seeks four new members for the Human Rights Commission (HRC), 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 Somerville Human Rights Commission Seeks Four Members→
On Wednesday, May 18, 2022, at 11:29 PM, Somerville Police control received a 9-1-1 call from a male identified as XXXX (Victim), reporting a male pulled a knife on him outside XXX Broadway. The victim told the 9-1-1 operator that the male had left the area and went towards Stop & Shop on McGrath Hwy. Continue reading Real Life Somerville Police Stories: (Assault w/ Dangerous Weapon)→
The City of Somerville will hold a virtual information session and public hearing on the proposed Fiscal Year 2023 water and sewer rates on Tuesday, June 7. The information session will start at 6 p.m. and the public hearing will begin promptly 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 Somerville-Information Session and Public Hearing on FY2023 Water and Sewer Rates, June 7→
Last week the Medford Lions Club kicked off Spring with a 3rd recipient at MHS Scholarship Award Night, Isabella Sasso, who will attend Wentworth in Electrical Engineering. The award was presented by Lions VP Sharon Deyeso who higlighted community charity and change in Education now seeking completion by the USA.
BOSTON– After a historic vote in the House of Representatives in February and state Senate in early May, the Work and Family Mobility Act was just voted for final passage in the House and Senate. The bill, filed by Representative Christine Barber of Somerville and Medford, with Rep. Tricia Farley-Bouvier and Senators Brendan Crighton and Adam Gomez, enables all state residents to apply for a standard Massachusetts driver’s license regardless of immigration status. Continue reading Rep. Barber’s Driver’s License Bill Passes in House & Senate→
Somerville’s OPENAIR Circus will offer its 39th year of summer classes in circus skills beginning June 27, running through August 7. This year in-person classes will be at Lou Ann David Park on Broadway near Teele Square, in 55 minute time slots Tuesday through Thursday from 4:30-7:30. Continue reading Somerville OPENAIR Circus classes return!→
This letter is addressed to Mr. Billy Tauro
I am writing you to express my disgust since the recent fight on highland Ave where one of our children
was shot with a bb gun. You should officially lead a investigate into this call and find out why the
police chief don’t have police in our schools. I have a life long bond with Somerville and know a lot of
what goes on behind the scenes about the politics in the city. Continue reading Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line: The City of Somerville In Jeopardy→
Mr. Billy Tauro
I am hoping you investigate or send this issue to the appropriate agency. I voted for you last time and hope you run again.
Why do Ward Councilors William Burley and Charlotte Kelly have a vote for approving the police budget when they are directly affiliated and founders or co-founders of the Defund Police Organization? Continue reading Letter to the Editor: Conflicts of Interest & Corruption In Somerville→
About three years ago a young woman from Japan, living away from her friends and family in the USA while studying as an undergraduate at U. Mass. Boston, walked by my family’s yard from her apartment two houses down the street. She stopped to say hello over the fence to my two dogs (a Siberian Husky named, “Isis, I Had The Name Before They Did, Have No Goddesses Before Me” and a Golden Retriever named “Roxanne”) who were hanging out and playing in the yard. Continue reading Sayonara: A Covid Story→
Celebrate Pride in Somerville this June at the City’s annual flag raising and Big Gay Dance Party.
First, please join Mayor Katjana Ballantyne and the Somerville Public School Gender and Sexuality Alliances (GSAs) on Wednesday, June 1, at 3 p.m. to raise the Pride flag in honor of LGBTQ+ Pride Month and LGBTQ+ Youth Pride. The ceremony will take place on the City Hall concourse, 93 Highland Avenue. Continue reading Celebrate Pride with Somerville’s Annual Flag Raising & Big Gay Dance Party→
The City’s Adopt-A-Tree program has officially launched. Newly planted trees can be found around Somerville, and now they need your help. Look for the colorful “Adopt Me!” tags and scan the QR code or visit tinyurl.com/somervilletree to find a tree in your neighborhood and go through the steps to adopt it. Continue reading Somerville Adopt-A-Tree Program→
MEDFORD – Today at approximately 12:30 a.m. a National Grid employee, who was working at a worksite on Salem Street, was electrocuted and later died. The incident was reported by a Medford Police officer who was assigned to work the detail at the site. Continue reading Statement on Fatal Electrocution in Medford→
On Monday, May 23, Somerville Police responded to 101 Highland Avenue for a report of a fight. When police arrived they were informed that two juvenile males were on the sidewalk after dismissal of nearby Somerville High School when they were approached by a group of other juveniles. Continue reading Somerville Police Investigating BB Gun Shooting Incident→
Join us and East Somerville Main Streets on Sunday, June 5th, 2-6pm (rain date June 12) on Broadway between Kensington and Pennsylvania Ave. Can’t wait to see you there! 🎉
Be prepared and stay informed about overdose prevention. Somerville Prevention, Somerville Police Department’s Community Outreach, Help & Recovery (COHR) team, the Somerville Homeless Coalition and Fenway Health will host two distribution events today, Tuesday, May 24, & Tuesday, May 31, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Statue Park in Davis Square. Resources include Narcan, fentanyl test strips, and face shields for rescue breathing. Overdose prevention training will also be available at both events. Continue reading Be prepared and stay informed about overdose prevention→
Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan and Medford Chief of Police Jack Buckley have confirmed an ongoing investigation into the death of Barbara Novaes, 61 of Medford who was located in an enclosed area outside her home on Emery Street on Monday morning. Continue reading Investigation into Death of Medford Woman Underway→
Open Letter to Mayor Ballantyne and Somerville City Council:
I write to ask if you would kindly reconsider your support to build a PSB at 90 Washington Street and instead find a more suitable land parcel next door to your home, or your place of employment or your house of worship. Please accept my apologies as it seems like everyone in your Planning Department thinks this is such a great idea. The Cobble Hill residents do not. Continue reading Letter to the Editor: Open Letter to Mayor Ballantyne and Somerville City Council→
Conway Park reopens this Friday! After five years of remediation and renovation, Conway is back with major recreational and environmental improvements, like a new athletic field and splash pad, 64 new native trees, better drainage, and much more. Join us May 27 at 11 a.m. for a ribbon cutting to celebrate. Continue reading Conway Park Reopens Friday After Five Years→
The City of Somerville and Fenway Health invite you to a virtual community forum to discuss a local supervised consumption site (SCS) on Wednesday, June 1, at 6 p.m. This forum will discuss what SCSs are, what the need is in Somerville, and ongoing efforts to explore establishing an SCS. This is an opportunity to learn more, ask questions, and share feedback. Continue reading Somerville-Supervised Consumption Site Virtual Forum, June 1→
Musician Greg Paquette introduced me to disc jockey Lou Spinnazola’s show on Camup. The program, the Spin Room, is moving to Mixclound beginning Monday, May 30, 2022. This interview conducted Sunday 5/22/22.
SOMERVILLE, Mass. – The City of Somerville Police Department and the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office will partner to host the Somerville gun buyback initiative Saturday, June18, 2022 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Somerville Department of Public Works Yard located at 1 Franey Road. The regional initiative includes several communities in the Middlesex county over the past couple of years. The focus is on providing residents with a safe and secure way of removing unwanted firearms from their homes. Continue reading Real Life Somerville Police Stories: Somerville Will Participate in Regional Gun Buy Back Initiative 2022→
Michael V. Hogan, a lifelong Somerville resident, passed away suddenly on May 11, 2022, he was 47.
Born in Somerville he was the cherished son of of Judith Hogan-White and Robert W White of Nashua, NH.
He was the father of Jarrod Hogan and Kiley Hogan and the late Cayden Michael Hogan Grace and step father of Katelyn and Casey Delaney who he loved very much. Nephew of Debbie Hogan Vicente and Joe Vicente. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Michael V. Hogan→
“As Massachusetts motorists are on the verge of paying six dollars a gallon for gasoline, Speaker Ron Mariano and Senate President Karen Spilka should reconsider their thoughts that suspending the state gas tax is a gimmick. Instead, they should address suspending the gas tax and cutting other taxes to help middle class Massachusetts taxpayers keep more of their hard-earned money.”
— Paul Craney, spokesman for the Mass Fiscal Alliance Continue reading THIS WEEK’S QUOTABLE QUOTES ON BEACON HILL→
The Baker Administration announced that 300,000 low-income workers will each receive $500 under the second round of the COVID-19 Essential Employee Premium Pay Program that was part of the American Rescue Plan Act approved by the Legislature in December 2021. The administration was given the power and flexibility to implement the program and announced last week that these round two checks will be mailed out soon. Continue reading $500 PAYMENTS TO 330,000 ELIGIBLE LOW-INCOME WORKERS→
Stuck in the Bills in Third Reading Committee since approved by the House on Dec. 30, 2021, is a bill that would amend current law that imposes up to a 7-year prison sentence and/or $5,000 fine for a first offense of animal cruelty and a 10-year prison sentence and/or $10,000 fine for a second offense. Continue reading RAISE FINES FOR ANIMAL CRUELTY→
The Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government held a virtual hearing on legislation that would allow cities, towns and water or wastewater districts to impose “reasonable” fees that would be used only to remedy/offset impacts that water withdrawals and discharges have on the natural environment. Continue reading ALLOW CITIES AND TOWN TO IMPOSE WATER FEES→
The House 155-0, approved and sent to the Senate a $5 billion bill that borrows money for hundreds of projects—the majority involving maintenance and modernization projects of buildings—many of which are decades old. The House added $125 million during consideration of the package. A key provision imposes a five-year moratorium on any prison or jail construction in Massachusetts.
The House 29-126, rejected an amendment that would require that a public hearing be held prior to the signing of an agreement between a host city or town and a marijuana business. Continue reading PUBLIC MEETING BEFORE LICENSING (H 4791)→
The House 155-0, approved a bill that makes changes in the cannabis industry including a section that would require the state to put its tax and licensing revenue from the sales of marijuana revenue into a newly created Social Equity Trust Fund to provide grants and loans, including forgivable and no-interest loans, designed to assist entrepreneurs and businesses from communities disproportionately harmed by the decades of marijuana prohibition. Continue reading MARIJUANA LAWS (H 4791)→
An MBTA bus leaves a station at night with MBTA logo and Better Bus Network logo
The MBTA has been working on a Bus Network Redesign to improve service for the people who depend on it most. They are proposing some major changes to reimagine bus service and more equitably serve the region. This week, they published a draft of what the new network could look like. Continue reading MBTA Proposes Bus Network Changes→
The orange Conway Park building with white lettering
After years of remediation and renovation, Conway Park (550 Somerville Ave.) will open in its entirety on Friday, May 27. Mayor Katjana Ballantyne and Ward 2 Councilor J.T. Scott will mark the occasion with a ribbon cutting that morning at 11 a.m. Continue reading Somerville-Conway Park Reopens May 27→
SomerStreets: Carnaval returns to East Somerville with free activities and entertainment on Sunday, June 5, from 2 to 6 p.m. (rain date: June 12). Enjoy an opening parade, interactive games and activities, an artisan market, live music on three stages, and food from many of your favorite neighborhood restaurants. Head to Broadway between McGrath and Pennsylvania Ave. to join the fun. Continue reading SomerStreets: Carnaval Returns to East Somerville→
The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory for the Boston metro region this Saturday and Sunday, May 21 and 22, and community members are urged to take precautions. High temperatures and significant humidity are expected both days. Continue reading Stay Safe in the Heat This Weekend→
On Friday, youth in our City rallied for peace including calling for safety from gun violence and the impacts of racism in all of its forms. It was an act of both frustration and hope, of both concern and determination organized by youth involved with the nonprofit Teen Empowerment. Many of us went, and we were impressed and moved. Continue reading SOMERVILLE OPEN LETTER: Joint Message and Resources Following Shooting in Buffalo, NY→
Open Positions: Two
Term: Five years
The Somerville Housing Authority (SHA) Board of Commissioners seeks two new members, and all Somerville residents are invited to apply. These positions do not have to be filled by SHA residents, but SHA residents are encouraged to apply. Continue reading Somerville Housing Authority Board of Commissioners Seeks Two Members→
The new novel by Timothy Gager, Joe the Salamander
“Gager both invokes psychological insight and mocks its blindness. He imagines an autistic child’s coming of age, both through and out side the child’s eyes. From infancy, Joe “thinks” articulately, but rarely speaks, and his understanding of the world of Not Me is wry and sensitive, somewhat like Faulkner’s Benjy’s. Continue reading The new novel by Timothy Gager, Joe the Salamander→
Dear Billy T and Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line,
Last week a family member of a Somerville High School called the school and asked the school if they can give their daughter a ride home because they had a family emergency. The school had a police officer pick up the daughter at Somerville High to give the daughter a ride home after requested by the girl’s family. Continue reading Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line: What Has Somerville Become as a Society?→
Bryan F. Caruso, 42, a resident of Pembroke for the past 7 years, passed away suddenly on Monday, May 16, 2022 at Concord Hospital in Concord. He was born on October 9, 1979 in Laconia, the son of Frederick A. Jr. and Cheri M. (Shepard) Caruso. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Bryan Frederick Caruso→
Photos by Mayor Breanna Lungo-Koehn‘s Facebook site
Medford firefighter promotions! Deputy Tom Brennan, Lieutenant Michael Richard, Lieutenant Christopher J. Jenke and Captain Vincent A. Marcellino, III. Thank you all for your continued service and dedication to the people of Medford! Continue reading Medford Firefighter Promotions→
The following is a summary of the details related to this incident.
On Sunday, May 15, 2022, I, Officer David Ruf, was in full-uniform and assigned to marked cruiser East-1, for the Somerville Police Department. At approximately 12:16 A.M., Officer P. Canty (East-4) and I were dispatched to the area of Artisan Way and Grand Union Blvd for a drunk male. It should be noted that Officers Pasqualino and Lorenti (Sector East) dealt with this same party a short time earlier (#22026794) Continue reading Real Life Somerville Police Stories: (A&B Public Employee, Disorderly, Deface Property, Assault, Resisting Arrest)→
Bingo – Tuesdays at Ralph & Jenny Center starting at 10:00 a.m. and Thursdays at Holland Street starting at 10:00 a.m. Lunch available following Bingo. RSVP to Debby Higgins by calling 617-625-6600, ext. 2321 or email Debby at DHiggins@Somervillema.gov Continue reading Somerville COA Press & Organizational Outreach for 5-10-2022→
The Somerville Planning Board seeks one full member and one alternate member, and all Somerville residents are invited to apply. A background in architecture, landscape architecture, urban design, urban planning, and/or land-use law is beneficial but not required. Applicants should be interested in job creation, affordable housing development, and open space and multimodal transportation strategies. Continue reading Somerville Planning Board Seeks Two Members →
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COPYRIGHT
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APPLICABLE LAW
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PRICING INFORMATION
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FRAUD PROTECTION PROGRAM
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WHAT OUR PRIVACY POLICY COVERS
· What our Privacy Policy Covers
· What Personal Information is Collected
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· Who Views Your Personal Information
· Making a Purchase
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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.
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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
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