Casey, William S. II – Of Medford, March 18, 2022. Beloved husband of the late Eleanore M. (Murphy) Casey. Devoted father of Mary Lou Seidner and her husband Marc of Boston, William S. Casey III of Pleasant Hill, CA., Joseph W. Casey and his wife Susan of Medford, James W. Casey and his wife Mary Caddle of Melrose. Loving grandfather of Jillian, Casey, John, Lexi, Piper and Henry. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering William S. Casey II →

Photos:Medford’s new Ladder 1 and Ladder 2 posed for a photo op today with Chief Freedman at City Hall.

Today we welcomed the newest addition to the Medford Fire Department fleet—a brand new ladder truck that will be housed at Station 3. Continue reading Medford Gets New Fire Trucks →

(MEDFORD)—The City of Medford is offering residents a rebate of $1,000 to remove lead-lined water pipes and upgrade their home plumbing system to safe standards, Mayor Breanna Lungo-Koehn announced. The program’s goal is to incentivize residents to replace aging lead-lined pipes which can lead to various health complications. Continue reading Medford Offering Rebate to Residents for Upgrading Water Pipes Lead Abatement Program Offers $1,000 in Rebates →

Assault

22013236: On 3/13/22 at approximately 4:28 PM, Somerville Police responded to a business in Assembly Row for report of a man who threatened employees. Continue reading Real Life Somerville Police Stories: Assault →

Open Positions: Seven
Term: Two years
The City of Somerville Council on Aging Board of Directors seeks seven new members, 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 Council on Aging Board of Directors Seeks New Members →

By Massachusetts State Police

The Massachusetts State Police High Risk Victims Unit, in conjunction with the Boston Police Human Trafficking Task Force and other BPD officers, conducted operations in the area of Massachusetts Avenue and Melnea Cass Boulevard in Boston, resulting in the arrests of two men attempting to pay women for sexual acts. Continue reading MSP AND BPD HUMAN TRAFFICKING UNITS ARREST MAN FOR IMPERSONATING A POLICE OFFICER →

The City is developing a Citywide Drainage and Water Quality Master Plan, and is seeking public input at a series of virtual meetings this spring. The Plan will include a collection of infrastructure projects that will reduce flooding, improve water quality, and mitigate combined sewer overflows. Continue reading Somerville Citywide Drainage and Water Quality Master Plan →

Our sincere condolences, thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of Juan Manuel Leguisamon on his passing.

Juan Manuel Leguisamon was a wonderful man and friends to many of us here at the Somerville/Medford News Weekly. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Juan Manuel Leguisamon →

Aerial View of USQ, a $2 billion 2.4 million square foot development centered around the MBTA’s Union Square Station in Somerville, MA, Developed by US2; Rendering Credit: US2 Continue reading FOR THE $2 BILLION USQ, THE OPENING OF THE MBTA’S UNION SQUARE STATION ON THE GREEN LINE EXTENSION ON MONDAY, MARCH 21, 2022, IS CENTRAL TO DEVELOPMENT PLANS →

Open Positions: Three
Term: Three years
The Somerville Public Library Board of Trustees seeks three new members, 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 Public Library Board of Trustees Seeks Three Members →

Our sincere condolences, thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of Marie L. Linscott (Colosi) on her passing.

Marie L. Linscott was a wonderful person and very close to many of us here at the Somerville/Medford News Weekly. She was more like family to us.

Marie L. Linscott (Colosi) will be sadly missed here both in Somerville and Medford by many.

Obituary: Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Marie L. Linscott (Colosi) →

Click on link below to read March 15th Somerville/Medford News Weekly Print Edition Online
March 15th, 2022 The Somerville Medford News Weekly Print Edition Online (3)

Please join Mayor Katjana Ballantyne, the City of Somerville Office of Housing Stability (OHS), and the Community Action Agency of Somerville (CAAS) for a webinar about tenants’ rights in Somerville, housing advocacy and rental assistance services, and community organizing to prevent eviction and displacement. Somerville’s local eviction moratorium, established in March 2020, currently remains in effect until Saturday, April 30, 2022. Continue reading Somerville Tenants’ Rights Webinar, March 23 →

BOSTON – In an audit of the Department of Youth Services (DYS) released today, the Office of State Auditor Suzanne M. Bump (OSA) identified a need for DYS to take measures to more effectively manage its 51B report resolution process. Continue reading Audit Identifies Areas of Risk in the Monitoring Controls at the Department of Youth Services →

KATHERINE’S OBITUARY

Katherine (Murphy) Griffin of Somerville passed away peacefully on March 8, 2022, with her loving family by her side. Born October 16, 1935, she was the devoted daughter to the late Julia and William Murphy, and sister to the late Daniel Murphy and Mary Murphy. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Katherine T. Griffin →

LILLIAN’S OBITUARY:

Complete Obituary will be posted soon.
Calling Hours will be held in the George L. Doherty Funeral Home, 855 Broadway (Powder House Sq.) Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Lillian J. DiFraia →

By Bob Katzen

“The COVID-19 pandemic taught us many hard lessons. The failure to center both equity and public health expertise in the state’s response to the pandemic cost us dearly. Now, we must commit to building a 21st-century public health system that will provide robust protections to all Massachusetts residents, regardless of income, race or zip code.
—Carlene Pavlos, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Public Health Association. Continue reading THIS WEEK’S QUOTABLE QUOTES ON BEACON HILL →

By Bob Katzen

The Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture Committee held a virtual hearing on a measure that would prohibit the idling of any trains for more than 30 minutes. Continue reading STATE TO LIMIT TRAIN IDLING TO 30 MINUTES →

By Bob Katzen

The State Administration and Regulatory Committee held a virtual hearing on a proposal that would establish September 11 as a Day of Remembrance in recognition of the loss of life and service of first responders at the World Trade Center in New York City in 2001. Continue reading SEPTEMBER 11 REMEMBRANCE DAY →

By Bob Katzen

The Transportation Committee held a virtual hearing on legislation that would ban drivers from recording or broadcasting a video of themselves while driving. Continue reading STATE TO BAN RECORDING AND BROADCASTING WHILE DRIVING →

By Bob Katzen

Beacon Hill has a full plate: Offshore wind, solar and other climate change policies. Leftover American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding and spending options. The fiscal year 2023 budget. Tax cuts. Mental health care access. Prescription drug costs. Education priorities. The MBTA. Sports betting. Continue reading ALSO UP ON BEACON HILL INSIGHTS ON THE LEGISLATURE’S UPCOMING AGENDA – →

By Bob Katzen

The Senate 39-0, approved an amendment that would require the Secretary of Veterans’ Services to be a veteran.
Continue reading SECRETARY OF VETERANS SERVICES MUST BE A VETERAN (S 2739) →

By Bob Katzen

The Senate 38-1, approved an amendment that would require that both veterans’ homes be licensed by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) and be required to meet state standards that are currently required for nursing facilities. Sen. Jo Comerford (D-Northampton), the sponsor of the amendment, said the amendment will ensure that the homes meet high state standards. Continue reading REQUIRE SOLDIERS’ HOMES TO MEET STATE STANDARDS →

By Bob Katzen

The Senate 39-0, approved a bill that would make major changes to the oversight and governance structure of the state’s veterans’ homes in Holyoke and Chelsea. The proposal follows the deaths of 77 veteran residents in 2020 as a result of a COVID-19 outbreak at the Holyoke facility. Continue reading STATE’S VETERANS’ HOMES OVERSIGHT BILL (S 2739) →

By Bob Katzen

The House 28-128, rejected an amendment that would provide an additional $100 million to cities and towns in one-time funding for the maintenance and repair of local roads and bridges across the state. This would be in addition to the $100 million already included in the spending package. Continue reading $100 MILLION IN ADDITIONAL ROAD FUNDS →

By Bob Katzen

The House 156-0, approved and sent to the Senate a $1.6 billion supplemental budget that contains $700 million for COVID-19 related expenses including $432 million for COVID testing, $72 million for treatments, $45 million for expanded vaccination access and $25 million for personal protective equipment. Continue reading STATE $1.6 BILLION SPENDING PACKAGE →

By Bob Katzen

The House gave initial approval to a bill to protect persons with disabilities by imposing up to a 1-year prison sentence on anyone who forces someone with a disability to have sexual intercourse. Continue reading PROTECTING PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES →

By Bob Katzen

The House gave initial approval to a bill that would prohibit a city or town from using zoning laws to ban a homeowner who owns a single-family home on a lot with more than 5,000 feet, from building an accessory dwelling unit (ADU), sometimes known as an in-law apartment. Continue reading “IN-LAW APARTMENTS” AND LOCAL ZONING LAWS →

KAREN’S OBITUARY

GRIGG, Karen L. – Of Somerville March 8, 2022. Beloved wife of Fred Sim of Somerville.
Daughter of Sandra Theriault of Somerville and the late George Grigg. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Karen L. Grigg →

Calling all entrepreneurs, makers, artisans, and designers: You’re invited to the Maker Movement Huddle, an informal gathering for local creators hosted by the City of Somerville Economic Development Division and Boynton Yards. Continue reading Maker Movement Huddle for Local Creators, March 24 →

Theory Wellness, Inc. approved to set up marijuana dispensary at 162 Mystic Ave.

As part of community benefits, Theory Wellness will fully fund and support a community arts center. Continue reading Mayor Lungo-Koehn Signs First Host Community Agreement with Marijuana Dispensary →

After March 21, masks will be optional at City buildings and events

SOMERVILLE – With COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations down, the City of Somerville will lift its mask requirement for City buildings and events starting Monday, March 21. This means all City-issued mask mandates are now either lifted or set to lift. Some federal and state mask requirements remain in effect. Continue reading Somerville to End Mask Mandate for City Buildings Monday, March 21 →

OBITUARY
Finn, Edward F. Jr., Of Somerville, March 10, 2022.
Beloved husband of 51 years of the late Priscilla (Hurley) Finn. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Edward F Finn Jr →

Open Positions: Three
Term: Three years
The Somerville Commission for Persons with Disabilities (SCPD) seeks three new members, and Somerville residents and employees of the City of Somerville are encouraged to apply. Two of the openings must be filled by people who identify as having a disability and one is open to any Somerville resident or City of Somerville employee. Continue reading Somerville Commission for Persons with Disabilities Seeks Three Members →

Mayor Katjana Ballantyne and Ward 6 City Councilor Lance Davis invite you to a virtual informational meeting where City staff will share updates about the play area at the Benjamin Brown School. Continue reading Somerville Brown School Play Area Public Meeting, March 22 →

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

I Am the Director of My Own Story
By: Janice Perez-Gomez, Somerville

I grew up in a physically and psychologically abusive home where I was told that I was useless and wouldn’t amount to anything. In addition to enduring physical abuse, my family tried to stop me from achieving my dreams of going to college; so, when I turned 18, I left. Continue reading Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line: Somerville resident overcomes abusive childhood →

MISSING CATS!! PLEASE SHARE!!

“Jack”(mainecoon tabby) and “Lady” (tuxedo) went missing on 03/06/22 in the area of Oxford St and Highland Ave. “Lady” was last seen wearing a pink collar with a bell. Continue reading Somerville Animal Control Updates: MISSING CATS! →

Open Positions: Four
Term: Three years
The City of Somerville seeks four new members for the Municipal Scholarship Committee, and all Somerville residents are invited to apply. Continue reading Somerville Municipal Scholarship Committee Seeks Four Members →

By William Tauro

Traffic was to a halt early Thursday morning at 7:00am on Broadway by the Mount Vernon Restaurant due to a tractor-trailer/automobile accident. Police and first responders were on scene clearing the blockage within minutes. Continue reading Early Thursday Morning Tractor Trailer/Automobile Accident In Somerville →

The City of Somerville has an opening for a citywide Community Garden Coordinator position. The candidate chosen for this role will serve as the liaison between each of Somerville’s 11 Community Gardens and the City. Responsibilities for the role include: Continue reading City Seeks New Community Garden Coordinator →

Applications are now open for an income-restricted homeownership opportunity at 13 Alpine Street. This two-bedroom unit features one garage parking space, modern kitchen appliances, marble bathroom tile, hardwoord oak flooring, and further modern amenities. Continue reading Affordable Homeownership Opportunity at 13 Alpine Street Now Accepting Applications →

Somerville recently launched a pilot program that brings the latest in rodent-control technology to the city as part of Mayor Katjana Ballantyne’s 100-Day Agenda and Somerville’s overall commitment to pest mitigation. Continue reading SMART Box Pilot Program to Make City Rodents Say, “Rats!” →

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If everyone is Irish on Saint Patrick’s Day then the best place to be on March 18th is the Somerville Theater to celebrate with Irish Step Dancing, Music and Four of Boston’s funniest comedians of Irish descent. Continue reading ST. PADDY’S COMEDY & DANCE SPECTACULAR →

(MEDFORD)—The City of Medford is asking members of the public to join its planning committee for the first ever Pride Festival hosted by the City this June, Mayor Breanna Lungo-Koehn announced.
Continue reading Medford Establishing Planning Committee for City’s First Pride Festival Community members encouraged to join. →

The Somerville Community Preservation Committee (CPC) is holding its annual Community Preservation Plan public hearing on Wednesday, March 23, at 6:30 p.m. Continue reading Somerville Community Preservation Plan Public Hearing, March 23 →

The ribbon cutting ceremony for the Central Hill Playground originally scheduled for March 10, will now be held on the rain date of Tuesday, March 15, at 9 a.m. Continue reading Somerville-Rescheduled – Central Hill Playground Ribbon Cutting, March 15 →

Our sincere condolences, thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of Irene F. Burdulis on her passing. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Irene F. Burdulis →

Click on link below to read March 8th, 2022 Print Edition OnlineMarch 8th, 2022 The Somerville Medford News Weekly Print Edition Online (1) (1)

Mayor Katjana Ballantyne and Ward 3 Councilor Ben Ewen-Campen invite you to a ribbon cutting to celebrate the new Central Hill playground on Thursday, March 10, at 9:30 a.m. (rain date Tuesday, March 15, at 9 a.m.). Continue reading Somerville Central Hill Playground Ribbon Cutting, March 10 →

IRENE’S OBITUARY
Complete obit to follow 
 
 
 
A funeral mass will be held Saturday, March 12th at St. Joseph Church, 262 Washington St., Somerville at 10 AM. Please meet directly at church. Continue reading Somerville/ Medford Remembering Irene F Burdulis →

Our sincere condolences, thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of Pauline W. Pettinelli on her passing.

Pauline W. Pettinelli, wife of Robert “Bob” Pettinelli, who was a wonderful person will be sadly miss here both in Somerville and Medford. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Pauline W. Pettinelli →

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

On Thursday, March 3, 2021, I, Officer David Ruf, was in full-uniform and assigned to marked cruiser East-1, for the Somerville Police Department. At approximately 12:40 A.M., I was dispatched to Grand Union Blvd and Great River Rd, both public ways in the city of Somerville, for a single motor vehicle accident. Somerville dispatched informed me that the vehicle was on the island and the parties were outside the vehicle. Officer Henriquez (East-4) and Officer Morel (Sector-East) also responded. Continue reading Real Life Somerville Police Stories: (License Suspended) (MSP Warrant) →

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

On Sunday, March 6, 2022, I worked my assigned 4 PM- 12 AM shift, in full uniform, in marked cruiser West-6. Continue reading Real Life Somerville Police Stories: Justin PAQUETTE (Armed Robbery)Davis Square CVS →

As posted on Senator Pat Jehlen’s Facebook Site

On Friday evening, students from the Center for Citizenship and Social Responsibility at Medford High organized an extraordinarily moving vigil in support of the people of Ukraine, with student speeches and a bake sale to benefit UNICEF relief efforts in Ukraine. Continue reading Medford High Vigil for People of Ukraine →

By Bob Katzen

“The likelihood that I would do anything else in elected politics is pretty slim.”
—Gov. Baker on if he has any future political plans to run for office. Continue reading This Week’s QUOTABLE QUOTES on Beacon Hill →

By Bob Katzen

The House gave initial approval to legislation that would amend a four-decade old law that requires an amber dome light and the flashing orange lights on the back of ice cream trucks when the truck is parked and serving ice cream. The bill would provide that the law be enforced and would impose a $50 fine for failure to have the lights. Continue reading ICE CREAM TRUCKS →

By Bob Katzen

In 1947, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that racist “white only” language in property deeds prohibiting Blacks and other racial minorities from living on the property were illegal and unenforceable. However, under current Massachusetts law, there is no mechanism in place to remove these covenants from property deeds and they remain in the deeds of hundreds of homes for homeowners across the state. Continue reading EXPUNGEMENT OF RACIST “WHITE ONLY” LANGUAGE IN PROPERTY DEEDS →

By Bob Katzen

The House gave initial approval to legislation that allows police to tow away and keep in storage for 12 hours the vehicle of anyone who is incapacitated following the use of drugs. The measure defines “incapacitated” as “disorderly, unconscious, in need of medical attention, likely to suffer or cause physical harm or damage property.” Continue reading TOWING CAR AFTER DRUG OVERDOSE →

By Bob Katzen

Governor Charlie Baker ordered all Massachusetts executive branch agencies to review their contracts and terminate any agreements with any executive department agency that is currently contracting with any Russian state-owned company or otherwise engaged in any partnership, affiliation, or exchange with any Russian state-owned company, Russian government-controlled entity or Russian governmental body. Continue reading STATE SANCTIONS AGAINST RUSSIA →

The Senate 40-0, approved and sent to the House legislation 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 →

By Bob Katzen

The Senate 40-0 approved and sent to the House a bill that would require primary and secondary schools, homeless shelters and prisons to provide free disposable menstrual products in a convenient and non-stigmatizing way. Continue reading FREE MENSTRUAL PRODUCTS →

By Bob Katzen

The House 28-127, rejected an amendment that would eliminate a new charge that would add an estimated $1.37 to the average gas customer’s monthly bill. The estimated $23 million in new revenue would be used to fund training programs, tax credits and incentives for companies. Continue reading ELIMINATE THE ESTIMATED $1.37 PER CUSTOMER CHARGE TO FUND TAX CREDITS AND JOB TRAINING →

By Bob Katzen

The House 133-12, approved and sent to the Senate a bill to further develop and expand the offshore wind industry in Massachusetts. Provisions include investing hundreds of millions of dollars over the next decade in infrastructure, innovation, job training, supply chain capacity and transmission upgrades; providing job training, tax incentives, grants and loans; investing in long-term energy storage to help the state’s transition to renewable energy; and implementing a new charge that would add an estimated $1.37 to the average gas customer’s monthly bill to raise an estimated $23 million in new revenue that would be used to fund the programs, tax incentives and grants. Continue reading OFFSHORE WIND INDUSTRY →

EVENTS

Bingo – Tuesdays at Ralph & Jenny Center starting at 10:00 a.m. and Thursdays at Holland Street starting at 10:00 a.m. Grab and Go 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 3-1-2022 →

Residents, landlords, business owners, and all members of the Medford community invited to participate ongoing Comprehensive Planning process. Continue reading Medford-Third Comprehensive Plan Community Meeting Scheduled for March 16th →

BOSTON – Today, in an audit of the Massachusetts Office for Victim Assistance’s (MOVA), the Office of State Auditor Suzanne M. Bump (OSA) found that none of MOVA’s employees received cybersecurity awareness training, as required by the Executive Office of Technology Services and Security. The audit, which examined the period of January 1, 2019 to December 31, 2020 recommends that MOVA establish policies and procedures requiring all staff members to receive mandatory cybersecurity awareness training. Continue reading Audit Recommends Improvements in Cybersecurity Practices at Massachusetts Office for Victim Assistance →

Mayor Katjana Ballantyne and the City of Somerville Housing Division are pleased to announce an income-restricted homeownership opportunity. Continue reading Affordable Homeownership Opportunity at 13 Alpine Street Condominiums →

Nwajei previously served as Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and as the Director of the Office of Human Rights for the State Department of Developmental Services Continue reading Mayor Lungo-Koehn Appoints Frances N. Nwajei as Medford’s Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion →

SOMERVILLE – With COVID-19 health indicators improving, the City of Somerville Board of Health has voted to end Somerville’s face covering mandate for indoor public spaces. Effective Saturday, March 5, the City will no longer require masks in privately owned indoor locations such as restaurants, stores, theaters, and gyms. Businesses, however, remain free to maintain their own mask requirements to best serve their health and safety needs. Continue reading Somerville Mask Mandate for Indoor Public Spaces to End Saturday, March 5 →

SYHA Alumni –

SYHA is hosting their 1st annual Somerville Youth Hockey Alumni Tournament at Veterans Rink in Somerville and we need you there! Teams of ~10 players will face off on the ice for the afternoon of games. Each team is guaranteed 2 games. Each game will be 2 15-minute running time periods. Continue reading Somerville Youth Hockey Assosiation (SYHA) Hosting 1st Annual Somerville Youth Hockey Alumni Tournament at Veterans Rink →

Our sincere condolences, thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of Mary A. Doherty on her passing.

Mary A. Doherty was a wonderful person who will be sadly missed here in both Somerville and Medford.

Obituary:

Mary A. Doherty, a resident of Melrose and formerly longtime of Somerville, passed away peacefully on Friday, March 4, 2022 at Glen Ridge Nursing Care in Medford, at age 82. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Mary A. Doherty →

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

I seldom write on International issues or political parties but share important facts and comments sometimes. But, This week is the “…times that try men’s souls.” But not our Government..save for a few Senators. Ukraine needs BIG weapons, missiles LAST WEEK. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Speakup Line: Stop! In the Name of Soul →

PHILLIPPE’S OBITUARY

U.S. Veteran, Mr. Phillippe R. Flannery, of Somerville, passed away on March 2, 2022, he was one week shy of his 99th birthday. Born March 9, 1923 in Boston he was the son of Marie (Paquette) and Francis Flannery. He was the beloved husband of the late Doreen (Dionne) Flannery and a devoted father of 9 children. Kathleen Canney and her husband Edward, the late Rita Gotham and her surviving husband Edward, Beatrice Wood and her husband Ron, the late Claire McAskill and her late ex-husband Paul, Paul Flannery and his wife Valerie, Doris Walsh and her late husband Joseph, Ralph Flannery, Irene Flannery and her husband Jeffrey Blanz, Dan Flannery and his wife Maureen. He also leaves his only brother Ovide Flannery, 11 loving grandchildren and many great grandchildren. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Mr. Phillippe R. Flannery →

IRENE’S OBITUARY
Irene Marie (Caruso) Batastini, also known as “NANA”, 87, peacefully passed on March 2,
2022 in Boston.
Born in Boston on November 7, 1934, Irene resided in Somerville, Ma. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Irene Marie (Caruso) Batastini →

Album: SNAPSHOTS
Artist: June Millington
Make Me Happy 2:51
1)June Millington’s Snapshots CDs starts off with a pure pop confection that sounds as if Laura Nyro and Paul McCartney decided to create a combination of their skills. At two minutes and fifty-one seconds it would fit on 2022 radio as easily as it would the year 1965. Fun production too. Continue reading Joe Vig’s First Impressions …inside the Hotline to the Underground →

Click on link below to read March 1st, 2022 The Somerville Medford News Weekly Print Edition OnlineMarch 1st, 2022 The Somerville Medford News Weekly Print Edition Online (1)

Our sincere condolences, thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of Henry Szeto on his passing.

Henry was the founder of the Boston Chinatown Lion’s Club as well as a mentor and very good friend to many of us here at the Somerville Lion’s Club for decades. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Henry Szeto →

In response to updated CDC and Massachusetts Department of Public Health guidance on indoor masking, the Somerville Board of Health will hold a special meeting to discuss the local indoor mask mandate. Continue reading Somerville Board of Health Meeting to Discuss Indoor Mask Mandate →

SOMERVILLE – As part of Mayor Katjana Ballantyne’s 100-Day Agenda and the City’s ongoing commitment to mitigating rodent activity, the City of Somerville is launching a five-month pilot program to bring the latest rodent-control technology to Somerville this week. Continue reading Somerville Pilots New Rodent-Control Technology City partners with Modern Pest Services to deploy 50 SMART Boxes in strategic locations →

Updated:On Sunday evening February 27, 2022 the person that was operating the vehicle that struck the young lady on Harvard Street. Turned himself into the Medford Police. The Medford Police also have his car that he was driving when the young lady was struck. This investigation is still ongoing, and charges will be sought against this person. We are not disclosing his identity at this time because he has not been officially charged yet.
     

On Saturday February 26, 2022 at approximately 11:30pm a 22-year-old female was struck by a passing motor vehicle as she got out of a ride share vehicle that was dropping her and her boyfriend off in the area of 125 Harvard Street in Medford, MA. Continue reading Updated:Looking for Public’s Help:Medford Hit & Run with Serious Personal Injury →

Clark requested an analysis of the employer-provided child care credit and the benefits employees receive from child care services eligible for the credit Continue reading ASSISTANT SPEAKER CLARK ANNOUNCES NEW FINDINGS FROM GAO STUDY ON EMPLOYER-PROVIDED CHILD CARE CREDIT: ONLY 11 PERCENT OF WORKERS HAVE ACCESS TO EMPLOYER-PROVIDED CARE →

Mayor Katjana Ballantyne and the City of Somerville’s Mobility Division are inviting residents to a series of community workshops with the aim of informing Somerville’s Citywide Bicycle Network Plan. Continue reading Community Workshops To Map Out the Future of Cycling in Somerville →

The City is now accepting applications for the new Child Care Access and Affordability Program, which provides financial assistance toward full-day preschool and childcare. Continue reading Somerville-Apply Now for City’s New Child Care Access and Affordability Program →

As Somerville develops its Citywide Drainage and Water Quality Master Plan, Mayor Katjana Ballantyne and the City’s Engineering Division invite residents to a series of virtual community meetings to discuss flood mitigation in Somerville. Continue reading Somerville Virtual Meetings To Discuss City’s Proposed Flood Mitigation Efforts →

Andrew James Martineau of Middleboro passed away on February 20, 2022. He was 66. Andy was born and raised in Somerville to the late Arthur and Mary T. (Franey) Martineau. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Andrew James Martineau →

McGivern was appointed Acting DPW Commissioner in November 2021, has served as Medford’s City Engineer since 2018. Continue reading Medford Mayor Lungo-Koehn Appoints Former City Engineer Timothy McGivern as Permanent Commissioner of Public Works →

BOSTON – An audit released today by the Office of State Auditor Suzanne M. Bump (OSA) found inadequacies in the state’s Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance (DCAMM) processes to ensure equal opportunity staffing requirements of its contractors for women and minority participation. Continue reading AUDIT FINDS CONTRACTS AUTHORIZED BY STATE’S PUBLIC CONSTRUCTION AGENCY DID NOT MEET WORKFORCE PARTICIPATION GOALS FOR WOMEN AND MINORITIES →

Mayor Katjana Ballantyne, Ward 2 Councilor J.T. Scott, and City staff invite you to a virtual community meeting to discuss roadway upgrades and traffic safety improvements on Washington Street, just west of Union Square. Continue reading Western Washington Street Mobility Improvements Community Meeting, March 1 →

Recent re-precincting in 89 communities increased preliminary cost certifications by 11%

BOSTON – In a letter to Secretary of the Commonwealth William Francis Galvin, State Auditor Suzanne M. Bump determined and certified that the state must pay communities $2,083,736.08 to cover the cost of extra mandated polling hours for the September 2022 state primary and November 2022 general elections. Continue reading AUDITOR BUMP CERTIFIES STATE MUST PAY COMMUNITIES $2.08 MILLION FOR THIS YEAR’S ELECTIONS →

By Bob Katzen

“Before deciding to impose new fees on riders, the MBTA should re-examine its fare collection contract, and adopt a Low-Income Fare that would save low-income people millions.”
— Collique Williams of the Public Transit Public Good Coalition on the failure by the MBTA board to create a Low-Income Fare for MBTA riders. Continue reading THIS WEEK’S QUOTABLE QUOTES ON BEACON HILL →

By Bob Katzen

ENCOURAGING SUICIDE Bill (S 1032) Imposes up to a 5-year prison sentence on a person who encourages another person to commit suicide.

The bill, called “Conrad’s Law,” is named after then- 18-year-old Conrad Roy III who, in 2014, killed himself after being pressured by then- 17-year-old Michelle Carter via a phone call following thousands of texts. Carter was convicted of manslaughter and served 12 months of a 15-month prison sentence. Continue reading ENCOURAGING SUICIDE →

By Bob Katzen

The State Administration and Regulatory Oversight Committee has recommended passage of a bill that would establish an official holiday in Massachusetts to commemorate the life of President John F. Kennedy and promote civic engagement and voter participation. The holiday would be officially observed annually on Election Day—the last Sunday in November in all odd-numbered years and the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November in all even-numbered years. Continue reading JFK HOLIDAY →

By Bob Katzen

The House gave initial approval to legislation that would prohibit the release of the audio version of 911 calls to the public or media except when authorized by the caller; requested by law enforcement agencies for investigative purposes; or when a court order finds that the right of the public to the release of the recording outweighs the privacy interests of the individual who made the call. The measure does allow the release of a written transcript of the audio at any time. Continue reading PRIVACY OF AUDIO OF 911 CALLS →

By Bob Katzen

The Baker administration announced the launch of a $75 million program, funded by money from the $4 billion American Rescue Plan, to provide grants to businesses impacted by COVID-19. The program provides $50 million toward businesses that employ between two and 50 people and which reach underserved markets and businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, the disabled and people who identify as a member of the LGBTQ+ community. Continue reading $75 MILLION FOR SMALL BUSINESSES IMPACTED BY COVID-19 →

By Bob Katzen

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) reminds residents that free treatment options are available that can be used to prevent severe illness and hospitalization from COVID-19. Several treatments, including monoclonal antibody infusions and oral therapeutics, are widely available across the state. Continue reading COVID TREATMENT →

By Bob Katzen

On September 23, the Senate 38-1, approved legislation that would require that all public schools offering a comprehensive sexual health education curriculum “provide medically accurate, age-appropriate sexual health education.”
Continue reading SEX EDUCATION →

By Bob Katzen
On November 17, the Senate 39-0, approved a measure known as the Mental Health Addressing Barriers to Care (ABC) Act that will make mental health care more accessible in the Bay State.
Continue reading INCREASE MENTAL HEALTH ACCESS →

By Bob Katzen
On October 21, the Senate 39-0, approved legislation that would support military families who relocate to the Bay State by providing career stability for the spouses of service members and education for their children. Continue reading BENEFITS FOR MILITARY FAMILIES →

By Bob Katzen

On September 23, the Senate 39-0, approved a bill that would allow people to change their gender on their birth certificate, driver’s license, learner’s permit, identification card or liquor purchase identification card, including to a non-binary option other than male or female. Continue reading CHANGE GENDER ON BIRTH CERTIFICATES AND MORE →

Residents of a main artery who had parked on a permit-only secondary street should move their car after 3 p.m. to avoid being ticketed and towed. Continue reading The City of Medford will lift the snow emergency as of 3 p.m. Saturday, February 26, and normal parking regulations will resume. →

MOVE CARS FROM CITY LOTS BY 10 a.m.

SOMERVILLE – The City of Somerville’s snow emergency will end Saturday, February 26, at 8 a.m., and normal parking rules will resume at that time. Vehicles can be parked on the even side of the street starting at 8 a.m. To avoid ticketing and towing, do not move to the even side before 8 a.m. Saturday. Continue reading SOMERVILLE SNOW EMERGENCY WILL END SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 26, AT 8 a.m. →

Parking restrictions in effect as of 10pm Thursday

City Hall closed on Friday.

Trash pickup delayed into next week. Continue reading CITY OF MEDFORD DECLARES SNOW EMERGENCY THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 24th BEGINNING AT 10PM →

Move vehicles by 11:30 p.m. Thursday to odd-numbered side of street (unless otherwise posted) to avoid ticketing and towing
Parking is also allowed in municipal lots (but not in school lots) Continue reading Somerville Declares Snow Emergency Effective Thursday, February 24, at 7:30 p.m. →

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February 22nd, 2022 The Somerville Medford News Weekly Print Edition Online (2)

Reyes, Servilia of Somerville, passed away at Massachusetts General Hospital on Saturday February 12th, 2022. She was 74.
Born and raised in Jayuya, Puerto Rico, she was the daughter of the late Geronimo DeJesus-Reyes and Claudina Dominguez-Gonzales. Continue reading Somerville/ Medford Remembering Servilia Reyes →

Cornelius O’Sullivan, a longtime Medford resident passed away on February 15th after a long illness. He was 85. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Cornelius O’Sullivan →

David C. Figueiredo, 51, of Gloucester, husband of Maria C. (Nunes) Figueiredo, passed away at Lahey Medical Center in Burlington after a brief illness.

David was born in Somerville, MA on July 11, 1970 to proud parents of Jacinto Cabral and Maria Jose Figueiredo. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering David C. Figueiredo →

Carmen R. Leone, 82, of Somerville of Somerville, passed away on February 18, 2022, he was 82.
Born in Bonito, Italy he was the son of the late Anna (Sarno) and Angelo Leone. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Carmen R. Leone →

The Princess Pancake Breakfast at the Ted Williams Camp (Loon Pond Lodge) raised a significant amount of money for the Jimmy Fund today. The team of Nadia Carlevale and the Ted Williams Camp Alumni thank you for a wonderful day had by all. Continue reading Ted Williams Camp Alumni Working On Striking Out Cancer →

Pay By Phone Options Available in Business Districts

Enforcement Activities to Begin February 28
MEDFORD – The City of Medford Parking Department has fully transitioned from operations previously undertaken by ParkMedford and will begin formal enforcement and permitting operations this month, Parking Director Faye Morrison and Mayor Breanna Lungo-Koehn announced today. The Department, located on the first floor of City Hall, will begin issuing parking permits begin enforcement activities on February 28. Continue reading Medford Parking Department Will be Fully Operational as of February 28, Accepting Parking Permit and Other Online Applications for 2022 →

Multiple Boards and Commissions currently seeking to fill various positions. Residents of all backgrounds and abilities encouraged to apply

The City of Medford is currently accepting applications from Medford residents to serve on one of many City Boards & Commissions. Continue reading MEDFORD CITY BOARDS & COMMISSIONS SEEKING RESIDENTS TO FILL VACANCIES →

The City of Somerville Traffic Board will hold a virtual public hearing on Thursday, February 24, 2022, regarding the one-year parking-regulation changes for City and school staff on Central Hill, near City Hall, Somerville High School, and the Central Library. These changes were approved at the Somerville Traffic Commission meeting on November 18, 2021 (Agenda Items 5a-d and 6).
Continue reading Somerville Traffic Board Public Hearing on Central Hill Parking Changes, February 24 →

Marcelin Olivier of Medford, MA passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Thursday February 17th at the Kaplan Family Hospice House, in Danvers, MA at the age of 87.
Born November, 23rd 1934 in Port au Prince, Haiti, he was the son of the late Marcel and Margot (Pardoviany) Olivier. Marcelin was a devoted family man of faith and hard worker. He had a career as an Health inspector in Haiti and later as an Commuter rail inspector for the MBTA in Brookline, Ma. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Marcelin Olivier →

BOSTON– On February 16, 2022 the Massachusetts House of Representatives voted to pass bill H.4461 the Work and Family Mobility Act, filed by Representative Christine Barber of Somerville and Medford and Representative Tricia Farley-Bouvier of Pittsfield, enabling all state residents to apply for a standard MA driver’s license or identification card regardless of immigration status. Continue reading Representative Barber’s Driver’s License Bill Passes in Landmark House Vote →

MEDFORD – The City of Medford will be offering rain barrels at a highly discounted price again in 2022. In partnership with The Great American Rain Barrel Co., the City is working to safely provide residents with an opportunity to save money and help the city manage its water supplies. Continue reading Rain Barrels Available Now Through May 3rd Through Partnership Between City of Medford, Great American Rain Barrels →

Work will focus on recruitment, the appointment process, and barriers to serving on boards and commissions

SOMERVILLE – In an effort to diversify the City’s boards and commissions and provide equitable opportunity for residents to participate, Mayor Katjana Ballantyne announced plans to address barriers to serving on Somerville’s boards and commissions through a comprehensive reevaluation process that will result in both amended and new standard processes. Continue reading Mayor Ballantyne Announces Plan to Make City Boards and Commissions More Inclusive →

Virtual Workshop Series: Somerville Bicycle Network Planning

Mayor Katjana Ballantyne and the City of Somerville Mobility Division invite you to participate in a virtual workshop to help inform Somerville’s citywide bicycle network plan. Continue reading Somerville Bicycle Network Planning Workshops →

RUTH’S OBITUARY
Ruth F. (Huckins) Holmes, of Salem, formerly of Medford, passed away surrounded by the love of her family on February 15, 2022.
Born in Winchester, she was the cherished daughter of the late Francis and Ruth Huckins and wife of the late James Holmes. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Ruth F. (Huckins) Holmes →

(MEDFORD)—The Medford Board of Health, citing a three week decrease in the City’s COVID-19 positivity rate, voted unanimously at its regular meeting on February 15 to lift the indoor mask requirement for private businesses. The Board of Health also voted to rescind the vaccination requirement for large-scale indoor entertainment venues like the Chevalier Theatre, though performers have the ability to require proof of vaccinations on a show-by-show basis. Both orders will take effect at 12:01 a.m. on February 16, 2022. Continue reading MEDFORD BOARD OF HEALTH VOTES TO LIFT INDOOR MASK MANDATE FOR PRIVATE BUSINESSES →

Our sincere condolences, thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of Arline C. Ardolino on her passing.

Arline C. Ardolino was a wonderful person who will be sadly missed here in both Somerville and Medford. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Arline C. Ardolino →