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Time Trade Circle – Orientation

Posted by a 9:13 am on June 30, 2009

Save Money! – Learn New Things! – Get Help Without Paying! – Meet New Friends!

Have you ever noticed that people are good at different things? The Time Trade Circle lets us share our own skills and get help from others who offer things we need. When you spend an hour helping another member, one hour credit is added to your account. …

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Posted in All Ages, Announcements, Consumer Money Saving, Economy & Poverty, Events | No Comments »

Fund Our Communities, Reduce the Military Budget

Posted by a 2:30 pm on June 25, 2009

We’re working on educating the public about the incredible amount of money spent on weapon systems, and the need to get the government to redirect that money to basic human needs, such as jobs, education, housing, and health care. … and that’s where you can help. We’re going to ask the Board of Aldermen of Somerville to endorse the campaign. As preparation for that, we’re asking you to call your alderman/ woman to urge their endorsement of this campaign.

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Posted in Civic Action, Economy & Poverty, Government Reform, Politics | 33 Comments »

SCAT Provides Fiscal Sponsorship to Somerville Voices

Posted by a 12:08 am on

This new partnership will enable SV to collect and use tax-deductible donations from you so we can focus on producing high quality local stories that matter to you while SCAT (Somerville Community Access TV) gets to handle our filings to the IRS and also take a small cut for their help.…

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Posted in Announcements | No Comments »

Somerville, MA ARRA Funding Watch

Posted by a 6:58 pm on June 24, 2009

This Somerville ARRA Funding Watch is gleaned from the Massachusetts Area Planning Council’s Municipal Resource Guide on the Federal Economic

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Posted in City Finances, Economy & Poverty, Public Health & Safety, Schools and Youth, Transportation | 14 Comments »

Social Media Project

Posted by a 10:32 am on

Social media project that shows how social media affects online gaming networks in different countries and the slang and different use of words that are used over the internet

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Posted in Special | No Comments »

Facebook World

Posted by a 10:30 am on

A video we made expressing how facebook joins the whole world through one website…

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Posted in Special | No Comments »

Facebook lessons

Posted by a 10:21 am on

Aunts,uncles and parents have gotten facebooks and myspaces. Where they can embarrass us, here in this video is an Aunt giving her niece a grammar lesson. You can watch it here

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Posted in Special | No Comments »

Tweet Tweet for Twitter

Posted by a 10:20 am on

This video was created for a TV and Media class. We were told to make a vlog about social networking and how sometimes it can get out of hand. This video describes the actions of…

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Posted in Special | No Comments »

Welcoming Mass Feedback!!

Posted by a 2:52 pm on June 23, 2009

On Monday the 22nd of June at 7:30 at the Somerville High School the School Committee approved the Welcoming Massachusetts pledge. All the members said “Yes” to the pledge with great enthusiasm…

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Posted in Immigration, Politics, Schools and Youth | 3 Comments »

Parking, SomerStat and Politics

Posted by a 6:50 pm on June 21, 2009

In spite of the overwhelming cupidity of the Board of Aldermen, one or more may ask why or how the Mayor connects “access” to higher tickets across the board? … The obvious conclusion is that he cares nothing about access, and everything about money. While that may be good for his budget, it is at real cost to citizens and businesses, and, ultimately, to the management system that justifies – or rationalizes – that cost.

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Posted in Accessibility, City Finances, Development and Zoning, Government Reform, Public Health & Safety, Transportation | 28 Comments »

Support the Welcoming MA Resolution at the School Cmte Mtg

Posted by a 11:59 am on

Hello my name is Clivia Camara I am a youth member of the Welcome Project.  As a supporter of the Welcoming  Massachusetts Campaign I’m forwarding this information hoping to see you at this such important meeting as part of your support to the Welcoming Massachusetts Compaign and the immigrant  youth of Somerville.…

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Posted in Announcements, Civic Action, Events, Immigration | 1 Comment »

Somerville Mixer June 27th

Posted by a 11:38 am on June 19, 2009

Please join us to support the Somerville Commission for Women at El Potro in Union Square… Appetizers and Live Music will be provided.

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Posted in Announcements, Arts and Culture, Events | No Comments »

PDS June Meeting

Posted by a 8:00 pm on June 18, 2009

Come out to the next Progressive Democrats of Somerville Meeting!
When: Tuesday, June 23rd, 6:30pm to 8:30pm
Where: VNA, 259 Lowell Street, Community Room

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Posted in City Finances, Events, Politics, Schools and Youth | No Comments »

Citywide resident permit parking?

Posted by a 11:53 am on

If the entire city will be changed to permit-only parking, the permit system must be changed to allow non-residents to obtain restrictive permits and to easily allow more than 2 visitors on occasion.

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Posted in Transportation | 49 Comments »

Somerville Voices Team Meeting

Posted by a 2:30 pm on June 17, 2009

Please join us for a team meeting this Friday, June 19th, 6:30-8:30pm to discuss the blog and plans for community-funded reporting.…

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Posted in Announcements, Events | No Comments »

School Committee to Discuss Middle Grades — June 17

Posted by a 2:31 pm on June 16, 2009

Please join us for a meeting of the Educational Programs Subcommittee on Wednedsay, June 17 at 7:30 pm in the School Department Central Office, 181 Washington Street. The main agenda item will be a discussion of the District’s Middle Grades Initiative, which the School Committee has identified as one of its top priorities.

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Posted in Announcements, Events, Schools and Youth | No Comments »

Somerville Human Rights Commission

Posted by a 9:55 pm on June 15, 2009

Public meeting of the Somerville Human Rights Commission
Thursday, June 18th, 2009
6:30pm-8:30pm
2nd Floor social hall, Tufts Administration Bldg, 167 Holland St., Somerville

Agenda:

  • Introductions (10 min)
  • Discussion on DHS
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Posted in Civil and Human Rights, Events, Special | No Comments »

Davis Sq. Task Force Meeting June 22

Posted by a 8:21 pm on

DAVIS SQUARE TASK FORCE MEETING, will be held on Monday, June 22, 7 p.m., at the TAB Building, 167 Holland Street.  Open to all.

Agenda meeting:  Wednesday, June 17, Au Bon Pain…

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Posted in Events, Neighborhoods and Squares, Special | 1 Comment »

Let’s harness the grassroots energy and get organized in Cambridge/Somerville area

Posted by a 11:52 am on

We campaigned, we won and now we want to hear from YOU about changes you want to see in our community. Please join us on Mon. June 22nd at 6:30pm for a Cambridge-Somerville for Change community meeting

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Posted in Announcements, Economy & Poverty, Environment and Open Space, Events, Health Care, Politics | 2 Comments »

City of Somerville, Nat’l Pride Week

Posted by a 9:21 am on

The Acting Director of the Office of Somerville Commissions and the Somerville Health Department have announced their plans for the celebration of National PRIDE week.…

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Posted in Announcements, Civil and Human Rights | 1 Comment »

“Rise Up Singing” Sing Along at Growing Center

Posted by a 12:32 pm on June 14, 2009

The Friends of the Community Growing Center will be hosting an all-ages community sing along on Saturday, June 20th from 5-7.

We will be singing traditional and contemporary songs from a variety of genres…

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Posted in Arts and Culture, Events, Schools and Youth | No Comments »

Freedom of Information (furthering investigative journalism)

Posted by a 8:31 am on June 12, 2009

These are my notes from the great Freedom of Information conference, held at the Boston Globe, 5/1/09 (Bill Shelton was there and had taken part in the planning of it as a member of the sponsoring New England First Amendment Coalition) As an aside, I will say I’ve already used www.pipl.com a bunch of times since the conference and the information that comes up is frequently quite interesting!…

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Posted in Public Records / FOIA Requests | 1 Comment »

Ridiculous bill to sterilize wind instruments

Posted by a 8:30 am on

The message below was sent by Richard Saunders, Director of Music for the Somerville Public Schools. He is rightfully outraged by a bill currently being considered by the House of Representatives, (Bill H111)which would require school music department to sterilize instruments. Here’s a Globe article about it. …

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Posted in City Finances, Schools and Youth, Uncategorized | 1 Comment »

Interfaith Pride Service

Posted by a 11:05 am on June 11, 2009

Join us for an Interfaith Pride service on Friday, June 12 at 7:00 pm at Havurat Shalom Congregation, 113 College Ave., Somerville, MA. The service, in English and Hebrew, will celebrate the theme of this…

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Posted in Announcements, Civil and Human Rights, Events | No Comments »

Somerville Interfaith Pride Service, tomorrow night at Havurat Shalom

Posted by a 10:56 am on

Join us for an Interfaith Pride service on Friday, June 12 at 7:00 pm at Havurat Shalom Congregation, 113 College Ave., Somerville, MA. The service, in English and Hebrew, will celebrate the theme of this year’s Boston Pride, “Trans-forming our Communities.”…

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Posted in Announcements, Civil and Human Rights | No Comments »

Save Our Somerville: An Interview with Matt and Mark McLaughlin About Harnessing Anger and Grief to Fight Displacement and Speak Out for More Adequate Resources for Addressing Drug Addiction

Posted by a 7:34 am on June 10, 2009

[kml_flashembed movie="http://blip.tv/play/AYGC4AqD4zE" width="320" height="270" wmode="transparent" /]

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Posted in Civic Action, Schools and Youth | No Comments »

DARBI Lunch Postponed

Posted by a 9:33 am on June 9, 2009

Unfortunately, the Green Tomato 2 has closed and the DARBI lunch and presentation planned for Wednesday 6/10 has been postponed until we can find another suitable location. We were holding our board meetings…

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Posted in Announcements, Neighborhoods and Squares | No Comments »

Senate Budget update

Posted by a 8:07 am on

I thought Somerville Voices readers might be interested in my recent newsletter about the state budget.  If you’d like to receive future newsletters, you can sign up at www.patjehlen.org

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Posted in City Finances, Economy & Poverty, Government Reform | 14 Comments »

A Foreclosure Map of Somerville

Posted by a 10:11 pm on June 8, 2009

Here’s a link to a map that shows 99 foreclosed properties in our city. Are we surprised that they are concentrated in the east and northeast?

Here’s a link to a somewhat shorter list without a map.

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Posted in Economy & Poverty, Housing, Neighborhoods and Squares | 15 Comments »

DARBI Networking Lunch 6/10 w Joe Grafton guest speaker

Posted by a 9:12 am on

DARBI will be hosting our third networking lunch on Weds, 6/10 at Noon. Lunch will include a variety of delicious, freshly prepared salads and sandwiches, (with many veggie offerings), coffee, and beverage. There is also a toddler/preschool play area in eye and ear shot of our eating area. Open to all – members $8 non-members $10. Please RSVP to Candy at D2DCommunications@gmail.com

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Posted in Announcements, Neighborhoods and Squares | No Comments »

Swine Flu?

Posted by a 9:41 pm on June 6, 2009

I thought it was strange that Boston was closing schools. I hadn’t heard of any cases in Somerville since that first lady that got it a couple of months ago. So, then when I heard…

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Posted in Public Health & Safety, Schools and Youth, Uncategorized | No Comments »

Why is everyone talking about a Single Payer Health Plan?

Posted by a 4:00 pm on

According to a recent report (pdf) by the city of Somerville, health care costs currently account for about 15% of the municipal budget and are out-pacing growth in revenues. A single payer plan would lift this burden, allowing cities like Somerville to maintain threatened services such as education, police, fire and libraries.…

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Posted in Announcements, Events, Health Care | 2 Comments »

Rockband Tournament in Anime Boston

Posted by a 9:14 am on

On May 22 – 24 2009, I went to Anime Boston for the first time. Anime Boston is a convention where all Japanese animation lovers come together and buy or interact with one another. There are a lot of things going on in anime Boston. There is a concert and competitions of various different games. I happened to join a Rock band Tournament.…

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Posted in Arts and Culture | No Comments »

Somerville Bloggers and Tweeters

Posted by a 10:18 pm on June 5, 2009

How many Somerville residents blog or tweet regularly about life in Somerville? Which blogs or Twitter accounts do you check regularly? I’m not into the Twitter scene yet, but here are some of the local blogs I’d recommend.…

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Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »

Supply Drive for Somerville Homeless Coalition

Posted by a 8:38 pm on

Drop off from 9 to noon, 1:00 to 5:00 – see list of items needed

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Posted in Civil and Human Rights, Economy & Poverty, Events, Housing | No Comments »

A huge “Thank You” to many Somerville Voicers

Posted by a 3:21 pm on June 3, 2009

Thanks to the hard work of many Somerville Residents, including but not limited to Barry Rafkind, FBerman, EIF, the Jehlens and lots more, SCAT has yet again won Number 1 Nationwide Community Access Television Station…

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Posted in Media | 2 Comments »

A Graduation Celebration you won’t want to miss

Posted by a 8:51 am on

Please join The Welcome Project on June 7 for a graduation celebration for some special people from cultures and countries all over the world. These are the students in our youth language interpretation and adult language learners programs who have just completed a year’s worth of learning as language interpreters and English language learners.

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Posted in Arts and Culture, Civic Action, Civil and Human Rights, Economy & Poverty, Immigration, Schools and Youth, Teens | No Comments »

Turkey Sightings Near Davis Square

Posted by a 10:08 pm on June 2, 2009

I kid you not.  There is a momma hen (Turkey) wandering around here.  She had seven chicks about a week ago, but yesterday I only saw one.  I’ve seen racoons, opossum and snakes in Somerville…

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Posted in Wildlife sightings | 12 Comments »

Help bring the Agassiz Preschool to Somerville!

Posted by a 11:03 am on

Sorry about the cross-posting, but:

as some of you may know, the Agassiz Cooperative Preschool has been trying to find a home in Somerville since losing its lease in Porter Square after 34 years…

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Posted in Schools and Youth | 1 Comment »

Teen Empowerment at Johnny D’s

Posted by a 9:55 pm on June 1, 2009

Change for a 10 Spot
Wednesday, June 3, at Johnny D’s from 8-11 pm
With a little help from our friends

We couldn’t do our work without friends like you! Join us on Wednesday…

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Posted in Arts and Culture, Events, Schools and Youth, Teens | No Comments »

West Somerville Historic Walking Tour

Posted by a 8:39 pm on

Historic Preservation Event: A Walking Tour entitled, “West Somerville- From Powderhouse Pickles to Ball Square Brickyards”, has been rescheduled to its rain date on Sun. June 14th rain date. The tour goes from 10:30 -

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Posted in Arts and Culture, Events, Historical | No Comments »

Help Us Pass a Resolution Against Predatory Slot Machine Gambling at the Mass. Democratic Party Convention

Posted by a 3:04 am on

At next week’s Mass. Democratic Party Issues Convention (Saturday, June 6 in Springfield), opponents of legalizing predatory slot machine gambling in Massachusetts will mount an effort to pass a Resolution “oppos[ing] the legalization of slot machines and any similar efforts to promote addictive and predatory gambling as a means of raising public revenues.” (The full Resolution is printed at the end of this posting.) WE NEED YOUR HELP collecting delegates’ signatures.

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Posted in Politics | 6 Comments »

Welcome Project Graduation Celebration

Posted by a 6:47 pm on May 30, 2009

From a flyer of The Welcome Project:

Join us at the Welcome Project for our Graduation Celebration!

Show your support for our Youth Interpreters and Adult English Language Learners!

The event will…

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Posted in Announcements, Events, Schools and Youth | No Comments »

Somerville Public School Budget Meeting

Posted by a 9:40 pm on May 28, 2009

From the SPS homepage, entitled “A message from Tony Pierantozzi, Superintendent of Schools”
… The extent of the impact of the current financial crisis on fiscal year 2010 remains unclear. We do know…

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Posted in Arts and Culture, City Finances, Economy & Poverty, Events, Schools and Youth, Uncategorized | 7 Comments »

Spring String Fling!

Posted by a 5:33 pm on May 27, 2009

Celebrate student musicians in the Somerville Public Schools at the Spring String Fling on Thursday, June 4th. This free concert featuring student performers in grades 4-12 will begin at 7:00 PM in the Somerville High…

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Posted in Arts and Culture, Events, Schools and Youth | No Comments »

Concerned about your child’s development?

Posted by a 5:21 pm on

The Somerville Public Schools offers free developmental screenings for 3 and 4 year olds not yet enrolled in the public schools. The next screening date is June 24th. Screenings are free but must be scheduled…

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Posted in Events, Schools and Youth | No Comments »

Disability Reframed: A Community Film Series

Posted by a 6:36 pm on May 20, 2009

June 6   Disability Reframed: A Community Film Series –

Come to a FREE matinee screening, as we kickoff our new film series. We will be showing Tim Burton’s “Edward Scissorhands” at MIT Stata Center…

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Posted in Accessibility, Announcements, Events | No Comments »

FY10 Public Schools Budget Hearing

Posted by a 9:25 am on May 15, 2009

You are invited to attend a public budget hearing on Wednesday, June 3rd at 7:00 PM in the Somerville High School Library (81 Highland Avenue) to discuss the proposed FY10 budget for the Somerville Public…

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Posted in Announcements, City Finances, Events, Schools and Youth | No Comments »