PDS is proud to endorse incumbents Bill White and Dennis Sullivan for reelection, and challenger Luis Morales. Each candidate brings something different to this race and the PDS membership voted to support those perspectives.

[ September 30, 2009; 6:30 pm; ] BOA Committee on Public Health and Public Safety Meeting

Wed. Sep. 30 6:30 PM

2nd Floor Comm. Room
Somerville City Hall
93 Highland Ave.
Somerville MA (map)

Agenda (PDF)

This is the regular meeting of the Somerville Aldermen’s Committee on Public Health and Public Safety. One agenda item is a discussion of traffic calming devices, including a discussion of federal regulations that [...]

[ September 29, 2009; 6:30 pm; ] Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee Meeting

Tues. Sep. 29, 6:30 PM

3rd Floor Community Room
Visiting Nurses Association
259 Lowell St.
Somerville MA (map)

This is the second September meeting of the Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee. The subcommittees will meet and the committee as a whole will review the Population Trends and Economic Trends reports.

This committee is intended to provide input to [...]

Somerville Cares About Prevention is seeking middle school students interested in community substance abuse prevention for its new Somerville Positive Forces Junior (SPF, Jr.) program.  Participants will be paid $100 for 2-4 hours per month from October until June.  For more information, contact Lovelee Heller at lheller@somervillema.gov.

I received this via email from Sean O’Donovan, my alderman, as a follow-up to a phone conversation about trash citation screw-ups.  Would it be useful for others to contact their aldermen as backup?

“But because of our conversation I submitted your idea/request [NL: that it should be possible to appeal online or in writing, rather than [...]

The Somerville Health Foundation (SHF) is pleased to announce the recipients of this year’s community funding.

Buy gently used household goods, furniture, sporting equipment, bikes, and clothing at 600 Mystic Valley Parkway.

A new online tool exists to plot crimes on a searchable map. This would empower residents to know how safe their neighborhood is and where and what to watch to deter crime. It would probably catalyze neighborhood crime watches and make our streets safer.

Hyatt or Tufts, Deval’s choice is the hotter bed.

Approximately a third of Somerville High School students could not meet MCAS English test standards in 2008. Cuba, which has the highest literacy rate in the world according to the United Nations, might have some lessons to teach us about how to model our educational system.

Rep. Michael Capuano, Democrat from Somerville, MA,  is running for the seat left by Senator Edward M. Kennedy.  He says that he is the candidate “most like Kennedy,” and his first TV Campaign ad claims: “As Mayor, he turned Somerville around.”
Let’s hear it from Somervillians who’ve been there:  What was Mayor Mike like?

Some ground rules:  [...]

[ September 22, 2009; 6:00 pm; September 23, 2009; 6:00 pm; ] BOA Committee on Finance Meetings

Tues. Sep. 22, 6:00 PM
Wed. Sep. 23, 6:00 PM

2nd Floor Comm. Room
Somerville City Hall
93 Highland Ave.
Somerville MA (map)

Tues. Agenda (MS DOC)
Wed. Agenda (MS DOC)

These are back-to-back special meetings of the Somerville Aldermen’s Committee on Finance.

The Tuesday meeting is to discuss the Argenziano School Project and the iCubed program proposed [...]

[ September 22, 2009; ] End of 30-Day Comment Period on MPO Transportation Improvement Plan

Tues. Sep. 22

Status Report on Legal Commitment to Green Line Extension

The draft Transportation Improvement Plan 2010-2013 (TIP) and Regional Transportation Plan 2010-2030 (RFP) are available from the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) for a 30-day comment period ending Tues. Sep. 22.

Everyone who wants the Green Line extended [...]

[ September 21, 2009; 7:00 pm; ] Somerville Transportation Equity Partnership Meeting

Mon. Sep. 21, 7 PM

Community Room
Visiting Nurses Association
259 Lowell St.
Somerville MA (map)

The monthly meeting of STEP provides an opportunity for citizens to get informed and involved in transportation developments around Somerville.

For background and issues to monitor, see

Somerville Transportation Equity Partnership (STEP)
Transportation Projects

Q:  Why Didn’t the Rolling Somerville Pedestrian Cross the Road at the Crosswalk?
A:  Because the City of Somerville Deciders have been playing chicken with standards.
This photo essay will show 30 lost opportunities to create a safer community on Mayor Curtatone’s watch. All of these streets or sidewalks were reconstructed between 2004- 2008.  This is just [...]

Somerville Voices does hereby (and by other means) invite all candidates for contested races in the upcoming election to explain their positions on the issues and why voters should choose them on November 3.
Watch this site for a chance to read the candidate’s views, and to question and comment back yourself!  Can’t wait for your [...]

[ September 15, 2009; 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. ] Somerville Climate Action
NEXT MEETING: Tuesday, September 15, 2009  6:00-8:00pm
at the Somerville Community Growing Center , 22 Vinal Avenue, Somerville, MA
Rain or Shine

Come learn how you can participate in the October 24th 350 day of International Climate Action

Ride your bike over with a picnic dinner!

[ September 14, 2009; 2:25 pm to 7:00 pm. September 16, 2009; 2:25 pm to 7:00 pm. September 17, 2009; 2:25 pm to 7:00 pm. ] Did you know instrument lessons for youth in grades 4-12 (strings) and 5-12 (band instruments including drums) are free in the Somerville Public Schools? Community donations have helped create a low-cost instrument rental program for families.

Learn more about the instrument lessons and rental program at one of three information sessions this week:
Strings information session: [...]

[ September 15, 2009; 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm. ] Here is the agenda for our meeting this coming Tuesday.

Somerville Human Rights Commission
Tuesday, Sep 15th Monthly Public Meeting
6:30pm-8:30pm
Super Stop & Shop
2nd Floor Conference Room
775 McGrath Hwy, Somerville

Agenda:

Recent Complaints to the HRC and On-going Investigations (new and updated)
Special guest Eileen Feldman, accessibility advocate, with a report on civil rights in Somerville
Recruitment

Evaluate events since last meeting : [...]

[ September 15, 2009; 6:30 pm; ] Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee Meeting

Tues. Sep. 15, 6:30 PM

Community Room
Visiting Nurses Association
259 Lowell St.
Somerville MA (map)

This is the kickoff meeting for the Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee. This committee is intended to provide input to a comprehensive plan for developing the city. The goal is to improve the quality of life for Somerville’s residents and workers [...]

[ September 16, 2009; 5:00 pm; ] Boston MPO Public Workshop on Transportation Improvement Plan (TIP) 2010-2013

Wed. Sep. 16, 5:00 PM

Central Library
700 Boylston Street
Boston, MA (map)

Flier (PDF)

This important meeting provides an opportunity to express support for the Green Line Extension to Somerville and the Orange Line T-Stop in Assembly Square.

Everyone who wants the Green Line extended into Somerville and a T-Stop built [...]

[ September 16, 2009; 6:00 pm; ] BOA Finance Committee Meeting and Hearing

Wed. Sep. 16 6:00 PM

Aldermanic Chamber
Somerville City Hall
93 Highland Ave.
Somerville MA (map)

Agenda (MS Word)

This important meeting of the Somerville Aldermen’s Committee on Finance will include a Public Hearing on the State I-Cube program, which would provide $50 million incentive for developing Assembly [...]

[ September 15, 2009; 5:00 pm; ] In the past, the state has argued that the environmental burden of the Big Dig on Somerville is mitigated by projects elsewhere, such as the South Shore Greenbush Line, and that the Green Line Extension is unnecessary. Because health effects are local, this argument is specious and has been rejected by the courts. Those who care about the Green Line Extension should continue to argue for local mitigation for local effects.

[ September 14, 2009; 6:30 pm; ] Housing Trends in Somerville

Mon. Sep. 14, 6:30 PM

Cafeteria
Capuano Early Childhood Center
150 Glen St.
Somerville MA (map)

This important meeting, sponsored by the City of Somerville, provides an opportunity for citizens to learn about and give their views on housing in Somerville.

For background and issues to monitor, see Somerville Comprehensive Plan Project.

[ September 27, 2009; 2:00 pm; ] From Powder House Pickles to the Brick Yards of Ball Square –West Somerville’s Explosive Growth at the Turn of the Century

Ed Gordon, President of the New England Chapter of the Victorian Society will lead a tour exploring the architecturally rich and historic neighborhood between the Tufts campus/Powder House Square and Ball Square, currently known as [...]

About a month ago, on Aug 16th, I submitted a 311 service request through the new SeeClickFix tool to repair a loose utility wire tied to the fence at Hodgkins-Curtin Park along Simpson Ave (see photo below). After an initial flurry of promises from a Somerville 311 rep to have the issue fixed asap, it [...]

[ September 13, 2009; 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. ] Come talk about our blog and ways to improve it. 

At the Visiting Nurses Association assisted living facility, 259 Lowell Street, in the small dining room.

[ September 26, 2009; 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm. September 27, 2009; 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm. ] September 26 (8 PM) and 27 (3 PM) at the Somerville Theatre!

“Never After: It’s Not Your Grandmother’s Fairytale Musical”
An original musical fairytale comedy, performed in concert

Written & Composed by Somerville playwright Colleen Campbell
Stage Direction by Elizabeth Hunter
Music Direction by Thom Whittemore

‘Never After’ is the story of Princess Lesley Ann, fated from birth to be a [...]

[ September 19, 2009; 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm. ] We are happy to announce that C.A.R.E.’s having an adoption day! We hope to find homes for at least four cats, and it’s also a great chance to get to know our cause! We need people to adopt our wonderful cats, and volunteers to help out at the event! Please come to show your support!

[ September 14, 2009; 7:00 pm; ] The main focus of this meeting will be coming up to speed on climate change science and how to talk about it — we’ll get to practice! Everyone is welcome — please bring friends, family, neighbors, colleagues… Hope to see you there! Emily and Vanessa

My long-lived friends keep telling me stories about pedestrian accidents in Davis Square.  Fractured a jaw.  Twisted knees.  Fractured elbow, shoulder, wrists.  Slipped and broke an ankle, on crutches for 5 months, still don’t feel safe walking.  Couldn’t even drive for 5 months.  Davis Square bricks.
Yep, reported it, tried to.  Told the Aldermen.  Told them [...]

[ September 8, 2009; 6:00 pm; ] Assembly Square Public Advisory Committee Meeting

Tues. Sep. 8, 6:00 PM

Federal Realty Investment Trust
5 Middlesex Ave. Suite 401
Somerville MA (map)

This important event is sponsored by Federal Realty, the chief developer of the new Assembly Square mixed use development.

For background and matters of interest, see Assembly Square Mixed-Use Development Project.

[ September 13, 2009; 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm. ] Attention Future Somerville Hockey Stars! Visit Conway Park’s outdoor hockey rink on Sunday Sept. 13 from 3-5pm to learn about the game of hockey, how to measure for equipment and try your hand with a stick against members of the BU Terriers Men’s and Women’s 2009-1010 Hockey teams.

[ September 24, 2009; 7:30 am to 8:00 am. ] The Somerville Public Schools is celebrating local farms and farmers on Thursday, September 24th with fresh corn on the cob served at lunchtime.

Volunteers are sought to visit elementary schools between 7:30 and 8:00 AM morning of September 24th to shuck hundreds of ears of locally grown corn in the morning.

Please contact Charlotte Stephenson (cstephenson@k12.somerville.ma.us) in [...]

[ September 19, 2009; 9:00 am to 1:00 pm. ]

The Somerville Garden Club holds one of the best plant sales in the Boston area. Club members divide and donate time-tested favorites as well as plants they have just discovered.

When: September 19, 2009, 9 am – 1 pm

Where: Davis Square (at the intersection of College Ave. and Holland St.)

Feel free to print out a flier, [...]

Cuba. What did you just think of? Communism, Fidel, the revolution? Many people believe things in Cuba are being run wrong and should be changed. I, however, disagree. When I think of Cuba I think of kindness, generosity, and community. It didn’
t used to be this way. Prior to the 1959 revolution only 35.1% of [...]

[ September 10, 2009; 5:30 pm to 6:00 pm. ] Please join the Mayor of Somerville, the Honorable Joseph A. Curatone, the Superintendent of Schools, Tony Pierantozzi, and representatives from the Board of Aldermen and Somerville School Committee for the dedication of the Brian Higgins Tot Lot at the Kennedy School (5 Cherry Street near Porter Square)

Thursday, September 10, 2009
5:30-6:00 PM: Remarks and unveiling
6:00 [...]

[ September 28, 2009; ] From item # 79. of the Aug 27th BOA mtg agenda (pdf) :
Mayor’s Comm.
Proclaiming Monday, September 28, 2009, as Family Day, a day to eat dinner with your children.
Our baby daughter is usually in bed by the time we eat dinner, so I hope that’s ok.

How often does your family eat dinner together?

Why do you [...]

[ September 3, 2009; 10:00 am; ] MPO Transportation Planning and Programming Committee Meeting

Thurs. Sep. 3, 10:00 AM

State Transportation Building
Conf Rms 2-3
10 Park Plaza
Boston MA (map)

This is the regular meeting of the Metropolitan Planning Organization transportation planning committee. This meeting includes review of the draft 2010-2013 Transportation Improvement Program document, which must include the new Green Line and Orange Line T-Stops for [...]

[ August 30, 2009 to September 15, 2009. ] Comment Period for Status of Public Transit Projects Required by State Implementation Plan

Ends Tues. Sep. 15, 5 PM

MassDEP Main Office
Washington Street Conference
One Winter Street
Boston, MA 02108 (directions)

Status letter (PDF)

On July 1, the Executive Office of Transportation submitted a letter to the Massachusets DEP describing the status of the public transit projects required under [...]

[ September 2, 2009; 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm. ] Senator John Kerry will be holding a Town Hall at Somerville High School this Wednesday, September 2 from 7:30-9:00pm. The event information from his website has been copied below.

Join Senator John Kerry and discuss the issues at an open Town Hall in Somerville, MA. The seating will be on a first-come, first-served basis, so arrive [...]

[ September 5, 2009; 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm. ] FossFest 2009 is a free outdoor music event in Somerville’s Foss Park (corner of Broadway and Fellsway W) taking place on Saturday, September 5th from 2-6pm. Bring a blanket and a picnic (no alcohol; there will be food vendors at the event) and listen to five fantastic local bands – The Diamond Mines, Audrey Ryan, Concord [...]

[ September 13, 2009; 3:00 pm; ] Join the Progressive Dems at the kick off of one of their endorsed candidates for School Committee!

Christine Rafal will be kicking off her campaign for School Committee on Sunday, September 13th from 3pm to 5pm at the Paddock Rest at 249 Pearl Street in Somerville. Suggested donation is $50.

Christine is a hard working community voice for [...]

[ September 24, 2009; 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm. ] Improve Family Bonding and Reduce Risk of Teenage Drug Use, Violence and Teen Pregnancy.  Register now.  See how below.

Guiding Good Choices is an interactive program for all parents of pre-teens and teens, children ages 8-15 that is scientifically proven to prevent underage drinking, drug use, school drop-out, violence, and teen pregnancy while promoting health decision [...]

[ August 24, 2009 to September 23, 2009. ] 30-Day Comment Period on MPO Transportation Improvement Plan

Starts Mon. Aug. 24
Ends Wed. Sep. 23

The draft Transportation Improvement Plan 2010-2013 (TIP) and Regional Transportation Plan 2010-2030 (RFP) are available from the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) as of Monday, August 24, 2009, for a 30-day comment period.

Everyone who wants the Green Line extended into Somerville and [...]

[ September 13, 2009; 3:00 pm to 9:00 pm. ] On Sunday, September 13, 2009, Pabst Blue Ribbon [www.pabstblueribbon.com] and Precinct Bar and Restaurant [www.precinctbar.com] in Union Square, Somerville, will present “Music Festival 2009” to benefit RESPOND, Inc., a New England agency providing safe haven for women and children., and CAAS,(Community Action Agency of Somerville). The event will run from 3:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m.

[ September 27, 2009; 11:00 am to 3:00 pm. ] From the Tufts website:
All are invited to a day of education, art, and family entertainment. All activities, including lunch, are free of charge.

Residents, neighbors and friends are invited to celebrate the seventh annual Community day at Tufts University from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, September 27. The event will take place on the [...]

[ September 10, 2009; 7:00 pm to 8:45 pm. ] Get the skinny on Somerville’s own sassy, classy, and definitely brassy festival of alternative marching bands coming up October 11th, and find out how to be part of the fun!

[ September 13, 2009; October 25, 2009; ] TOPSoccer (The Outreach Program for Soccer) is a FREE community-based training and team placement program for young athletes with disabilities, organized by youth soccer association volunteers. The program is designed to bring the opportunity of learning and playing soccer to any boy or girl, age 7-18, who have a mental or physical disability.

Our goal is [...]