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What’s the biggest problem facing our city?
Compare your answer with what the five candidates for alderman-at-large said they’re hearing door-to-door. They all took part at a Somerville Community Access Television candidates’ forum to make their cases for our votes. See what you think.

Here’s a 12% slope in Union Square, at the crosswalk between 2 HP parking spaces, nearest curbcut to the Union Square Bus stop, necessary to access the commercial area and the SCAT building:

And here’s what that steep slope does to a friend just trying to get out for a meal in Union Square- it [...]

[ October 28, 2009; 7:00 pm; ] Public Forum: Building a Brighter Future for the Lower Mystic River

Wed. Oct. 28, 7:00 PM

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

This important forum will discuss conservation, recreation and development along the lower Mystic River. It is part of the Lower Mystic River Corridor Strategy Project to improve the lower Mystic. [...]

[ October 29, 2009 to November 1, 2009. ] Rail-volution 2009 Conference

Thurs. Oct 29 – Sun. Nov. 1

Westin Boston Waterfront
425 Summer St.
Boston MA (map)

Brochure (PDF)

This important conference provides a roadmap for integrating rail transit into the Boston region. The preplenary activities include a tour of Assembly Square on Thursday, Oct. 29 at 1 PM, workshops on transit-based development, and site-specific study groups.

See [...]

[ October 29, 2009; 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm. October 30, 2009; 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm. October 31, 2009; 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm. 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm. ] Switch your brain on early to let the tubes warm up, and come back in time with us!

The Post-Meridian Radio Players proudly present
“THE BIG BROADCAST OF 1938″
at the Somerville Theater.
It’s their annual tribute to the Golden Age of Radio, with the music and comedy of  “The Frank Cyrano Byfar Hour” and then [...]

[ October 28, 2009; 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm. ] The Green Line is coming to Somerville! Join us for the Community Visioning Forum on Wednesday, October 28 at the Argenziano School at 290 Washington Street in Union Square.

[ October 29, 2009; 6:00 pm; ] Mystic River Watershed Association Annual Meeting

Thurs. Oct 29, 6:00 PM

BNY Mellon Building
135 Santilli Hwy.
Everett MA (map)

This is the annual meeting of the Mystic River Watershed Association. The guest speaker, Kathy Abbott, Executive Vice President, The Trustees of Reservations, will speak on Environmental Advocacy. Refreshments will be served at 6:00 PM and the meeting will start [...]

[ October 28, 2009; 6:00 pm; ] Community Corridor Planning Steering Committee Visioning Meeting

Wed. Oct. 28, 6:00 PM

Argenziano School
290 Washington Street
Somerville MA (map)

This visioning meeting is sponsored by the Community Corridor Planning Steering Committee to develop ideas for Somerville’s response to the Green Line Extension.

For background and issues, see Green Line Extension to Somerville Project.

[ October 27, 2009; 6:30 pm; ] Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee Meeting

Tues. Oct. 27, 6:30 PM

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

This is the second October meeting of the Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee. The subcommittees will meet and the committee as a whole will review the Land Use Trends report.

This committee is intended to provide input to a comprehensive plan for [...]

[ October 26, 2009; 7:00 pm; ] Somerville Transportation Equity Partnership Meeting

Mon. Oct. 26, 7:00 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. This meeting is particularly important because the Green Line Extension Draft Environmental Impact Report is now out for review.

For background [...]

[ October 26, 2009; 6:30 pm to 9:00 pm. ] Massachusetts State Representative Denise Provost and Somerville Climate Action present:

THE GREENING OF SOUTHIE

A documentary on
What happens when you’re asked to build
The City of Tomorrow …Today?

Monday, October 26th, 2009  6:30pm to 9:00pm
Somerville Public Library, Central Branch
79 Highland Avenue

We will be joined by Jason Burrell, Senior Project Manager  at Bovis Lend Lease LMB, Inc.
who is featured [...]

On October 24th Israelis, Palestinians, and Jordanians will gather around the Dead Sea to form giant human numbers: Israelis will form a 3, Palestinians a 5, and Jordanians a 0.  An aerial photograph will link them together to form the number 350.  25,000 people are expected in the streets of Bujumbura, Burundi to call for [...]

Hi Gang,
My hat is off to all the Alderman and School Committee Candidates for giving their time to appear on our Somerville Community Access Television “Candidate Forums 2009″.  Every Candidate in all the contested races appeared in half hour forums, broken down by race and Moderated by Joe Lynch, Host of SCATV’s “Greater Somerville” program [...]

[ October 24, 2009; 3:00 pm to 5:50 pm. ] Saturday October 24, 3:00-5:50 PM Somerville Climate Action has joined with 350.org, Greenpeace, Mass Council of Churches and others to create the Boston Under Water Festival. The bicyclists among us may participate in Somerville’s contingent of the ’350 Bike Ride’ organized by Somerville Climate Action, one of 60 local chapters of Massachusetts Climate Action Network [...]

[ October 24, 2009; 2:00 pm to 2:30 pm. ] RIDE YOUR BIKE OR THE T TO THE BOSTON UNDER WATER CLIMATE FESTIVAL!!!   (co-organized by Somerville Climate Action)

FROM SOMERVILLE:
Freedom Riders Unite for the International Day of Climate Action Bike Ride!
1:30pm. Prospect Hill Park, Munroe Street in Union Sq. Somerville
Dress in water gear or blue for a bike ride along the Freedom Trail from Somerville to [...]

[ October 29, 2009; 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm. ] Come to the CAAS Annual Meeting, Thursday, October 29, 2009, 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the Somerville City Club, 20 Innerbelt Road

[ October 28, 2009; 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm. ] The Community Corridor Planning coalition invites Somerville residents to have a voice in shaping what will happen in Somerville as plans are underway for the Green Line.

[ October 16, 2009; November 18, 2009; December 9, 2009; ] The Executive Office of Transportation (EOT) has posted the Draft EIR on the Green Line Extension into Somerville and Medford. It is important that all citizens of Somerville and Medford evaluate this document and give their feedback, because this is one of the final steps before the project begins implementation. Citizens should particularly look at the proposed mitigation of effects of this development on the surrounding neighborhoods.

In RE: Joe Lynch on Joe’s Original Crosswalks
The situation you describe, Joe, in which the Magoun Square project consultant told you that cost is the reason that a principal location, one where safe wheelchair access is crucial, will not be built in compliance with ADA specifications- is scandalous. I join you in believing that readers [...]

Capuano: A Washington Insider, Unknown At Home
Oct 14, 2009
by Fred Thys
http://www.wbur.org/2009/10/14/capuano-background

If you’re on the fence about attending Sen. Pat Jehlen’s forum on expanded State gambling tomorrow night (Thurs. Oct 15 from 7-9pm at Century Bank, 400 Mystic Avenue in Medford), at which State Sen. Sue Tucker and State Rep Kathi-Anne Reinstein will debate the issue, here are some reasons why you should come, and why this really is a big deal.

[ October 17, 2009; 1:00 pm to 7:00 pm. October 18, 2009; 1:00 pm to 7:00 pm. ] North Cambridge Family Opera is holding auditions this coming weekend, Oct. 17 and 18, for its Spring 2010 production of Springtime for Haman. North Cambridge Family Opera specializes in fully sung theater productions for singers of all ages and encourages families to participate.

[ October 29, 2009; 8:00 pm; October 30, 2009; 8:00 pm; October 31, 2009; 2:00 pm; 8:00 pm; ] The Post-Meridian Radio
Players (PMRP) are pleased to announce the launch of the Web site and
ticket sales for “The Big Broadcast of October 30th, 1938″ – the
latest iteration of their annual Halloween tribute to the Golden Age
of Radio.

Here’s an issue to unite all the factions of our diverse city–double-pole utility poles! The Globe says we have 192 of them in Somerville. And there may be something we can do about it. In fact, two things.
First thing: There’s a state law that says utility companies have to replace them within 90 days. But apparently [...]

[ October 17, 2009; 4:00 pm; ] The Ghosts of Somerville will rise again next Saturday, October 17th from 4:00 p.m. to dusk, at the Milk Row Cemetery, at 400 Somerville Avenue, next to DeMoulas Market Basket.  Historic Somerville, Inc. is producing the event, with help from the Somerville Museum and the Somerville Historic Preservation Commission (SHPC).  Ghosts of Somerville is a [...]

[ October 13, 2009; 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm. ] State Representative Carl Sciortino and Ward 7 School Committee Representative Mary Jo Rossetti will be hosting a film screening and discussion about the impact of MCAS and high stakes testing on Tuesday, October 13 at the Somerville Library. The press release and details are included here. I hope many readers of Somerville Voices can view [...]

[ October 15, 2009; 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm. ] While this meeting will be of particular interest to parents and guardians of 6-8 graders, we invite anyone interested in learning more about what our High School has to offer. Headmaster Mr. Anthony Cicciarello will facilitate the discussion.

Chicago didn’t get the Olympics but Somerville got HONK! with 30 bands from around the world, Friday afternoon through Sunday–here’s an article that describes the schedule. HONK! provided us with this great video!:

[ October 15, 2009; 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm. ] The debate on expanded gambling in Massachusetts is heating up, with hearings scheduled this month, and a vote likely early next year.  One of the first public discussions this session will be held on Thursday, October 15.

Please come, and please spread the word.

I’m inviting you to a debate on the issue on Thursday October 15 [...]

State Rep. Denise Provost provides constituents with an informative e-newsletter from time to time.  In case you’re not on her mailing list, here’s what she wrote recently about the Green Line project:
What’s Up With the Green Line?
1. Higher Costs, More Delay Proposed
On July 3, 2009 the Executive Office of Transportation (EOT) submitted a
draft amendment to [...]

[ October 26, 2009; 6:00 am to 8:00 am. October 27, 2009; 12:00 am to 2:00 am. 6:00 am to 8:00 am. October 28, 2009; 12:00 am to 2:00 am. 6:00 am to 8:00 am. October 29, 2009; 12:00 am to 2:00 am. 6:00 am to 8:00 am. 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm. October 30, 2009; 12:00 am to 2:00 am. 6:00 am to 8:00 am. October 31, 2009; 12:00 am to 2:00 am. 6:00 am to 8:00 am. ] Somerville Community Access Television, in collaboration with the TV program “Greater Somerville with Joe Lynch,” will present four half-hour forums for each contested race for Alderman and School Committee. This is an excellent opportunity for Somerville residents to compare the candidates’ perspectives before the election on November 3.

[ October 8, 2009; 6:30 pm; ] Rutherford Avenue/Sullivan Square Project Design Meeting

Thurs. Oct. 8, 6:30 PM

Schrafft’s Center Cafe
529 Main St.
Charlestown MA (map) ‎

Public meeting to discuss the Rutherford Ave./Sullivan Square Design.

For background and issue to monitor, see Rutherford Avenue / Sullivan Square Redesign Project .

[ October 15, 2009; 6:00 pm; 6:00 pm; ] Somerville Traffic Commission Meeting

Thurs. Oct. 15, 6:00 PM

Somerville Traffic and Parking
133 Holland St.
Somerville MA (map)

This is the regular meeting of the Traffic Commission to discuss parking and traffic issues throughout Somerville, including resident parking, meter rates, and time periods.

For background and issues to monitor, see Somerville Parking Rate Increase.

[ October 14, 2009; 6:30 pm; ] BOA Finance Committee Meeting and Hearing

Wed. Oct. 14 6:30 PM

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

This is a continuation of the Sep. 16 public hearing on the iCubed funding proposal before the Board of Aldermen, which would provide $50 million in tax incentive financing for developing [...]

[ October 13, 2009; 6:30 pm; ] Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee Meeting

Tues. Oct. 13, 6:30 PM

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

This is the first October meeting of the Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee. The subcommittees will meet and the committee as a whole will review the Housing Trends and Transportation Trends reports.

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

[ October 7, 2009; 6:00 pm; ] As part of ‘Our Voices, Our Vote,’ a civic participation campaign, Centro Presente would like to invite you to an Electoral Forum (Oct 7, 6pm) to hear from local candidates on the issues of concern to the community of Somerville, to talk about how to increase civic participation in the city, and to educate ourselves about the next electoral process.

My wife and I are fortunate enough to have kept our jobs through this Great Recession, but the news is filled with reports of massive layoffs, furloughs, and benefit reductions. Are you still employed? Do you know people who are struggling to find jobs? How are you coping? Are you hopeful that the government stimulus [...]

[ October 4, 2009; 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm. ] At the Visiting Nurses Association assisted living facility, 259 Lowell Street. (Wheelchair accessible.)

Come talk about our community blog and how we can make it better.

[ October 4, 2009; 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm. ] Join members of three fantastic organizations for an afternoon of protecting and learning about our local waterways.

Meet and connect with inspiring youth, educators and mentors from Roots & Shoots New England, the Mystic River Watershed Association and Earthwatch.
Clean and protect the banks of the Mystic River – a beautiful, historic and environmentally threatened local waterway.
Learn [...]

[ October 3, 2009; 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. ] Three Somerville Climate Action members are opening their homes to show what they have done to reduce their carbon footprint, create green jobs, make their homes more comfortable, and save money.

[ October 3, 2009; 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. ] Join the Family Fun Day at the Dr. Albert F. Argenziano School at Lincoln Park this Saturday, October 3 from 10:00 am-2:00 pm. Everyone is invited for this community celebration of the school. Bring the kids for games, face painting, bubble bounce and more!

[ October 9, 2009; 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm. ] On Friday, October 9 at 51 Winthrop Street, Amy Goodman, host of the award-winning “Democracy Now!” and David Goodman, prominent investigative journalist, will have a lively discussion about the problems and promise of media to bring about social change.

[ October 17, 2009; 10:00 am to 1:00 pm. ] Join the Somerville Bicycle Committee for our 17th annual fall Tour de Somerville. This year’s theme is “Somerville: City of Seven (Or More) Hills”.

We’ll meet on Saturday, October 17 at 10 am at Seven Hills Park (behind the Holland Street T entrance in Davis Square), leaving promptly at 10:15.

Our ride will be approximately 11 miles, [...]

[ October 8, 2009; 6:00 pm; ] BOA Committee on Land Use Meeting and Public Hearing

Thurs. Oct. 8, 6:00 PM

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

Agenda (MS DOC)

This meeting includes a public hearing on an amendment to the Somerville Zoning Ordinance regarding the Corridor Commercial District and Transit Oriented Districts near Broadway in Winter Hill and East [...]

[ October 10, 2009; 4:00 pm; ] Riverfest 2009

Starts 4:00 PM
(fireworks at 8:00 PM)

Assembly Square (map)

This is the second annual Mystic River Festival, featuring food, music, games, and fireworks. This event is sponsored by Federal Realty Investment Trust; Mayor Joseph Curtatone, City of Somerville; the City of Malden; and the City of Everett. Click link above for rain date.

[ October 1, 2009; 10:00 am; ] Boston Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) Meeting

Thurs. Oct. 1, 10:00 AM

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

This is the regular meeting of the Boston MPO, at which the status of the 2010-2013 Transportation Improvement Plan (TIP) will be discussed. This plan was adopted on Sep. 24 and is to be submitted by the [...]

[ October 3, 2009; 7:00 pm; ] 2 degrees of warming. 350 parts per million. Does it seem as though we are on track to achieve these? Are you concerned about the chance of passing a meaningful global climate treaty in Copenhagen? Do you want to have a say in the future of our planet? Come to our Climate Action Party! [October 3rd, 7 p.m.] We will broaden our local network of activists, strategize how to make our voices heard, and plan for the days between now and December.

[ October 8, 2009; October 9, 2009; October 10, 2009; October 11, 2009; ] We need places for groups of all sizes–singles, doubles, triples, quadruples, and yes, even those places where 25 spirited horn players can rest their weary heads. Most groups will not be arriving by car this year, so proximity to Davis Square and/or the Red Line is a priority.

[ October 3, 2009; 11:00 am to 2:00 pm. ] I’m a fan of wind energy (excuse the pun.)  I remember when the powers-that-be in Somerville decided that there wasn’t enough wind power at Assembly Square to make a turbine worthwhile, but somehow Medford has enough wind a mile or so up the river.  Maybe we just have hot air!  In any case, every single time [...]

[ October 3, 2009; 9:00 am to 11:00 am. ] Have you signed up yet for the Road Race benefiting the Homeless Coalition?  If you haven’t don’t worry, there’s still time.  Go to www.somervillehomelesscoalition.org

Entry Fee: $20.00

Race starts 9:00 AM sharp!

Registration & Check In: On race day 7- 8:30am on Holland Street, in front of MBTA Red Line T-Stop, Davis Square. Wheelchairs must pre-register by September [...]

[ October 23, 2009; 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm. October 24, 2009; 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. October 25, 2009; 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm. ]
Friday, October 23, 2009 2-4pm
Saturday, October 24, 2009 10am-4pm
Sunday, October 25 1:30-3:30pm
Central Library on Highland Ave.
For more information, please contact Linda Bohan with Friends of the Somerville Public Library at lbohan(at)bellatlantic.net .  All proceeds benefit the Friends of the Public Library.

[ 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 [...]