An independent, open forum for reports and opinions about life in our city.
Want to keep up with the latest articles and events by email?
Sign up for our free
weekly newsletter
or
daily updates.
Posted by Gretchen Kinder a 12:55 pm on December 29, 2009
2010-2011 School Calendar: It’s official! September 8, 2010 is the first day of school for students after the 2010 summer vacation. Download the 2010-2011 school calendar online at http://www.somerville.k12.ma.us/calendar. The calendar is available online in…
Read More.>>Posted in Announcements, Schools and Youth | 1 Comment »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 8:38 am on December 28, 2009
Assembly Square Orange Line Station 30% Progress Design Meeting
Tues. Jan. 12 7:00 PM
Cafeteria
Capuano Early Childhood Center
150 Glen St.
Somerville MA (map)
This is the…
Read More.>>Posted in Accessibility, All Ages, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Neighborhoods and Squares, Special, Transportation, Transportation Projects | No Comments »
Posted by Barry Rafkind a 8:50 pm on December 25, 2009
To have an effective democratically-elected Government, the People must trust that their elected officials are acting as good stewards of public resources. This trust is hindered when people can not verify the integrity of candidates and office-holders.…
Read More.>>Posted in Government Reform | 4 Comments »
Posted by Barry Rafkind a 9:34 pm on December 24, 2009
This post came today from Cambridge-Somerville for Change:
The Elections Team held their first meeting Monday night, and we’re working on a bunch of initiatives. We’ll be holding our first phone bank on…
Posted in Events, Politics, Uncategorized | No Comments »
Posted by Barry Rafkind a 8:40 pm on
From http://www.openinternet.gov/workshops/innovation-investment-and-the-open-internet.html
The Internet has…
Read More.>>Posted in Events, Special | 1 Comment »
Posted by LauraRuth a 11:18 am on
You are cordially invited to our Christmas Eve service tonight at First Church Somerville. The service begins at 7. Our children will be with us in the service. Your children are entirely welcome. Your moms…
Read More.>>Posted in Events, Uncategorized | No Comments »
Posted by Barry Rafkind a 9:40 pm on December 22, 2009
PSA from the City website:
Important Influenza (FLU) Update
Updated December 21, 2009
The Somerville Health Department has begun to receive more doses of H1N1 vaccine…
Read More.>>Posted in Events, Public Health & Safety | No Comments »
Posted by Gretchen Kinder a 1:50 pm on
OFFERED BY THE SOMERVILLE PUBLIC SCHOOLS SOMERVILLE PTA
For
SOMERVILLE PUBLIC SCHOOLS FAMILIES and COMMUNITY MEMBERS
• Youth Alcohol and Drug Use/Social Host Liability*
Wednesday, January 13th – 6:30p.m. – 8:00 PM in the…
Posted in Ages 18+, Announcements, Events, Public Health & Safety, Schools and Youth | No Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 8:31 am on December 21, 2009
MBTA Rider Oversight Committee Meeting
Mon. Dec 21 5:00 PM
State Transportation Building
Conf Rms 1-3
10 Park Plaza
Boston MA (map)
This is the regular meeting of…
Read More.>>Posted in All Ages, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Neighborhoods and Squares, Special, Transportation | No Comments »
Posted by Linda Conte a 2:13 pm on December 20, 2009
Last year’s flag raising event at Prospect Hill was kind of thrilling. We’d had one of our many snowstorms of last winter and the day, the first day of the year, was clear and bright…
Read More.>>Posted in Events, Historical | No Comments »
Posted by Barry Rafkind a 9:25 pm on December 19, 2009
Cambridge Somerville for Change presents:
Posted in Events, Immigration, Politics, Special | No Comments »
Posted by Barry Rafkind a 9:21 pm on
We need your help and ideas to help to get CSfC‘s energy and climate effort going. So please come to our meeting on January 12th, at 7pm, at 154 Auburn Street in Cambridge…
Read More.>>Posted in Environment and Open Space, Events, Politics, Special | No Comments »
Posted by Barry Rafkind a 9:16 pm on
Cambridge Somerville for Change
Posted in Events, Health Care, Politics, Special | No Comments »
Posted by Barry Rafkind a 9:10 pm on
Critical state and national races are on tap
Posted in Events, Politics, Special | No Comments »
Posted by Barry Rafkind a 8:39 pm on
Are you concerned about your opioid drug use, or that of a loved one? The holiday season is often a time of strain and stress, especially for individuals who are struggling with addiction. Yet, the advent of a new year is a time when many people make efforts toward change. The Opioid Addiction and Family Project may be able to help.
Read More.>>Posted in Announcements, Health Care | No Comments »
Posted by LauraRuth a 1:30 pm on
First Church Somerville is presenting its Christmas Cantata in the morning at 10, regardless of the snow. The music will be wonderful – great voices, drums, good spirits.
After the Cantata is…
Read More.>>Posted in Arts and Culture, Events | No Comments »
Posted by MaryM a 10:06 pm on December 16, 2009
At the Medical Reserve Corps meeting this evening we learned that tomorrow there will be a vaccination clinic for both seasonal and/or H1N1 at the City Hall Annex. It isn’t on the city web site yet because approval to open up vaccination beyond risk groups just happened too late today.…
Read More.>>Posted in Announcements, Events, Health Care | 2 Comments »
Posted by Gretchen Kinder a 10:05 pm on
SOMERVILLE WINS AWARD FOR EXEMPLARY LEADERSHIP ON SCHOOL SAFETY: Martin T. Meehan Educational Leadership Award presented to Superintendent Tony Pierantozzi on 12/10/09. A copy of the press release is available in the News Section of our website, www.somerville.k12.ma.us/news. …
Read More.>>Posted in Schools and Youth | No Comments »
Posted by Gretchen Kinder a 10:04 pm on
PLEASE JOIN students and families from the John F. Kennedy School in visiting the Porter Square Pizzeria Uno on Wednesday, December 16th to help students raise $5,000 to build a library at their Ethiopian Sister School, the Gordama School, and fill it with books.…
Read More.>>Posted in All Ages, Events, Schools and Youth | No Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 9:34 am on December 15, 2009
Assembly on the Mystic 2nd Annual Holiday Drive
Sat. Dec. 19, All Day
Assembly Square Marketplace
Somerville MA (map)
To benefit the…
Read More.>>Posted in All Ages, Economy & Poverty, Events, Housing, Neighborhoods and Squares, Special | No Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 7:41 pm on December 13, 2009
MPO Transportation Planning and Programming Committee Meeting
Thurs. Dec. 17, 10:00 AM
State Transportation Building
Conf Rm 4
10 Park Plaza
Boston MA (map)
Posted in All Ages, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Neighborhoods and Squares, Special, Transportation, Transportation Projects | No Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 7:17 pm on
Public Meeting on Mystic River Reservation Recreational Path Extension (Wellington Undercarriage)
Thurs. Dec. 17 6:30 PM
Mystic Activity Center
535 Mystic Ave.
Somerville MA (map)
This meeting is…
Read More.>>Posted in Accessibility, All Ages, Bicycles, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Neighborhoods and Squares, Pedestrians, Special, Transportation | No Comments »
Posted by Bill Bumpus a 1:56 pm on
About 450 laundry workers at Angelica Textile in Somerville went out on strike Thursday… negotiations have been focused on obtaining quality affordable healthcare, well-funded pension benefits, and living wages. Come support these hard working employees as they stand up for a fair contract!
Read More.>>Posted in Economy & Poverty, Health Care, Workers' Rights | 3 Comments »
Posted by Barry Rafkind a 10:26 pm on December 11, 2009
This Sunday, Dec 13th, many of my Davis Square neighbors and I will be unable to get in or out of our neighborhood by car between the hours of 9am and 1pm due to the 3rd Annual Jingle Bell Run. This 4-hour restriction will be my birthday present from the City of Somerville, a headache I didn’t ask for nor was ever consulted about it.…
Read More.>>Posted in Events, Neighborhoods and Squares | 21 Comments »
Posted by Alain Jehlen a 9:42 pm on December 8, 2009
A new video on SCAT: Host Janet Cormier and guest De Ama Battle discuss the history and traditions of Kwanzaa.…
Read More.>>Posted in Video | 1 Comment »
Posted by Knut Dorker a 10:45 am on
House Bill No. 1747 at the State Legislature plans to give “housing rights” to alleged victims of domestic violence, would endanger the neighboring tenants and place huge burdens on small landlords. The bill would block…
Read More.>>Posted in Housing | 40 Comments »
Posted by WendyBlom a 5:23 pm on December 7, 2009
SCAT is hosting Santa Claus in the TV studio on Tuesday, December 15 from 6:00 to 7:00pm. This event is free. Children may come up to tell Santa what they want for Christmas in person…
Read More.>>Posted in All Ages, Arts and Culture, Events, Media, Schools and Youth | 16 Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 12:02 am on
Mon. Dec. 7, 7:30 PM
Cafeteria
Capuano Early Childhood Center
150 Glen St.
Somerville MA (map)
This meeting, sponsored by Mayor Curtatone and Ward…
Read More.>>Posted in All Ages, City Finances, Development and Zoning, Economy & Poverty, Environment and Open Space, Events, Neighborhoods and Squares, Public Health & Safety, Somerville By The Numbers, Special, Transportation | 1 Comment »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 12:01 am on
Tues. Dec. 8, 7:00 PM
Cafeterium
Arthur D. Healey School
5 Meacham St.
Somerville MA (map)
This meeting, sponsored by Mayor Curtatone and Ward…
Read More.>>Posted in All Ages, City Finances, Development and Zoning, Economy & Poverty, Environment and Open Space, Events, Health Care, Neighborhoods and Squares, Public Health & Safety, Somerville By The Numbers, Special, Transportation | No Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 12:00 am on
Wed. Dec. 9, 7:00 PM
2nd Floor Comm. Room
Somerville City Hall
93 Highland Ave.
Somerville MA (map)
Posted in All Ages, City Finances, Events, Health Care, Somerville By The Numbers, Special, Transportation | No Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 10:03 pm on December 6, 2009
Public Meeting on Green Line Extension Maintenance Facility Alternatives
Wed. Dec. 16 6:00 PM
Cambridge Multicultural Arts Center
41 2nd St.
Cambridge MA (map)
Submit written comments…
Read More.>>Posted in All Ages, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Green Line, Housing, Neighborhoods and Squares, Special, Transportation, Transportation Projects | 1 Comment »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 10:02 pm on
BOA Committee on Housing and Community Development
Mon. Dec. 14, 6:30 PM
2nd Fl. Comm. Room
Somerville City Hall
93 Highland Ave.
Somerville MA (map)
This is a…
Read More.>>Posted in All Ages, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Neighborhoods and Squares, Public Health & Safety, Special, Transportation, Transportation Projects | 4 Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 10:02 pm on
Thurs. Dec. 10, 5:30 PM
Tufts Admin. Building (TAB)
167 Holland St.
Somerville MA (map)
This meeting, sponsored by Mayor Curtatone and Ward 7…
Read More.>>Posted in All Ages, City Finances, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Housing, Neighborhoods and Squares, Public Health & Safety, Somerville By The Numbers, Special, Transportation | No Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 10:01 pm on
Deckerman and Morse-Kelley Playground Renovations
Wed. Dec. 9 7:00 PM
Library
John F. Kennedy School
5 Cherry St.
Somerville MA (map)
This is a public community meeting to…
Read More.>>Posted in All Ages, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Housing, Neighborhoods and Squares, Special, Transportation | No Comments »
Posted by Linda Conte a 2:04 pm on
Tuesday December 8th 5:30 – 7:00 @ the VNA 259 Lowell St. – Understanding Loss
Light dinner will be provided – Workshops are FREE but registration is required – to register call 617-625-6600 ext…
Read More.>>Posted in Events, Special | No Comments »
Posted by eila a 2:25 am on
Judging by the fumbles on Election Day, 11/3/09, we can’t assume that Somerville will provide Accessible Voting on Primary Day, December 8. Despite the fact that the Secretary of State’s Office ordered structural accessibility changes at 7 Somerville polling sites after an audit in July, a spot-check of 9 Somerville Polling sites on Election Day 2009 proved that the current Mayor’s heart is still not in the game.
Read More.>>Posted in Accessibility, Civil and Human Rights, Government Reform | No Comments »
Posted by eila a 1:29 pm on December 5, 2009
1. The Disability Policy Consortium hoped to be able to offer some guidance to its constituency on the candidate most likely to fill the late Senator’s big shoes on disability issues. In mid-November, DPC sent…
Read More.>>Posted in Accessibility, Civil and Human Rights, Politics | No Comments »
Posted by Paul Bockelman a 9:37 am on
Somerville’s Women Elected Officials Support Mike Capuano for U.S. Senate
Read More.>>Posted in Politics | 1 Comment »
Posted by Pat Jehlen a 9:57 pm on December 4, 2009
If you want to help Mike Capuano become our next senator, join us in a Somerville lit drop this weekend, Saturday, Dec 5th & Sunday, Dec 6th between 9am and 4pm. We will be dropping…
Read More.>>Posted in Events, Politics | No Comments »
Posted by Gretchen Kinder a 4:34 pm on December 3, 2009
NEWS STORIES:
•Students at Somerville’s John F. Kennedy School are raising $5,000 to build a library at their Ethiopian Sister School, the Gordama School, and fill it with books. Students have already raised over $450…
Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »
Posted by Alain Jehlen a 10:59 am on
Come talk about our blog:
What’s good?
What’s not?
What’s next?
At the Visiting Nurses assisted living facility small dining room, 259 Lowell Street…
Read More.>>Posted in Events, Media, Special | No Comments »
Posted by Josh Craft a 12:07 pm on December 2, 2009
Come to Cambridge-Somerville for Change’s Winter ’09 General Meeting on Monday, December 14th at 7pm at the Central Square YMCA in Cambridge. We’ll hear an update on each of our current issue campaigns, including Health Care, Energy and Environment, and Immigration and In-State Tuition. And we will ask for your feedback as we start to work on upcoming elections.
Read More.>>Posted in Ages 18+, All Ages, Events, Politics | No Comments »
Posted by Skyler a 7:21 pm on December 1, 2009
Sitting in my Inbox right now is an e-mail from a woman who works with the Somerville/Medford branch of United for Justice with Peace (UJP), an organization officially dedicated to “peace and justice” in…
Read More.>>Posted in Uncategorized | 1 Comment »
Posted by rokhlita a 5:29 pm on
Our neighbors are being evicted and our community destabilized by the foreclosure crisis.
Read More.>>Posted in Civil and Human Rights, Economy & Poverty, Events, Housing, Neighborhoods and Squares | 1 Comment »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 5:00 pm on
Urban Ring Citizens Advisory Committee Meeting
Tues. Dec. 1, 5:00 PM
State Transportation Building
Conf Rms 2-3
10 Park Plaza
Boston MA (map)
This meeting of the…
Read More.>>Posted in All Ages, Development and Zoning, Events, Neighborhoods and Squares, Special, Transportation, Transportation Projects | No Comments »
Posted by Jennifer Lawrence a 2:15 pm on
Community ratifies set of 11 principles for land use planning along the Green Line extension.
Read More.>>Posted in Bicycles, Buses, Civil and Human Rights, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Green Line, Housing, Neighborhoods and Squares, Pedestrians, Press Release, Trains, Transportation, Transportation Projects | No Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 5:50 pm on November 29, 2009
Planning Board and Land Use Committee Meetings
Thurs. Dec. 3
6:00 PM – Planning Board
7:00 PM – Joint Meeting
3rd Floor Community Room
Visiting Nurses Association
259 Lowell St.
Somerville…
Posted in All Ages, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Housing, Neighborhoods and Squares, Special, Transportation | No Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 5:46 pm on
Tues. Dec. 1, 6:00 PM
2nd Floor Comm. Room
Somerville City Hall
93 Highland Ave.
Somerville MA (map)
Posted in All Ages, City Finances, Events, Health Care, Public Health & Safety, Somerville By The Numbers, Special | No Comments »
Posted by eila a 6:42 pm on November 27, 2009
From SOMERVILLE, MA City website: There will be a joint public hearing by the Board of Alderman Land Use Committee and the Somerville Planning Board regarding proposed amendments to the Somerville Zoning Ordinance to define senior housing types, add design guidelines, establish Senior Housing Zoning and Dimensional Requirements and incorporate relevant parking requirements. WHEN: Thursday, December 3rd at 7:00 pm
Read More.>>Posted in All Ages, Development and Zoning, Economy & Poverty, Events, Housing, Neighborhoods and Squares | 5 Comments »
Posted by Barry Rafkind a 2:32 pm on November 26, 2009
PSA: The following message was sent to the City’s Parents ResiStat email list [link to original message]
———————————————–
Mayor Curtatone and the City of Somerville Health Department are pleased to…
Read More.>>Posted in Events, Health Care, Press Release, Public Health & Safety, Special | 10 Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 8:38 pm on November 25, 2009
Tues. Dec. 1, 7:00 PM
Cafeterium
John F. Kennedy School
5 Cherry St.
Somerville MA (map)
This meeting, sponsored by Mayor Curtatone and Ward…
Read More.>>Posted in All Ages, Bicycles, City Finances, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Housing, Neighborhoods and Squares, Somerville By The Numbers, Special, Traffic & Parking, Transportation, Transportation Projects | No Comments »
Posted by Linda Conte a 7:36 pm on
[from Somerville Arts Council Yahoo group]
Posted by: “laurenpazzaneze” lauren@junkyardarts.com laurenpazzaneze
Tue Nov 24, 2009 11:48 am (PST)
Junkyard Arts is psyched to be back for another amazing show at the Somerville Theatre!…
Read More.>>Posted in Events, Special | No Comments »
Posted by Ron Newman a 12:03 am on November 24, 2009
The next meeting of the Davis Square Task Force will be on Tuesday December 1st, 7-9 pm at the Tufts Administration Building, 167 Holland St. The agenda items are below. Please let Rebekah Gewirtz (rebekah@rcn.com) know if there are…
Read More.>>Posted in Events, Neighborhoods and Squares | No Comments »
Posted by Barry Rafkind a 9:08 pm on November 22, 2009
The Somerville Democratic City Committee is hosting a Debate Watch Party. What: Candidates for US Senate televised debate. Where: The Precinct Bar in Union Square. When: 6:30 pm Tues December 1st
Read More.>>Posted in Events, Politics | No Comments »
Posted by Columbine a 10:09 pm on November 13, 2009
Davis Square retailers welcome all for special sales, snacks, drinks, and entertainment until the clock strikes midnight.
Read More.>>Posted in All Ages, Consumer Money Saving, Events, Neighborhoods and Squares, Special | No Comments »
Posted by Gretchen Kinder a 3:56 pm on November 10, 2009
Celebrating the spirit of winter and winter holidays are the themes of the winter concerts in the Somerville Public Schools. Elementary students will perform on Thursday, December 10th, and high school musicians and singers will…
Read More.>>Posted in All Ages, Announcements, Events, Schools and Youth | No Comments »
Posted by beta847 a 1:12 pm on
Free film – Dec 5 – “Emmanuel’s Gift,” part of “Disability Reframed” series.
Read More.>>Posted in Accessibility, All Ages, Arts and Culture, Events, Media | No Comments »
Posted by Linda Conte a 10:11 pm on November 6, 2009
The Somerville Health Department, Institute of Community Health, and the Somerville Community Health Agenda is going to be hosting a Presentation on the Health of Somerville Adults and Youth. It will be held Tuesday December…
Read More.>>Posted in Events, Public Health & Safety | 1 Comment »
Posted by Vanessa Rule a 11:48 am on October 29, 2009
State Representative Denise Provost and Somerville Climate Action & Transition Somerville present
THE END OF SUBURBIA: Oil Depletion and the Collapse of The American
Read More.>>Posted in Environment and Open Space, Events | No Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 10:38 pm on October 18, 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.
Read More.>>Posted in All Ages, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Green Line, Neighborhoods and Squares, Transportation, Transportation Projects | 3 Comments »
Except where otherwise noted, content on
Somerville Voices is
