Despite verbal and written opposition by neighbors, the License Commission approved a transfer of a beer & wine license (donated) by Dali to the Arts at the Armory located at 191 Highland Avenue in Ward 5 on April 26th. This transfer was featured as agenda item #29.
This decision comes just in time as the arts-focused [...]

PARTICIPATE IN POWDER HOUSE COMMUNITY SCHOOL REUSE FOCUS GROUP: The City of Somerville is seeking community volunteers to participate in a Powder House/Teele Square Focus Group. The Group will be led by City staff to gather community consensus on a vision for the future and identify steps to make that vision a reality. [...]

[ April 27, 2010; 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm. ] Training for Healey parents that want to participate in online discussions about the future of the Healey school.

Somerville has a number of stairways that pedestrians can use to walk between places that aren’t well-connected by streets. Most of these are poorly marked and unknown to people outside their immediate neighborhood.
I’ve made a Google map called Obscure Stairways of Somerville, showing 12 of these staircases. If you know of more, [...]

Personally, I was very impressed with the quality and civility of the conversation we had and the enthusiasm we developed around our idea for organizing a community-wide event.

Depending upon the agenda, the Committee on Housing and Community Development may make decisions fundamental to Somerville’s future. Meetings of the Aldermen as a whole usually deal with important issues.

[ April 27, 2010; 7:00 pm; ] This meeting is important because the Somerville Open Space and Recreation Plan, which relates to state and federal funding, is being extended.

[ April 26, 2010; 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm. ] This meeting is important because Somerville’s use of public transit, already high, will increase as the Green Line Extension and Assembly Square Orange Line stop come in.

Before the emergence of Coffee Parties, we saw, locally, the advent of Somervillevoices.org, a courageous and worthy experiment in a 21st Century democratic, community- controlled public media forum, and of the much heralded, government- built Resistat program…

[ April 29, 2010; 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm. ] An evening of film, video, and animation
The screening will be followed by a panel discussion. The event is
free and open to the public.

Short films include:
Holding This For You / Marissa Niederhauser (19:45 minutes)

Synopsis: Exploring violent yet persistent themes in women’s lives
choreographer Marissa Rae Niederhauser creates an otherwordly film as
beautiful as it is unsettling. A solo [...]

[ April 24, 2010; 10:00 am to 1:00 pm. ] All you need is your community spirit and the DCR provides the rest!
Read more info here: http://parkserv.env.state.ma.us

-> We are delighted to have Groundwork Somerville join our efforts!
-> Meet at the entrance ramp to the Latta Brothers Memorial Poolhouse.
-> DCR will supply all plants and tools, but you may bring your favorite spade or shovel.
-> Saturday’s [...]

On April 22, 2010, between 5:55 a.m. and approximately 7:21 a.m., power was out in Somerville.  NStar’s explanation is that a manhole blew and there was a fire. This writer experienced the effects in Ward 3.  How far-reaching were the effects for you, dear Villens?

[ April 25, 2010; 3:00 pm; ]
“Toxic Traffic Forum” at the Museum of Science, Boston (from the Cambridge Health Department website)

Sunday, April 25, 2010, 3:00 pm

Emerging research links chronic exposure to motor vehicle pollution with health effects such as asthma and cardiac disease. In this forum presented in collaboration with the Cambridge Public Health Department as part of the Cambridge [...]

[ April 22, 2010; 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm. ] We’re going to get together and find strategies to fix our democracy, and then we’re going to put them into action. Bring your ideas and your energy. Join us.

Representative Capuano has agreed to be a sponsor of the Community Access Preservation (CAP) Act in Congress that would protect access television stations across the country. Many states have passed statewide franchising laws that have undermined established funding allocations from cable television companies, channel quality, and channel accessibility.  Many stations have disappeared altogether. The CAP [...]

[ April 28, 2010; 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. ] Books of Hope (a teen literacy and empowerment program based in the Mystic Housing Project) is presenting a poetry workshop and youth poetry slam featuring poet Everett Hoagland, Wednesday, April 28th, 2010, from 6-8PM at the Somerville Library at 79 Highland Ave. All are welcome!

There will be free food and the teens will be [...]

Attended Planning Board meeting 4/15/10. About 12 citizens attending. Printed agenda marked “Modified”. IKEA waterside permit voided. MaxPac plan changes. Argument over residential density and the tax base. Antennas on residential bldgs provide revenue, but come with safety concerns. Permit streamlining.

The AGO, through its Division of Open Government is requesting public comment on proposed alternatives to the notice posting requirement in the Open Meeting Law. Comment should be submitted by April 23, 2010.

[ April 24, 2010; 6:00 pm; ] The Somerville Homeless Coalition will hold its annual dinner April 24th at the Center for the Arts at the Armory in Somerville beginning at 6:00 pm.  The dinner will recognize three people important to the work of the Coalition, have a Redbones dinner, a silent auction, and dancing to The Four Piece Suit.

We would love [...]

Tuesday’s Special Democratic Primary for the State Senate race was a clear-cut example of the need for Instant Runoff. Unofficial results put Sal DiDomenico about 135 votes above the runner-up, Tim Flaherty. The Massachusetts Election 2010 blog has the rough percentage breakdown:

Sal DiDomenico 30%
Tim Flaherty 29%
Denise Simmons 20%
Mike Albano 10%
Dennis Benzan 8%
Dan Hill 1%

Vote-splitting appears [...]

[ April 28, 2010; 6:30 pm; ] Davis Square Visioning Meeting

Wed. Apr. 28 6:30 PM

Tufts Administration Building (TAB)
167 Holland St.
Somerville MA (map)

This meeting, sponsored by Mayor Curtatone and Alderman Gewirtz, is the second Visioning Meeting for Davis Square. It is intended to promote community dialog about the area today and what it should be in the future. Following up [...]

[ April 21, 2010 to April 23, 2010. ] Harvard Infrastructure Sustainability & Design Conference

Wed. Apr. 21 – Fri. Apr. 23

Harvard University Graduate School of Design
48 Quincy St.
Cambridge MA (map)

This conference explores infrastructure sustainability in the context of the current environmental challenges. At the conference, the alpha version of the Zofnass Rating System will be released. The Zofnass Rating is [...]

[ April 21, 2010; 6:30 pm; ] Blueback Herring River Route Community Meeting

Wed. Apr. 21 6:30 PM

Elizabeth Peabody House
277 Broadway
Somerville MA (map)

This meeting, a followup to the March 10 meeting, will present for citizen review logo and signage options for the new “Blueback Herring River Route” connecting Foss Park to Shore Drive, and updates on improvements to the Blessing [...]

[ April 18, 2010; 10:00 am to 11:30 am. ] Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone and Historic Preservation Commission Executive Director Brandon Wilson invite all residents and community members to the City’s 235th Patriot’s Day celebration, to be held at Foss Park on Monday, April 19th beginning at 10 a.m.  Co-sponsored by the Preservation Commission, Historic Somerville, Somerville Museum, East Somerville Main Streets, and Friends of [...]

[ April 19, 2010; 6:30 pm; ]

[ April 19, 2010; ] Save Our Somerville is running a soccer tournament on Patriots’ Day Monday, April 19th (pending permit approval, rain or shine). Even if you don’t play soccer, please come out and learn more about SOS events and spread the word.

On Tuesday evening, State Sen. Pat Jehlen sat down with Joe Lynch for his show “Greater Somerville” on SCAT to discuss the pending driving bill, the shrinking state budget, health care reform, and casino gambling. I just watched the show and took some notes from their conversation.
Greater Somerville – MA State Senator Patricia D. [...]

Never let it be said that the far-right in the USA can’t make fools of themselves when given half a chance.

The 2010 Somerville Open Studios is coming up soon!  This Friday, April 16, is the opening reception for the Artists’ Choice Exhibit at the Somerville Museum, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.  Approximately 200 artists will have work in this year’s show.

[ April 17, 2010; 9:30 am to 12:30 pm. ] Volunteers are needed to clean the Mystic River banks and remove shopping carts and other debris from the river. Supplies will be provided. This event is sponsored by the Mystic River Watershed Association and the Gentle Giant Rowing Club.

[ April 14, 2010; 6:00 pm; ] Zoning Board of Appeals Hearing

Wed. Apr. 14, 6:00 PM

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

Agenda Not Available (4/11/10)

This is a regular hearing of the Zoning Board of Appeals. The Zoning Board of Appeals reviews applications to bypass normal Somerville Zoning.

Depending upon the agenda, the Zoning [...]

[ April 15, 2010; 6:00 pm; ] Planning Board Meeting

Thurs. Apr. 15, 6:00 PM

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

Agenda Not Available (4/11/10)

This is the regular meeting of the Somerville Planning Board. The Planning Board holds public hearings and grants permits for special districts, such as Planned Unit Developments.

Depending upon [...]

[ April 11, 2010; 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm. ] Please join me at Carl’s campaign kick-off party, Today, April 11, 3-5 pm, at Sabur Restaurant, 212 Holland Street

Where are Senator Jehlen, Representatives Toomey, Provost, and Sciortino on holding state-chartered corporations to account to their shareholders for their political influence?

[ April 13, 2010; 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm. ] The all City K-8 Art Fair Located at Dr. Albert F. Argenziano School, Lincoln Park, 3rd Floor
Opening Ceremonies
Tuesday, April 13th
5:30- 7:30 PM

Musical Performances
5:30- 7:30 PM

[ April 3, 2010; 5:30 am to 7:30 am. ] Monday, May 3rd, 2010, 5:30 – 7:30 pm
Location : Cummings gym
The “Getting Ready for Kindergarten” Workshop is am opportunity for new Kindergarten parents/guardians to get tips on preparing their child for Kindergarten from former parents and teachers

[ April 29, 2010; 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm. ] Thursday, April 29th, 2010, 5:00 – 7:00 pm
Location : Capuano Cafeteria and Gym
Prekindergarten children and their parents/guardians will participate in activities that demonstrate math and literacy activities they are learning in class.

[ April 19, 2010; ] School is closed

The morning of April 5th marked the beginning of the much anticipated renewal of Magoun Square along with (finally) validating those obnoxious green signs at the beginning and in the heart of the square announcing the renovation. One would think that I, both a resident and daughter of a former Magoun Square business owner, would [...]

Are you a parent/guardian of a grade PK-8 student in the Somerville Public Schools? Look for your complimentary copy of the first edition of Chop Chop, a new healthy cooking magazine for families, in your child’s backpack next week.
Special thanks to the Office of Mayor Curtatone for making it possible to distribute this magazine [...]

[ April 30, 2010; 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm. ] YUM: A Taste of Immigrant City.

April 30, 2010. 6-10 pm. Arts at the Armory.

Tickets $40.

Features food from an eclectic mix of local Somerville immigrant-run restaurants: Mexican, Tibetan, Mediterranean, Brazilian, Portuguese, Thai, Haitian, Italian, Ethiopian, Indian, Peruvian (Full list of YUM Restaurants here). Music by Yarina (check it out). Dance performances. A benefit [...]

Excited to get your own vegetable garden growing this spring, but don’t know where/when to start??

In May/June this year, MOVE (the Massachusetts Outdoor Volunteer Experience) and SCA (Somerville Climate Action) will team up to launch “community garden-raisings” all over the city.  Please let us know if you’d like a garden at your [...]

[ April 8, 2010; 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm. ] We’ll be joined by Acting Somerville Police Chief Michael Cabral for a discussion to include the following topics: * the 2008 Romelus Police Beating Case * Private security contractors in Somerville * DHS Surveillance Cameras * The idea of creating a public oversight board for the SPD

Apply now for membership, to advise on station designs for Brickbottom, Gilman Square, Lowell Street, Ball Square, College Avenue, and Union Square.

Through a public records request, I recently obtained scanned copies of the City’s trash contracts with the FW Russell company. The fine print challenges the claim made at the March 2nd BOA Legislative Matters Committee meeting by former City Solicitor, John Gannon, that only the Mayor has the power to break a contract.
(Just to be [...]

[ April 8, 2010; 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm. ] Susan McLucas, longtime Somerville resident and social change activist, hosts the Boston premiere of “Secret of the Dawn,” a film about the movement to end female excision (FGM, aka female genital mutilation) in the Muslim country of Mali, West Africa. Learn about the cultural taboos, and the exciting impetus for change.

7 [...]

[ April 8, 2010; 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm. ] On Thursday, April 8th please join students from each of Somerville’s seven K-6 or K-8 elementary schools for a concert featuring songs celebrating spring and global community. The concert starts at 7:00 PM, is free and open to the entire public and takes place in the Somerville High School Auditorium (81 Highland Avenue).

Have you downloaded your copy of the amended 2009-2010 school year calendar?
If you haven’t please be aware that Wednesday, April 7th is now a 1/2 day for all students. The last day of school is currently scheduled for June 22nd.
Visit the website of the Somerville Public Schools to get a copy of the new [...]

[ April 8, 2010; 6:30 pm; ] 2010-2011 HUD Action Plan Public Hearing

Thurs. Apr. 8 6:30 PM

Ralph and Jenny Center
9 New Washington St.
Somerville MA

[Facility is near the corner of Inner Belt Rd. and New Washington St. (map)]

Flyer (PDF)

This is the public hearing on the HUD Action Plan for the Community Development Block Grant program, the Emergency Shelter [...]

[ April 6, 2010; 7:00 pm; ] Transit 2.0: The Developers Initiative

Tues. Apr. 6 7:00 PM

Livable Streets Office
100 Sidney St.
Cambridge MA (map)

This presentation by Chris Dempsy of MassDOT will describe an initiative for hosting transportation data. The intent is for software and web developers to make this data available to the public for planning trips and locating buses [...]

[ April 6, 2010; 6:30 pm; ] Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee Planning Meeting

Tues. Apr. 6 6:30 PM

Upper Hall
Greek Orthodox Church
29 Central St.
Somerville MA (map)

This is the third planning meeting of the Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee. At this meeting, the group will continue specifying goals, policies and actions to implement the vision statement.

This meeting is important because Somerville’s citywide [...]

[ April 5, 2010; 7:00 pm; ] BOA Committee on Parks and Open Space Meeting

Mon. Apr. 5 7:00 PM

Somerville City Hall
2nd Fl. Comm. Rm.
93 Highland Ave.
Somerville MA (map)

Agenda (PDF)

This is the regular meeting of the Somerville Aldermanic Committee on Parks and Open Space. On the agenda, among other business are amendments to the the 2008-2013 Open Space and Recreation [...]

[ April 5, 2010; 6:00 pm; ] BOA Committee on Housing and Community Development

Mon. Apr. 5 6:00 PM

Somerville City Hall
2nd Fl. Comm. Rm
93 Highland Ave.
Somerville MA (map)

Agenda (PDF)

This is the regular meeting of the Somerville Aldermanic Committee on Housing and Community Development. Among other business, the committee will approve a letter to MassDOT supporting the continuation of [...]

[ April 15, 2010; 6:30 pm to 9:00 pm. ] This Tax Day, find out where most of your tax $$$ go:

Why We Fight -  2005, Directed by Eugene Jarecki

Come to a community screening and discussion of this award-winning film.

Thursday, April 15, 6:30-9pm.

Somerville Public Library

79 Highland Ave.

Co-sponsored by Rep. Denise Provost, Somerville Climate Action, and Somerville/ Medford United for Justice with Peace.

Why We [...]

[ April 14, 2010; ] Well, she doesn’t scare this citizen and I doubt she scares you, dear reader, but her sojourn into the birthplace of this here nation sure calls for a strong non-violent response.

[ March 27, 2010 to April 23, 2010. ] The Comment Period for the Final Environmental Impact Report for the Assembly Square Mixed-Use Redevelopment began March 15 2010 and ends April 23 2010. This is your last chance to weigh in on the plans for the Assembly Square Mixed-Use Redevelopment Project.

[ April 10, 2010; 8:50 am to 3:00 pm. ] Tufts Kids’ Day
Tufts Medford Campus
9:00 AM – 3:30 PM (registration 8:50-10:00 AM)
Kids’ Day features amusement park rides, magic shows, chemistry shows, carnival booths, and exciting performances. Kids’ Day is open to children from the Medford and Somerville communities between kindergarten and third grade. Tufts students volunteer to guide children through the day’s events, run student [...]

[ April 3, 2010; 10:00 am to 12:00 pm. ] City of Somerville Rabies Clinic
SATURDAY, APRIL 3, 2010
10:00 A.M. – 12:00 noon

RABIES SHOT: Dogs & Cats – $10.00 per animal.

Dog Licensing available at clinic.
It is required that all dogs over 6 months of age be licensed in the City of Somerville.

SOMERVILLE DOG LICENSES
$20.00 FOR AN INTACT DOG
$12.00 FOR A SPAYED/NEUTERD DOG

Located at the Department of [...]

[ April 10, 2010; 11:30 am to 4:00 pm. ] On Saturday, April 10, 2010, more than 800 youth will attend the fourth annual Somerville Youth Peace Conference at Somerville High School, 81 Highland Avenue in Somerville, from 11:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The conference, Rising from our Roots, will feature original performances and speeches by Somerville teens based on their own lives, workshops led [...]

[ March 22, 2010; 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm. March 23, 2010; 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm. March 24, 2010; 9:00 am to 11:00 am. March 25, 2010; 9:00 am to 11:00 am. March 31, 2010; 4:30 pm to 5:30 pm. April 6, 2010; 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm. April 8, 2010; 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm. April 13, 2010; 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm. April 14, 2010; 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm. 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm. ] YOU MIGHT HAVE ALREADY HEARD…
• Somerville High School’s drop-out rate continues to be on the decline. Get details in the press release issued by the Office of the Superintendent on Tuesday, March 16th, online at www.somerville.k12.ma.us/news
• Due to snow closures, the last day of school is NOW June 22nd. Get the new 2009-2010 school [...]

[ April 7, 2010; 8:30 am to 12:15 pm. ] Please join us for a community-wide forum to explore how an understanding of culture can help all Somerville children be successful as they enter school and in their early school years. We’ll share our knowledge of culture in our schools, our homes and our lives.
We will be joined by Dr. Jayanthi Mistry, Chair, Department of [...]

[ April 24, 2010; 6:00 pm to 10:30 pm. ] Under the Roof, an event recognizing 25 years of support, housing and community by the Somerville Homeless Coalition and honoring Karen LaFrazia, one of our founding board members and now executive director of the St. Francis House in Boston.  At the Center for the Arts at the Armory.  For more information please call 617-623-6111 or [...]

[ April 5, 2010; ] The Somerville Public Schools invites you to tell your stories about learning and teaching in Somerville in our Spring 2010 Digital Photography contest. Complete submissions received by April 5th will have the chance to win a $50 gift card from Tufts University and the opportunity to have their photos printed in the Somerville News [...]

[ February 20, 2010; 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm. March 20, 2010; 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm. April 24, 2010; 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm. May 22, 2010; 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm. June 19, 2010; 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm. July 24, 2010; 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm. ] Approximately fifteen people crowded around two small tables this afternoon at the Danish Pastry House in Medford to share their concerns and questions in a wide-ranging conversation with State Representative Carl Sciortino at his first district coffee hour of the year. 

The discussion covered topics including the difficulty of getting parking permits in Medford, poor [...]

[ April 26, 2010; 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm. ] Free Parent/ Guardian Workshop offered by the Somerville Public Schools on Bullying in Schools Today

Monday, April 26th- 6:30-8:30 pm at the Capuano Early Childhood Center
150 Glen street
Featuring a screening of the documentary film “Let’s Get Real” about how students in middle school experience bullying from all sides.

[ April 14, 2010; 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm. ] Free Parent/ Guardian Workshop offered by the Somerville Public Schools on Family and Relationship Violence:

Wednesday, April 14th- 6:30-8:30 pm
Location still TBD
Featuring experts from Middlesex Partnerships for Youth and the Middlesex County DA’s Office

[ January 13, 2010; 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm. February 11, 2010; 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm. March 10, 2010; 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm. April 14, 2010; 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm. ] 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 Healey School Cafetorium, 5 Meacham Street
Featuring experts from Middlesex Partnerships for Youth
• Grant Writing 101
Thursday, February 11th- 6:30-8:30 PM in the SPS Central Offices, 181 [...]