Come share your ideas for our community blog.

Sunday, May 2, 6 to 7:30 pm at the Somerville Visiting Nurses assisted living facility, 259 Lowell Street…

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.…

Come join other parents to talk about the kind of education we want at the Healey School and the future of the Choice and Neighborhood programs. Parent’s input will be collected and presented to the School Committee.

The Somerville Public Schools will conduct a public hearing to determine participation in the school choice program for the 2010-2011 school year. *This is NOT a public hearing about the Choice program at the Healey School.*

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…

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…

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.

Shake Up Shakespeare with Theatre@First! Auditions May 10-12 for performances July 16-18 and July 22-24.

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.

This meeting is important because it deals with ongoing Somerville developments.

Depending upon the agenda, the Zoning Board of Appeals may make decisions fundamental to Somerville’s future.

This meeting is important because Somerville’s citywide development for the next twenty years will be shaped by the comprehensive plan. This is a public meeting; any citizen is entitled to observe.

Depending upon the agenda, the Committee on Housing and Community Development may make decisions fundamental to Somerville’s future.

This meeting is important because the Somerville Open Space and Recreation Plan, which relates to state and federal funding, is being extended.

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.

Please join us for this third annual benefit for Groundwork Somerville! This night will definitely satisfy your need for FUN, great MUSIC,magnificent ART and delicious FOOD! Evening includes musical performances by Mark Santoro, Saladin Islam…

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…

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…

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…

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…

“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…

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…

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…

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.

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…

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:…

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…

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…

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…

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…

Wednesday, June 16th, 2010, 7:30 >
Location : Somerville High School Auditorium (81 Highland Avenue…

Wednesday, June 16th, 2010, 5:00 &gt…

Wednesday, June 16th, 2010
Location : Healey School (5 Meacham Street)…

Monday, June 7th, 2010, 6:00 >
Location : Dilboy Stadium…

Thursday, June 3rd, 2010
Location : Healey School (5 Meacham Street)…

Tuesday, May 25th, 2010, 6:30 >
Location : SHS Auditorium…

Monday, May 24th, 2010, 6:30 – 8:30 pm
Location : Kennedy School, 5 Cherry Street
Presented by Amy Bamforth, MS and MSW, from the Somerville Community Partnership for Children.

At this workshop we will…

Thursday, May 20th, 2010, 7:00 >
Location :
The Somerville High School Auditorium is located at 81 Highland Avenue…

Sunday, May 16th, 2010, 4:00 – 7:00 pm
Location : Arts at the Armory 191 Highland Ave
Healey School’s First Annual Young Artists in Action Gala to raise funds to support 2010-2011 arts enrichment activities…

Join the nearest team and clean up your neighborhood for Spring! T-shirt, breakfast, water bottle, and afterparty included…

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.

Plan to Attend Taste of Somerville on June 8

Enjoy samples from 30 of the area’s favorite restaurants on June 8, from 5:30-8:30 pm at the Somerville Holiday Inn. This festive welcome to summer is presented by title sponsor, Triumvirate Environmental, and Door2Door Transportation by SCM, whose work providing community-based transportation is supported by the event. Tickets at www.tasteofsomerville.org. Follow restaurant additions on twitter @TasteofSomervil

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.…

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…

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.

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…

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…

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?

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…

Wednesday, May 12th, 2010, 6:30 >
Location : SHS Fieldhouse…

Thursday, May 6th, 2010, 7:00 >
Location : Somerville High School (81 Highland Avenue)…

Wednesday, May 5th, 2010, 6:30 >
Location : Somerville High School (81 Highland Avenue)…

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…

All-Day
Location : District-wide…

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…

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 be relieved to see the State and City walk the walk after talking the talk for so long, but I must admit that I am worried. …

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…

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…

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…

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.…

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…

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…

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…

Mystic River Herring Run and Paddle Festival

Sat. May 16 8:00 AM

Blessing of the Bay Boathouse
32 Shore Drive, DCR
Somerville MA (map)

This is the 14th…

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…

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…

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…

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)…

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

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…

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.

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.

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…

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…

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.…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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.  …

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…

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…

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…