On May 25, 2010 my union received a letter that stated that as of the new fiscal year the school custodians would be privatized out… The mayor mentions that he does not want to cut public safety or education but this mayor has packed the police and fire with all his friends…

[ May 30, 2010; 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. ] Somerville Voices will hold an open meeting Sunday, May 28, at the Visiting Nurses assisted living facility, 259 Lowell St., from 6 to 8 pm. Come and bring your ideas!

Do you know a child who struggles with reading or writing? The Donald D. Durrell Reading and Writing Clinic, located at BU’s School of Education, has a few spaces remaining for its second summer session, from July 19 through August 5. The Clinic provides intensive one-on-one tutoring that advances the literacy learning of students in [...]

[ May 25, 2010; 7:00 pm; ] This meeting is important because charter amendments are always important, and adopting the Stretch Energy Code will reduce environmental impact throughout Somerville.

[ May 27, 2010; 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. ] At the SCAP Annual Meeting there will be the release of the:

2010 High School Youth Risk Behavior Survey Results

This is just a REMINDER that you invited to SCAP’s 6th Annual Coalition meeting. Come join us on Thursday May 27th, 2010 in the Cafetorium at Arthur D. Healey School to honor the Coalition that has strived [...]

Nose-to-tail no-waste butcher needs a bit of help before June 14 to bring sustainable local meat to Somerville at affordable prices.

The Architectural Access Board will hold a Hearing on 18 Architectural Access Code Violations for Arts at the Armory facility on Monday, May 24, at 1 p.m.

back story: On February 8, Building Inspector Eddie Nuzzo provided sworn testimony to the Architectural Access Board (AAB) at a Variance Hearing to support the owner Joseph Sater’s request [...]

[ May 26, 2010; 6:45 pm; ] This meeting is important because it gives citizens a chance to provide feedback to the City on how things are going in their neighborhoods.

[ May 24, 2010; 6:15 pm; ] This meeting is important because it gives citizens a chance to provide feedback to the City on how things are going in their neighborhoods.

[ May 22, 2010; 10:00 am; ] This event is important because it puts interesting parts of Somerville, such as the bank of the Mystic, on display.

[ May 19, 2010; 6:15 pm; ] This meeting is important because it gives citizens a chance to provide feedback to the City on how things are going in their neighborhoods.

[ May 26, 2010; 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm. ] Wednesday, May 26 for the Green Garden Skill-Share and screening of Aftermath: Population Zero

Sponsored by Representative Denise Provost, Somerville Climate Action, and the Initiating Committee of Transition Somerville
Somerville Public Library, 79 Highland Ave. 02143

Skill-Share at 6pm:
We’ll be joined by Jerry Laurentano of Jerry’s Garden Hair Salon who will share ideas and information about his urban [...]

[ May 19, 2010; 7:00 pm; ] We’ll be holding the third meeting of the Somerville Coffee Party this Wednesday, May 19 at 7:00PM. It’s a great chance to talk about your vision for engaged, functional democracy, and particular steps we can take at the local level to make it happen. The meeting is at 14 Herbert Street (right behind Redbones). Join [...]

[ May 12, 2010; 6:00 pm; May 18, 2010; 7:00 pm; June 2, 2010; 7:00 pm; June 10, 2010; 7:00 pm; June 14, 2010; 6:00 pm; ] Dear Friends, As you probably know, in May and June the School Committee enters the height of the budget season as we make plans for the next fiscal year, which begins on July 1. This is always a complicated process and one best conducted with the public fully informed of the process.

[ May 26, 2010; 6:30 pm; ] This meeting is important because it relates to land use around the new Green Line station at Lechmere.

[ May 19, 2010; 6:00 pm; ] This meeting is important because it relates to land use around the new Green Line stations at Ball Square and College Avenue.

[ May 21, 2010; 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm. ] Immigrants who gather at Foss Park each morning as early as 5 am looking for work as day laborers are the subject of a new play that will enjoy its community premiere on Friday, May 21st at the Black Box Theater at the Elizabeth Peabody House, 277 Broadway. The program begins at 7:30 pm.

The new play, “They Don’t Tell You Anything!” will be performed as part of an evening of theater, stories and conversation about the struggles and challenges that many Somerville residents face after they are picked up by contractors each morning to paint or perform demolition work. Written by playwright and English teacher Meryl Becker, the play will be performed by student actors from the Somerville Center for Adult Learning Experiences (SCALE).

[ May 20, 2010; 6:00 pm; ] This meeting includes a continuation of the 1 Benton Road case, which has proved controversial.

This Planning Board meeting included continuing hearings on 79-83 Broadway (slightly controversial), 39R Medford St., and 1 Benton Rd. (also controversial). There was also a discussion of declaring properties part of historical districts, sometimes controversial.

An all-present and accounted-for Gubernatorial Candidates Forum will be held May 18, 2010 from 1 p.m. – 3:30p.m. at the Perkins School in Watertown. WBUR’s Bob Oakes will be the Moderator.

[ May 21, 2010; 7:30 pm; ] Mark your calendars for May 21st, students at SCALE (collaborators
for our Intercambio Language and Cultural Exchange) are putting on a
great show!

SCALE (Somerville Center for Adult Learning Experiences) * The
Welcome Project * Massachusetts Coalition
for Occupational Safety & Health
Present:

Exposed at Work
An evening of stories, theater and conversation

Hear the stories of immigrant neighbors who gather at dawn, seeking
day [...]

[ May 16, 2010; 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm. ] Historic Somerville, Inc. in partnership with The Somerville Museum and The Somerville Historic Preservation Commission presents author Catherine Manegold at the intimate setting of The Somerville Museum One Westwood Road Somerville, MA May 16th, 2010; 2-4 pm

C.S. Manegold was a reporter for The New York Times, Newsweek and the Philadelphia Inquirer before turning her attention [...]

[ May 12, 2010; 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm. ] Join your neighbors to learn how the City is moving forward with its plans for the disposition of the Powder House Community School property. Discuss how we can keep our concerns about the reuse of this property at the forefront of the decision making process.

[ May 16, 2010; 1:30 pm; ] The 7th annual Save Our Homes Walk will be held on Sunday, May 16 at 2:00pm with registration beginning at 1:30pm.  The Walk begins and ends at Somerville High School’s Atrium and all are welcome and encouraged to join in our efforts to end homelessness in our City. 

Organized by the Affordable Housing Organizing Committee (AHOC), [...]

[ May 22, 2010; 1:00 pm; ] This meeting is important because it begins work on sustainable station designs for the Green Line Extension.

[ May 21, 2010; 6:00 pm; ] This meeting is important because it provides background information on sustainable station designs for the Green Line Extension.

Steve Clift is one of the most successful community media advocates in the nation. His e-Democracy is both a standard and a clarion call for more participatory journalism. In part this is a response to the failure of traditional media to cover what we need-to-know, and their inept response to the medium of the internet. [...]

[ May 12, 2010; 6:00 pm; May 18, 2010; 7:00 pm; June 2, 2010; 7:00 pm; ] Adam Sweeting, School Committee Chair of the Finance and Facilities Committee, sent out this letter to a Somerville Schools Yahoo group today.  If you go to any of these meetings, please blog your impressions as comments to this post.  We’d love to know what’s happening to our schools, kids, jobs, etc.

Dear Friends,

As you know, in [...]

[ May 17, 2010; 7:00 pm; ] This meeting is important because it relates to Green Line Extension economic development around Magoun Square.

[ May 12, 2010; 7:15 pm; ] This meeting is important because adopting the Stretch Energy Code will reduce energy use and environmental impact for all residences and businesses in Somerville.

“I hope you all get some power someday, so you’ll know what it’s like to have to satisfy your constituents’ demands with a limited budget.”

[ May 8, 2010; ] Somerville, MA May 3rd 2010 – Somerville “mompreneur” Kerri Friedlander and husband Lucas today announced their intention to hold a Grand Opening sale at the Upland Road location of “TwinkleStar Boutique” in Porter Square on May 8th, 2010.

The couple originally established retail presence in Ball Square Somerville but took a chance to co-locate with a [...]

[ May 13, 2010; 6:00 pm; July 16, 2010; ] This May, local Haitian youth living in Somerville’s Mystic Housing Projects set off on a 10-stop book tour, called the Mystic Ink Tour, to bring their stories to communities across New England. The DIY tour will take the teens out of their economically-challenged neighborhood and bring them to some of the most celebrated spoken word venues and bookstores in the region. www.booksofhope-ma.org

[ May 10, 2010; 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm. ]

The Massachusetts Legislature’s Joint Committee on Revenue has been traveling the state on a Listening Tour to hear from the public their thoughts on tax policy in Massachusetts. The Somerville stop of the Listening Tour will be held Monday, May 10, from 7 to 9 p.m. in the [...]

Attended meeting. Ald. Gewirtz, Heuston, Pero, Sullivan present. Staff including Monica Lamboy and representative of City Solicitor present. Also Joe Grafton of Somerville Local First, Tom Bent of Chamber of Commerce.

[ May 23, 2010; 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm. ] The 9th annual Historic Bike Tour will once again be sponsored in collaboration with the Somerville Bike Committee.  The theme this year will be the “Lost Theatres of Somerville.”  The guided ride, accompanied by the Somerville Police, will begin at City Hall at 1:00 pm and end at the Somerville Museum around 4:00 pm, with [...]

[ May 20, 2010; 6:30 pm; ] Historic Preservation Awards Ceremony.  A reception, with light refreshments, will start at 6:30 p.m. and be followed by a ceremony to honor 11 Somerville owners for their award winning preservation work on the exterior of their properties.  The properties include historically designated homes, older houses, and a church in the City.  SHS students will also [...]

[ May 13, 2010; 7:00 pm; ] Talk about “Researching the History of Your House and Your Family,” by Reference Librarian Kevin O’Kelly.  Mini tour of sources as well as tips for getting started will take place at the Somerville Central Library, 79 Highland Ave., beginning at 7:00 p.m.

[ May 6, 2010; 5:30 pm; ] “Historic Walking Tour of East Somerville Neighborhood” and its many historic houses, as well as businesses on Broadway.  Sponsored in collaboration with East Somerville Main Streets.  Tour is led by Edward Gordon, President of Victorian Society of America, New England Chapter and begins at 5:30 p.m.  Meet at the Mt. Vernon Restaurant, 14 Broadway.  Rain [...]

[ May 5, 2010; 5:30 pm; ] An “Appreciation Ceremony” for the DeMoulas Foundation and Cassidy Bros. Forge, Inc. in honor of their donation of major fence restoration work at the Milk Row Cemetery.  Mayor Curtatone and Ward 2 Alderman Heuston will preside over the ceremony, beginning at 5:30 p.m., followed by a “Tour of the Historic Cemetery.”  Sponsored in collaboration with [...]

A heated debate has developed recently in the op-ed pages of The Somerville News between columnist Bill Shelton and Somerville’s Fire Chief Kevin Kelleher over the City’s use of a Reserve Fire Force/List.
For further reading, check out:
April 2 – Reservations about the Reserve Fire Force by Bill Shelton
April 7 – Somerville Fire chief: No favoritism [...]

[ May 3, 2010; ] The Somerville Public Schools are OPEN all day tomorrow, May 3rd – and expect to be open throughout the water emergency. Students and staff are asked, if able, to bring their own safe, packaged beverages. Food service will be offering breakfast, lunch and snacks; the menu may be limited by the availability of [...]

[ May 8, 2010; 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm. ] Amethyst Center is again hosting a fundraiser for the Somerville Homeless Coalition, Saturday May 8, 1:00-5:00. “Nourish Your Well Being” will offer short treatments from its practitioners in exchange for a suggested $10 donation. This is the 13th benefit in 6 years that Amethyst has hosted for the Somerville Homeless Coalition. Amethyst’s practitioners include specialists [...]

[ May 6, 2010; 4:30 pm; ] This event features presentations by local “green” businesses and tips for utilizing more sustainable and energy-efficient practices. A key part of sustainable development is making it a profit center for Somerville.

[ May 2, 2010; 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm. ] 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.

[ May 1, 2010; 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm. ] 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.

[ May 17, 2010; 6:45 pm to 7:30 pm. ] 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.*

[ May 10, 2010; May 11, 2010; May 12, 2010; July 16, 2010; July 17, 2010; July 18, 2010; July 22, 2010; July 23, 2010; July 24, 2010; ] Shake Up Shakespeare with Theatre@First! Auditions May 10-12 for performances July 16-18 and July 22-24.

[ May 6, 2010; 6:00 pm; ] This meeting is important because it deals with ongoing Somerville developments.

[ May 5, 2010; 6:00 pm; ] Depending upon the agenda, the Zoning Board of Appeals may make decisions fundamental to Somerville’s future.

[ May 11, 2010; 6:30 pm; ] 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.

[ May 3, 2010; 7:00 pm; ] Depending upon the agenda, the Committee on Housing and Community Development may make decisions fundamental to Somerville’s future.

[ May 8, 2010; 7:00 pm to 11:00 pm. ] 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 and The Pretty Pennies; food by Basil Tree, Lyndell’s and Dave’s Fresh Pasta; and art by Jeff Fullerton, Anna O’Neal [...]

[ May 25, 2010; 6:30 pm; ] Tuesday, May 25th, 2010, 6:30 >
Location : SHS Auditorium

[ May 24, 2010; 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm. ] 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 discuss:
What are the different types of bullying that kids experience?
How can we deal with the bullying that happens?
What can families do?
What can schools do?
What [...]

[ May 20, 2010; 7:00 pm; ] Thursday, May 20th, 2010, 7:00 >
Location :
The Somerville High School Auditorium is located at 81 Highland Avenue.

[ May 16, 2010; 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm. ] 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. Guests will enjoy student visual and literary arts displays and live performances. Light refreshments, silent auction and raffle. $25 admission, $10 for [...]

[ May 8, 2010; 10:00 am to 12:00 pm. ] Join the nearest team and clean up your neighborhood for Spring! T-shirt, breakfast, water bottle, and afterparty included…

[ May 12, 2010; 6:30 pm; ] Wednesday, May 12th, 2010, 6:30 >
Location : SHS Fieldhouse

[ May 6, 2010; 7:00 pm; ] Thursday, May 6th, 2010, 7:00 >
Location : Somerville High School (81 Highland Avenue)

[ May 5, 2010; 6:30 pm; ] Wednesday, May 5th, 2010, 6:30 >
Location : Somerville High School (81 Highland Avenue)

[ May 3, 2010 to May 7, 2010. ] All-Day
Location : District-wide

[ May 16, 2010; 8:00 am; ] 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 annual Mystic River Herring Run and Paddle Festival. It features a 5 km Road Race and a 3, 6, or 12 mi Canoe and Kayak race. There will be [...]

[ 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 [...]

[ May 24, 2010; 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm. ] Free Parent/ Guardian Workshop offered by the Somerville Public Schools on Bullying in Schools Today

Monday, May 24th- 6:30-8:30pm, at the John F. Kennedy School
5 Cherry Street
Learn about school interventions to create safe schools, and strategies parents/ guardians can use to help their children feel safe.