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8/17/10 Ocean State Job Lot Introductory Meeting II — Beat Report

Posted by David Dahlbacka a 12:47 pm on August 23, 2010

Second community meeting. Mixed response from neighborhood. Some felt something was better than nothing, others thought we should stick to the new zoning plan. Key point: minimum 10 year lease, could be as long as 25 years. City expects change in neighborhood in 10 years, after Green Line comes in.

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Posted in Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Economy & Poverty, Neighborhoods and Squares, Somerville By The Numbers, Transportation, Ward 4 | 1 Comment »

8/17/10 Ocean State Job Lot Introductory Meeting II

Posted by David Dahlbacka a 2:36 pm on August 7, 2010

[ August 17, 2010; 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm. ] This meeting was called by Ocean State Job Lot to reintroduce themselves as a potential tenant at 299 Broadway, the former Star Market site. The previous meeting did not elicit public support. This meeting is worth attending because this use is inconsistent with the new Winter Hill zoning, could tie up the site for a long time, and could affect local property values.

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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Economy & Poverty, Events, Neighborhoods and Squares, Somerville By The Numbers, Transportation, Ward 4 | 5 Comments »

8/10/10 Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee Planning Meeting

Posted by David Dahlbacka a 1:40 pm on

[ August 10, 2010; 6:30 pm to 9:00 pm. ] Currently the Steering Committee is working on policies and actions to implement the plan. Somerville’s citywide development for the next twenty years will be shaped by the comprehensive plan.

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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Economy & Poverty, Environment and Open Space, Events, Government Reform, Housing, Neighborhoods and Squares, Somerville By The Numbers, Transportation | No Comments »

Unfair Cuts Hit School Custodians in Somerville and Boston

Posted by truthsayer a 9:01 pm on June 13, 2010

I am a school custodian for the City of Somerville.  I see a Boston Herald article that Boston is cutting 83 school custodians.
Reading the comments ( there are 249 comments so far!) I see that many of what these other people are saying is true; however,  one thing that is not [...]

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Posted in City Finances, Economy & Poverty, Schools and Youth, Workers' Rights | No Comments »

On Father’s Day, Take Dad Out and Help End Poverty in Somerville

Posted by Dennis Fischman a 12:50 pm on June 9, 2010

[ June 20, 2010; ] Bring Dad to any of a list of Somerville restaurants on Father’s Day and the restaurant will make a donation in his honor to the Community Action Agency of Somerville (CAAS).

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Posted in All Ages, Economy & Poverty, Events | No Comments »

5/17/10 BOA Committee on Housing and Community Development

Posted by David Dahlbacka a 8:11 pm on May 9, 2010

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

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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Economy & Poverty, Environment and Open Space, Events, Green Line, Housing, Magoun Square | 1 Comment »

2nd Annual 2BGreen Expo

Posted by David Dahlbacka a 3:48 pm on May 2, 2010

[ 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.

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Posted in All Ages, Development and Zoning, Economy & Poverty, Environment and Open Space, Events | No Comments »

Somerville’s Cherry Sheets Challenge

Posted by eila a 3:52 pm on March 23, 2010

A town cannot set its tax rate until it has received the Cherry Sheet. But what does it mean?

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Posted in Accessibility, City Finances, Economy & Poverty, Schools and Youth | 3 Comments »

Save the Date: Under the Roof

Posted by markaf a 3:33 pm on March 3, 2010

[ 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 [...]

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Posted in Economy & Poverty, Events, Housing, Special | No Comments »

BOA Land Use Committee and Planning Board Joint Meeting

Posted by David Dahlbacka a 9:08 pm on February 28, 2010

[ March 4, 2010; 6:00 pm; ] BOA Land Use Committee and Planning Board Joint Meeting

Thurs. Mar. 4 6:00 PM

Somerville City Hall
Aldermen’s Chamber
93 Highland Ave.
Somerville MA (map)

Agenda (PDF)

This is a joint meeting of the Land Use Committee and the Planning Board to consider changes to the zoning suggested by Some Sense.

This meeting is important because the proposed changes [...]

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Posted in All Ages, Development and Zoning, Economy & Poverty, Events, Government Reform, Neighborhoods and Squares, Seniors, Special | No Comments »

BOA Land Use Committee Meeting

Posted by David Dahlbacka a 7:42 pm on

[ March 2, 2010; 7:00 pm; ] BOA Land Use Committee Meeting

Tues. Mar. 2 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 Aldermanic Land Use Committtee. On the agenda is an ordinance increasing the allowed density for senior housing.

This meeting is important because it will affect a current proposed [...]

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Posted in All Ages, Development and Zoning, Economy & Poverty, Events, Government Reform, Seniors, Special | No Comments »

Haitian Coalition fundraiser for Haiti in Somerville!

Posted by Melissa McWhinney a 2:47 pm on February 24, 2010

[ February 26, 2010; 6:30 pm to 10:00 pm. ] As Franklin Delambert, Executive Director of the Haitian Coalition, says, it will be an evening of solidarity.

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Posted in Announcements, Economy & Poverty, Events | No Comments »

Public Hearing for 2010-2011 HUD Action Plan

Posted by David Dahlbacka a 9:45 am on February 12, 2010

[ February 18, 2010; 6:30 pm; ] This hearing is important because it is a key step toward getting Federal money for improving Somerville.

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Posted in All Ages, City Finances, Development and Zoning, Economy & Poverty, Environment and Open Space, Events, Green Line, Housing, Neighborhoods and Squares, Public Health & Safety, Somerville By The Numbers, Special, Transportation | 3 Comments »

Close out the Bad Accounts

Posted by Joeb a 10:05 am on February 11, 2010

Banks and Verizon need to be held to the kind of standards they use to torture their customers.

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Posted in City Finances, Civic Action, Economy & Poverty, Government Reform | 10 Comments »

Ames Envelope

Posted by Patricia Wild a 5:14 pm on February 8, 2010

Feeling pretty blue that Ames Envelope’s leaving town. Maybe others know different(ly), but it seemed as if this Somerville-based business has been a good neighbor.
A couple of examples to support that:
1. Ames offered in-house literacy classes for its employees, many of whom were El Salvadoran.
2. Back in the day, Ames invited classroom teachers to help ourselves [...]

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Posted in Economy & Poverty | No Comments »

Volunteers Needed! Foreclosure Canvassing

Posted by rokhlita a 10:00 pm on February 1, 2010

[ February 7, 2010; 1:00 pm to 4:30 pm. ] Our neighbors are being evicted and our community destabilized by the foreclosure crisis! The Community Action Agency of Somerville (CAAS) in collaboration with Cambridge & Somerville Legal Services (CASLS) has initiated a foreclosure outreach and organizing campaign in Somerville.

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Posted in Economy & Poverty, Events, Housing, Special | No Comments »

Smart Growth/Transit Oriented Development – What is working or not?

Posted by David Dahlbacka a 7:18 pm on January 31, 2010

[ February 4, 2010; 11:30 am; ] Smart Growth/Transit Oriented Development – What is working or not?

Thurs. Feb. 4 11:30 AM

Radisson Hotel
200 Stuart St.
Boston MA (map)

This presentation by the City of Somerville OSPCD Director Monical Lamboy, developer Ted Tye, and MassDOT Transit Development Director Mark Boy will address how Smart Growth methodologies have worked and how they can be improved. This [...]

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Posted in All Ages, Development and Zoning, Economy & Poverty, Environment and Open Space, Events, Green Line, Neighborhoods and Squares, Special, Transportation, Transportation Projects | No Comments »

Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee Planning Meeting

Posted by David Dahlbacka a 7:16 pm on

[ February 16, 2010; 6:30 pm; ] Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee Planning Meeting

Tues., Feb. 16, 6:30 PM

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

This is the rescheduling of the Feb. 9 Phase 3 planning meeting of the Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee. At this meeting, the group will begin specifying goals, policies and actions to implement the vision statement. A guest speaker is [...]

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Posted in All Ages, Bicycles, Buses, City Finances, Crime, Development and Zoning, Economy & Poverty, Environment and Open Space, Events, Green Line, Health Care, Housing, Immigration, Neighborhoods and Squares, Pedestrians, Public Health & Safety, Somerville By The Numbers, Special, Traffic & Parking, Trains, Transportation, Transportation Projects | 1 Comment »

Keynote Speech from Somerville’s 2010 MLK Jr. Celebration

Posted by Barry Rafkind a 1:39 pm on

The night before Martin was assassinated he spoke of going to the mountain top and seeing The Promised Land. In a premonitory way, he wondered out loud if he would get there, but he seemed powerfully convinced WE would surely get there. You might well ask: ‘Are we there yet?’

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Posted in Civil and Human Rights, Economy & Poverty, Tufts | No Comments »

Meeting Friday night 1/22 about Haitian TPS status

Posted by Melissa McWhinney a 10:17 pm on January 21, 2010

[ January 22, 2010; 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm. ] The goal of this meeting is to provide accurate information about Temporary Protected Status (TPS), which was granted last Friday to Haitians living in the United States in response to last week’s earthquake.

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Posted in Civil and Human Rights, Economy & Poverty, Events, Immigration, Public Health & Safety | No Comments »

Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee Visioning Meeting

Posted by David Dahlbacka a 3:03 pm on January 18, 2010

[ January 26, 2010; 6:30 pm; ] Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee Visioning Meeting

Tues., Jan. 26, 6:30 PM

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

This is the last Visioning meeting of the Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee. At this meeting, the group will finish the vision statement.

The goal of the comprehensive plan is to improve the quality of life for Somerville’s residents and workers [...]

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Posted in All Ages, City Finances, Development and Zoning, Economy & Poverty, Environment and Open Space, Events, Green Line, Health Care, Housing, Neighborhoods and Squares, Public Health & Safety, Schools and Youth, Special, Transportation, Transportation Projects | No Comments »

Why Commissions Can Improve Our Community

Posted by David Dahlbacka a 3:01 pm on

[ January 30, 2010; 1:30 pm; ] Why Commissions Can Improve Our Community

Sat. Jan. 30 1:30 PM

Somerville Library
79 Highland Ave.
Somerville MA (map)

This is a workshop from the “How to” Series for Civic Engagement by the Office of Somerville Commissions. It discusses how commissions, such as the Human Rights Commission, can help improve our community.

This workshop is important it discusses how [...]

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Posted in Accessibility, All Ages, Civil and Human Rights, Economy & Poverty, Environment and Open Space, Events, Health Care, Housing, Neighborhoods and Squares, Public Health & Safety, Schools and Youth, Special, Transportation | No Comments »

Workshop on Redirecting Military Spending to Meet Human Needs

Posted by Barry Rafkind a 10:48 pm on January 2, 2010

[ January 9, 2010; 3:00 pm; ] From http://justicewithpeace.org/node/819 :
Redirecting Military Spending to Meet Human Needs

The 25% Solution Task Force of UJP is conducting an interactive workshop on military spending and the campaign to redirect it to meet human needs at home. With the U.S. facing devastating economic and environmental crises, with our states and cities forced into layoffs and cutbacks, now [...]

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Posted in Economy & Poverty, Events, Government Reform, Special | 11 Comments »

Assembly on the Mystic 2nd Annual Holiday Drive

Posted by David Dahlbacka a 9:34 am on December 15, 2009

[ December 19, 2009; ] Assembly on the Mystic 2nd Annual Holiday Drive

Sat. Dec. 19, All Day

Assembly Square Marketplace
Somerville MA (map)

Flier (PDF)

To benefit the Somerville Homeless Coalition, marked containers will be located this coming Saturday outside each store in the Assembly Square Marketplace so that shoppers can donate toiletries and canned goods . All donations are welcomed, but [...]

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Posted in All Ages, Economy & Poverty, Events, Housing, Neighborhoods and Squares, Special | No Comments »

Strike Alert! Support Angelica Workers!

Posted by Bill Bumpus a 1:56 pm on December 13, 2009

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!

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Posted in Economy & Poverty, Health Care, Workers' Rights | 3 Comments »

Ward 1 ResiStat Meeting

Posted by David Dahlbacka a 12:02 am on December 7, 2009

[ December 7, 2009; 7:30 pm; ] Ward 1 ResiStat Meeting

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 1 Alderman Roche, deals with statistical data and issues relating to Ward 1. Similar meetings are held in all other wards of the city. Citizen input from these meetings are compiled into yearly [...]

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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 »

Ward 4 ResiStat Meeting

Posted by David Dahlbacka a 12:01 am on

[ December 8, 2009; 7:00 pm; ] Ward 4 ResiStat Meeting

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 4 Alderman Pero, deals with statistical data and issues relating to Ward 4. Similar meetings are held in all other wards of the city. Citizen input from these meetings are compiled into yearly [...]

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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 »

Help CAAS stop foreclosures and evictions in Somerville

Posted by rokhlita a 5:29 pm on December 1, 2009

[ December 6, 2009; 1:00 pm to 4:30 pm. ] Our neighbors are being evicted and our community destabilized by the foreclosure crisis.
The Community Action Agency of Somerville (CAAS) in collaboration with Cambridge & Somerville Legal Services (CASLS) has initiated a post-foreclosure outreach and organizing campaign in Somerville.
We are asking YOU to join us as we go door-to-door to foreclosed properties in Somerville to talk [...]

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Posted in Civil and Human Rights, Economy & Poverty, Events, Housing, Neighborhoods and Squares | 1 Comment »

Public Meeting re: Senior Housing Zoning Amendment

Posted by eila a 6:42 pm on November 27, 2009

[ December 3, 2009; 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm. ] 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

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Posted in All Ages, Development and Zoning, Economy & Poverty, Events, Housing, Neighborhoods and Squares | 5 Comments »

Should a Staples come to Davis Square?

Posted by Barry Rafkind a 2:18 pm on

From Ward 6 Ald. Gewirtz’s Winter ’09 newsletter :
There is a proposal being made by the owners of the Citizens Bank building on Elm Street on the corner or Bowers Ave. to bring a Staples to that space. I have been very concerned about large chain stores coming into the square. I’m curious [...]

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Posted in Development and Zoning, Economy & Poverty, Neighborhoods and Squares | 31 Comments »

Illuminating Irresponsibility

Posted by Barry Rafkind a 9:52 am on November 26, 2009

It looks like the climate crisis is taking a back seat to the economic crisis as Mayor Curtatone and the Somerville Arts Council promote the annual Illuminations Holiday Tour,  “the annual trolley tour of holiday light displays” around the city.  Certainly, keeping the holiday lights off is the least we could do to help reduce [...]

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Posted in Arts and Culture, Economy & Poverty, Environment and Open Space | 23 Comments »

Thanks Giving

Posted by Columbine a 10:31 pm on November 25, 2009

It’s a bit of an awkward holiday for Somerville Homeless Coalition this year.  Hard times have gobbled up all the resources, the gravy train (state aid) crashed, people are mashed and squashed into emergency housing like never before, and SHC is cran-buried in new requests for help with food and shelter.  But you can help [...]

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Posted in Economy & Poverty, Housing | 1 Comment »

Deaf People with Low Incomes Can Call for Help at CAAS

Posted by Dennis Fischman a 11:27 am on November 20, 2009

Deaf and hard of hearing Somerville residents living on low incomes can now call the Community Action Agency of Somerville (CAAS) for help making ends meet. CAAS’ new TTY number is 617-628-6387.

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Posted in Accessibility, Economy & Poverty | No Comments »

Comprehensive Plan Visioning Meeting

Posted by David Dahlbacka a 6:45 pm on November 15, 2009

[ November 17, 2009; 6:30 pm; ] Comprehensive Plan Visioning Meeting

Tues. Nov. 17, 6:30 PM

Argenziano School
290 Washington Street
Somerville MA (map)

This is the November meeting of the Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee. The Visioning Discussion begins with this meeting and will continue with four public input meetings in December. The Steering Committee itself will resume meeting in January.

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

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Posted in All Ages, City Finances, Development and Zoning, Economy & Poverty, Environment and Open Space, Events, Green Line, Neighborhoods and Squares, Somerville By The Numbers, Special, Transportation, Transportation Projects | No Comments »

CAAS’ Vasquez Wins Statewide Award

Posted by Dennis Fischman a 11:47 pm on November 9, 2009

“Ismael is a pillar in Somerville’s non-profit community and particularly in its immigrant community,” said CAAS Executive Director Kimberly Smith-Cofield. “He is a rare and wonderful gift to Somerville, and we are so lucky to have him.”

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Posted in Announcements, Economy & Poverty, Immigration, Press Release | No Comments »

CAAS Invites You to Annual Meeting, October 29

Posted by Dennis Fischman a 9:48 am on October 22, 2009

[ 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

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Posted in Economy & Poverty, Events | No Comments »

Why the Debate About Expanding Legalized Gambling is a Big Deal

Posted by fberman a 2:03 pm on October 14, 2009

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.

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Posted in Economy & Poverty, Government Reform, Politics, Public Health & Safety | 2 Comments »

Tell Your Great Recession Story

Posted by Barry Rafkind a 5:52 pm on October 3, 2009

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 [...]

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Posted in Economy & Poverty | 5 Comments »

Somerville Homeless Coalition 5K Road Race

Posted by Columbine a 11:09 am on September 7, 2009

[ 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 [...]

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Posted in All Ages, Economy & Poverty, Events, Housing, Public Health & Safety, Special, Sports | No Comments »

The Cuban school system and a Somerville 14 year old

Posted by Kira a 3:42 pm on September 1, 2009

Cuba. What did you just think of? Communism, Fidel, the revolution? Many people believe things in Cuba are being run wrong and should be changed. I, however, disagree. When I think of Cuba I think of kindness, generosity, and community. It didn’
t used to be this way. Prior to the 1959 revolution only 35.1% of [...]

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Posted in Arts and Culture, Economy & Poverty, Schools and Youth | 7 Comments »

‘Roots and Rock’ Music Breaks Out of Jail at Old Somerville Police HQ

Posted by Dennis Fischman a 5:05 pm on August 21, 2009

[ September 13, 2009; 3:00 pm to 9:00 pm. ] On Sunday, September 13, 2009, Pabst Blue Ribbon [www.pabstblueribbon.com] and Precinct Bar and Restaurant [www.precinctbar.com] in Union Square, Somerville, will present “Music Festival 2009” to benefit RESPOND, Inc., a New England agency providing safe haven for women and children., and CAAS,(Community Action Agency of Somerville). The event will run from 3:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m.

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Posted in All Ages, Arts and Culture, Economy & Poverty, Events | 1 Comment »

Somerville Parks & Recreation Spaces, Part II: Access, Safety & Equity Considerations

Posted by eila a 2:34 am on

Our friend reports that her son (22 months) fell while walking on bricks at the Walnut Street Park, fractured his right femur, and is in a cast for four weeks.  She says that bricks at the park were loose and the city attempted to repair them cheaply- and that they were also slick from the [...]

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Posted in Accessibility, Civil and Human Rights, Economy & Poverty, Environment and Open Space, Investigative Reports, Neighborhoods and Squares, Public Health & Safety, Schools and Youth, Sports | 6 Comments »

Lively Election Picks Tenant Executive Board

Posted by Dennis Fischman a 10:02 am on August 11, 2009

Election Day in July?  Yes, for residents of Clarendon Hill Public Housing Development.
This summer, the Community Action Agency of Somerville (CAAS) helped the Clarendon Hill Tenant Association (CHTA) to hold elections.  Twelve candidates ran for the CHTA Executive Board, making this the most competitive election in recent memory. 
Tenants Jose Rivera, Jocelyn Scott, Abdul Reyes, Cindy [...]

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Posted in Civil and Human Rights, Economy & Poverty, Housing | No Comments »

Broadway Rezoning Community Meeting

Posted by David Dahlbacka a 7:37 pm on August 9, 2009

[ August 12, 2009; 6:30 pm; ] Broadway Rezoning Community Meeting

Wed. Aug 12, 6:30 PM

Cross Street Senior Center
165 Broadway
Somerville MA (map)

This is the last of a series of community meetings on rezoning Broadway in East Somerville to introduce a transit-oriented development district.

For background and issues to monitor, see Broadway Redevelopment Project.

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Posted in All Ages, Development and Zoning, Economy & Poverty, Environment and Open Space, Events, Neighborhoods and Squares, Special, Transportation | No Comments »

Pig Pickin’ for Somerville Homeless Coalition

Posted by Columbine a 3:12 pm on August 7, 2009

[ August 10, 2009; 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm. ] Pig out and enjoy a cool drink and cooler music to benefit SHC!

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Posted in All Ages, Announcements, Arts and Culture, Economy & Poverty, Events, Housing, Neighborhoods and Squares | No Comments »

Metropolitan Area Planning Council Data Day Conference

Posted by David Dahlbacka a 5:36 pm on July 12, 2009

[ July 15, 2009; 8:30 am; ] sponsored by the Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) to provide information on what planning information is provided by the Commonwealth and how to access it. * Data sources for public health effects of VOCs in I-93 and McGrath corridors. * Data sources for economic development along Green Line.* Data sources for transportation development impact equity.

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Posted in All Ages, Development and Zoning, Economy & Poverty, Environment and Open Space, Events, Health Care, Housing, Immigration, Public Health & Safety, Transportation | No Comments »

Economic Development Trends in Somerville Event

Posted by David Dahlbacka a 10:58 pm on July 6, 2009

[ July 7, 2009; 6:30 pm; ] This is a city-sponsored meeting to discuss economic development in Somerville. This gives citizens of Somerville the chance to look into progress on developments such as: * Assembly Square Development * Boynton Yards/Brickbottom Development * Union Square Development * Somerville Avenue Development

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Posted in All Ages, Development and Zoning, Economy & Poverty, Events | 2 Comments »

Time Trade Circle – Orientation

Posted by JessK a 9:13 am on June 30, 2009

[ July 15, 2009; 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm. ] Save Money! – Learn New Things! – Get Help Without Paying! – Meet New Friends!

Have you ever noticed that people are good at different things? The Time Trade Circle lets us share our own skills and get help from others who offer things we need. When you spend an hour helping another member, one hour [...]

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Posted in All Ages, Announcements, Consumer Money Saving, Economy & Poverty, Events | No Comments »

Fund Our Communities, Reduce the Military Budget

Posted by Abby a 2:30 pm on June 25, 2009

We’re working on educating the public about the incredible amount of money spent on weapon systems, and the need to get the government to redirect that money to basic human needs, such as jobs, education, housing, and health care. … and that’s where you can help. We’re going to ask the Board of Aldermen of Somerville to endorse the campaign. As preparation for that, we’re asking you to call your alderman/ woman to urge their endorsement of this campaign.

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Posted in Civic Action, Economy & Poverty, Government Reform, Politics | 33 Comments »

Somerville, MA ARRA Funding Watch

Posted by eila a 6:58 pm on June 24, 2009

This Somerville ARRA Funding Watch is gleaned from the Massachusetts Area Planning Council’s Municipal Resource Guide on the Federal Economic Stimulus,
Pending all final approvals, Somerville is in line for $30,196,052 in American Recovery & Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funds. (The above-linked MAPC document was updated on May 13, 2009. )

1.  COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG-R) [...]

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Posted in City Finances, Economy & Poverty, Public Health & Safety, Schools and Youth, Transportation | 14 Comments »

Let’s harness the grassroots energy and get organized in Cambridge/Somerville area

Posted by Karly Burke a 11:52 am on June 15, 2009

[ June 22, 2009; 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm. ] We campaigned, we won and now we want to hear from YOU about changes you want to see in our community. Please join us on Mon. June 22nd at 6:30pm for a Cambridge-Somerville for Change community meeting

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Posted in Announcements, Economy & Poverty, Environment and Open Space, Events, Health Care, Politics | 2 Comments »

Senate Budget update

Posted by Pat Jehlen a 8:07 am on June 9, 2009

I thought Somerville Voices readers might be interested in my recent newsletter about the state budget.  If you’d like to receive future newsletters, you can sign up at www.patjehlen.org

Dear Neighbors,
REFORM BEFORE REVENUE
SHOCK AND AWE BUDGET
REVENUE
RESTORATIONS
MUNICIPAL RELIEF
What’s Next?

Dear Neighbors,
With all the discussion of the budget, it’s easy to get lost in the talk of billions of [...]

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Posted in City Finances, Economy & Poverty, Government Reform | 14 Comments »

A Foreclosure Map of Somerville

Posted by Alain Jehlen a 10:11 pm on June 8, 2009

Here’s a link to a map that shows 99 foreclosed properties in our city. Are we surprised that they are concentrated in the east and northeast?
Here’s a link to a somewhat shorter list without a map.
The fact that they’re not the same raises the question of whether either one of them is complete.
Do any real [...]

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Posted in Economy & Poverty, Housing, Neighborhoods and Squares | 15 Comments »

Supply Drive for Somerville Homeless Coalition

Posted by Columbine a 8:38 pm on June 5, 2009

[ June 12, 2009; 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. ] Drop off from 9 to noon, 1:00 to 5:00 – see list of items needed

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Posted in Civil and Human Rights, Economy & Poverty, Events, Housing | No Comments »

A Graduation Celebration you won’t want to miss

Posted by Warren Goldstein-Gelb a 8:51 am on June 3, 2009

Please join The Welcome Project on June 7 for a graduation celebration for some special people from cultures and countries all over the world. These are the students in our youth language interpretation and adult language learners programs who have just completed a year’s worth of learning as language interpreters and English language learners.

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Posted in Arts and Culture, Civic Action, Civil and Human Rights, Economy & Poverty, Immigration, Schools and Youth, Teens | No Comments »

Somerville Public School Budget Meeting

Posted by Barry Rafkind a 9:40 pm on May 28, 2009

[ June 3, 2009; 7:00 pm; June 10, 2009; 7:30 pm; June 16, 2009; 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm. 9:00 pm; June 18, 2009; 7:00 pm; ] From the SPS homepage, entitled “A message from Tony Pierantozzi, Superintendent of Schools”
… The extent of the impact of the current financial crisis on fiscal year 2010 remains unclear. We do know that the impact of the revenue decrease at the State level will require creative solutions and difficulty in maintaining our services. We are [...]

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Posted in Arts and Culture, City Finances, Economy & Poverty, Events, Schools and Youth, Uncategorized | 7 Comments »

SomDems to receive economic presentation from Mayor Curtatone

Posted by Barry Rafkind a 10:25 pm on May 12, 2009

[ May 19, 2009; 6:30 pm; ] According to the Somerville Journal:
Somerville Democrats will meet Tuesday, May 19, at 6:30 p.m. in the community room at the Visiting Nurses Association at 259 Lowell St.

Mayor Joe Curtatone will speak on “The Economic Challenges Facing Somerville.”
Note : this location is wheelchair accessible :-)

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Posted in Announcements, City Finances, Economy & Poverty, Events, Politics | No Comments »

Forum on Gentrification and Displacement

Posted by MatanBY a 8:09 pm on

[ May 14, 2009; 6:00 pm; ] Forum on Gentrification and Displacement!
Thursday, May 14th, 6 PM
Elizabeth Peabody House
277 Broadway (at Broadway & Grant Street) Somerville, MA 02145

Gentrification and Displacement: What do they mean?  What can we do about them in Somerville?
Please join us to watch the film “BOOM: the Sound of Eviction” about gentrification and efforts to prevent displacement, then hear [...]

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Posted in Announcements, Civic Action, Development and Zoning, Economy & Poverty, Events, Housing, Neighborhoods and Squares, Politics | No Comments »

CAAS Seeks Director of Finance and Administration

Posted by Dennis Fischman a 2:17 pm on

The Community Action Agency of Somerville (CAAS), the designated anti-poverty agency for the City of Somerville, MA, is seeking a Director of Finance and Administration. This position is responsible for managing financial, administrative, human resources and other operational systems and practices and is a key member of the senior management team. Reports to the Executive [...]

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Posted in Announcements, Economy & Poverty | No Comments »

Tufts’ Experiment in Philanthropy Helps Tenants, CAAS

Posted by Dennis Fischman a 12:31 pm on

Thanks to Jessica, a senior in the Tufts class entitled “Experimenting with Philanthropy,” CAAS will receive $1,800 to hire youth interpreters to help the residents of Clarendon Hill build a stronger tenants’ association.

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Posted in Economy & Poverty, Housing, Immigration, Neighborhoods and Squares, Tufts | No Comments »

10 Days to Go! Submit your Comments about the use of $772,044

Posted by eila a 2:29 pm on May 4, 2009

The City of Somerville, as an Entitlement Community, receives millions of Federal dollars from HUD each year from the Community Development Block Grant, Emergency Shelter Grant, and HOME programs.  These monies must be spent on activities that primarily benefit low and moderate income Somerville residents in three areas:  
Provide decent affordable housing;
Eliminate slums and blight;
Enhance [...]

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Posted in Accessibility, City Finances, Civic Action, Civil and Human Rights, Economy & Poverty, Government Reform, Neighborhoods and Squares, Politics | 3 Comments »

Somerville youth lead effort to halt teen injuries, death

Posted by Dennis Fischman a 3:18 pm on April 30, 2009

With summer just around the corner and tens of thousands of young people entering the workforce in Massachusetts, Governor Deval Patrick has proclaimed May “Safe Jobs for Youth Month” to focus attention on preventing workplace injuries and deaths.
The proclamation was announced at a youth leadership conference organized by youth leaders from the Jovenes Latinos program [...]

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Posted in Civil and Human Rights, Economy & Poverty, Environment and Open Space, Health Care, Public Health & Safety, Schools and Youth, Workers' Rights | No Comments »

4/28 Public forum on Somerville’s FY2010 budget

Posted by Barry Rafkind a 10:04 pm on April 26, 2009

From Mark Niedergang… The Board of Aldermen and School Committee together will be holding a public forum on the FY 2010 budget this Tuesday, April 28th, at 7 PM in the Aldermen’s Chambers in City Hall. This is an opportunity to get an update from the Mayor and the Superintendent of Schools on the City and School budgets for next year and to share your concerns, ideas, and suggestions about priorities and ways to make the FY 2010 budget stretch further.

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Posted in Announcements, Economy & Poverty, Government Reform, Schools and Youth | 7 Comments »

Panel on Racism and White Privilege in Somerville

Posted by revmolly a 7:25 pm on April 25, 2009

[ April 30, 2009; 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm. ] ‘Villens, as one of the culminating events of our church’s “Sacred Conversations on Race” justice project, we are hosting a panel discussion on Thursday, April 30. The presenters are all fantastic, and should stimulate excellent, truth-telling conversation about racism as its persists in Somerville and surrounding communities. We hope you can come!

First Church Somerville UCC [...]

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Posted in Announcements, Civil and Human Rights, Economy & Poverty, Events | No Comments »

4/30 Panel on Racism and White Privilege in Somerville

Posted by revmolly a 9:16 am on April 24, 2009

‘Villens, as one of the culminating events of our church’s “Sacred Conversations on Race” justice project, we are hosting a panel discussion on Thursday, April 30. The presenters are all fantastic, and should stimulate excellent, truth-telling conversation about racism as its persists in Somerville and surrounding communities. We hope you can come!
First Church Somerville UCC [...]

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Posted in Announcements, Civil and Human Rights, Economy & Poverty | No Comments »

Somerville Climate Action hosts presentation on community visioning

Posted by Barry Rafkind a 8:50 am on April 23, 2009

Last night, I attended a presentation about Transition Towns, a grassroots movement to catalyze community visioning processes with an aim towards local, sustainable, and environmentally friendly economies.  The presenters admitted this was not meant as a panacea for the impending triangle emergency of peak oil, global climate change, and our economic crisis, but it was [...]

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Posted in Economy & Poverty, Environment and Open Space | 3 Comments »

Apr 25th SomerVision economic development open house

Posted by Columbine a 9:11 pm on April 15, 2009

Somerville’s future – what’s in the works? Come find out.

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Posted in Development and Zoning, Economy & Poverty, Neighborhoods and Squares, Transportation | No Comments »

6th annual Save Our Homes walk

Posted by Columbine a 9:23 pm on April 14, 2009

[ April 26, 2009; 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm. ] Walk to raise funds for emergency assistance to individuals and families teetering on the brink of homelessness.

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Posted in Economy & Poverty, Events, Housing | No Comments »

SHC fundraiser “Under the Roof”

Posted by Columbine a 8:58 pm on

[ April 25, 2009; 2:00 pm; ] Rock out and chow down to keep our neighbors off the streets!

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Posted in Arts and Culture, Economy & Poverty, Events, Housing | No Comments »

On 4/3: protest Davis Sq Rite Aid to pass Employee Free Choice Act

Posted by Rand Wilson a 5:59 pm on April 2, 2009

Rite Aid has been abusing the rights of employees – and provides a “textbook example” of why Congress should pass the “Employee Free Choice Act,” reform legislation that would better protect employees who want to form unions by limiting employer interference in the process.

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Posted in Announcements, Civil and Human Rights, Economy & Poverty, Workers' Rights | No Comments »

State budgets, city budgets

Posted by Jonathan Rich a 2:00 pm on March 20, 2009

Senator Jehlen’s state budget forums have been terrific in the past.  On a local level, the Progressive Democrats are apparently planning a community forum on budget issues in May.  I haven’t heard a specific date yet, or in fact anything beyond what was published in a recent Somerville Journal op-ed.

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Posted in Economy & Poverty | No Comments »

State Budget Forum

Posted by Pat Jehlen a 5:54 pm on March 19, 2009

[ April 1, 2009; 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm. ] No Fooling: Budget Forum April 1

Every day we learn of more cuts in services and proposed tax increases. Why are we in this situation? What can we do to protect the basics we expect in a commonwealth?

On April 1, 7 – 9 pm, you can learn about the state’s fiscal crisis, its causes and consequences, [...]

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Posted in Announcements, Economy & Poverty, Events, Politics | No Comments »

State Budget Forum – April 1 (no fooling)

Posted by Pat Jehlen a 10:25 pm on March 18, 2009

No Fooling: Budget Forum April 1
Every day we learn of more cuts in services and proposed tax increases. Why are we in this situation? What can we do to protect the basics we expect in a commonwealth?
On April 1, 7 – 9 pm, you can learn about the state’s fiscal crisis, its causes [...]

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Posted in Announcements, Economy & Poverty, Politics | No Comments »

Meet and Greet New CAAS Exec Dir

Posted by Dennis Fischman a 12:54 pm on March 9, 2009

[ March 30, 2009; 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm. ] Meet and Greet Kim Smith-Cofield, March 30!

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Posted in Announcements, Economy & Poverty, Events | No Comments »

Somerville’s Federal Stimulus Wishlist

Posted by Barry Rafkind a 2:55 pm on February 22, 2009

While Somerville stands to lose up to $5 million in state aid over the next 17 months , it has requested hundreds of millions of federal stimulus dollars through Gov. Patrick’s economic recovery infrastructure program. Mayor Curtatone sits on the program’s Municipal Facilities Task Force.

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Posted in Economy & Poverty | 3 Comments »

Radical Community Discussion on the Economic Crisis with Steve Meacham

Posted by rokhlita a 10:07 am on February 20, 2009

[ February 22, 2009; 7:00 pm; ] What is going on with our economy? How is the economic crisis affecting local issues? What can we do? This Sunday, February 22 at 7pm, come to the Community Action Agency of Somerville (CAAS) in the heart of Union Square (in the old police building above Precinct 116) to participate in a discussion about the [...]

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Posted in Announcements, Economy & Poverty, Events, Housing | No Comments »

Radical Community Discussion on the Economic Crisis with Steve Meacham

Posted by rokhlita a 9:58 am on

What is going on with our economy? How is the economic crisis affecting local issues? What can we do? This Sunday, February 22 at 7pm, come to the Community Action Agency of Somerville (CAAS) in the heart of Union Square (in the old police building above Precinct 116) to participate in a discussion about the [...]

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Posted in Announcements, Economy & Poverty, Housing | No Comments »

An extra measure of transparency?

Posted by Barry Rafkind a 11:18 pm on February 7, 2009

So far, all we’ve been told by the city about the people appointed by Mayor Curtatone to serve on Somerville’s new Financial Advisory Committee is their names and titles. But, the residents of this city deserve to know more about these advisors who will have such big influence on how we cope with massive budget cuts.

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Posted in Economy & Poverty, Government Reform | 8 Comments »

Is the mayor’s Financial Advisory Committee good for Somerville?

Posted by Barry Rafkind a 9:50 pm on January 28, 2009

This sounds like a proactive and timely step on the part of the mayor, but is this “outside” panel of “experts” truly a good source of guidance for our city in these dire times?

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Posted in Economy & Poverty, Government Reform, Politics, Uncategorized | 1 Comment »

Are YOU Eligible for the Earned Income Tax Credit?

Posted by Dennis Fischman a 9:51 am on January 27, 2009

The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) can put up to $5,548 in your pocket this tax season! EITC is the federal and state income tax credit available to low and moderate-income working families and individuals. Don’t miss out! Last year, more than 50,000 eligible working families in Massachusetts failed to apply for EITC, leaving an estimated $75 million in unclaimed money in Washington, D.C. Couldn’t you use that money where you live?

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Posted in Consumer Money Saving, Economy & Poverty | 5 Comments »

How is the recession affecting Somerville?

Posted by Barry Rafkind a 10:17 am on January 26, 2009

Do you see the effects of the economic down-turn here in Somerville? Have you seen for-sale and foreclosure signs in your neighborhood? Have you or your neighbors lost jobs? Do you see businesses closing or reducing hours? Have you noticed higher prices at the supermarket and in your energy bills? How are you affected?

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Posted in Economy & Poverty | 2 Comments »

Mayor Curtatone says Somerville could lose approx $3 million in local aid this fiscal year

Posted by Barry Rafkind a 11:24 pm on January 23, 2009

Following Gov. Patrick’s announcement today of $128 million in local aid cuts, Mayor Joe Curtatone told CBS radio station affiliate WBZ that Somerville could lose “close to $3 million in this fiscal year”. How much pain will that mean for jobs and services in our city?

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Posted in Economy & Poverty | 3 Comments »

Smith-Cofield is New Director at CAAS

Posted by Dennis Fischman a 10:12 pm on January 9, 2009

The Board of Directors of CAAS, the Community Action Agency of Somerville, is pleased to announce that Kimberly Smith-Cofield is the new Executive Director of Somerville’s anti-poverty agency. She began work on Monday, January 5.

“We are very lucky to have found someone with as much passion for CAAS’ work as Kim,” said Board President Paul [...]

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Posted in Economy & Poverty | 1 Comment »

Retirement Party for former CAAS ED Jack Hamilton

Posted by Dennis Fischman a 10:06 pm on January 8, 2009

[ January 23, 2009; 3:30 pm to 8:30 pm. ]
Retirement Party
For Jack Hamilton
Date: Friday, January 23, 2009
Time: 3:30-8:00 p.m.
Place: Dante Club, Craigie Street,
Somerville, MA
Price: $15 (well wishers $10)

Make checks payable to:
CAAS/Retirement Party
(Must receive by January 16)
Send to CAAS, 66-70 Union Square #104, Somerville, MA 02143, attention: Ellie Blute.
For more information, please call Ellie at (617) 666-5747.
Come and celebrate Jack’s legacy!

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Posted in Announcements, Economy & Poverty, Events | No Comments »

Retirement Party for former CAAS ED Jack Hamilton

Posted by Dennis Fischman a 10:02 pm on

Read more for details…

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Posted in Announcements, Economy & Poverty | No Comments »

Dec. 9: Civil rights advocates ramp it up for accessible communities

Posted by eila a 7:04 pm on December 5, 2008

A focus group of Civil and DisAbilities Rights advocates will join with the longest-running TV Access producers group in the country during Civil Rights Week in MA to tackle the challenges of designing equal opportunity communities.

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Posted in Accessibility, Announcements, Arts and Culture, Economy & Poverty, Media, Politics | No Comments »

Get Up, Stand Up After the Election

Posted by Dennis K. Fischman a 6:57 pm on November 10, 2008

One week ago, Somerville went overwhelmingly for Obama-Biden. To keep the promises made by the Obama campaign, the Obama Administration will need all the help it can get. We in Somerville should do our part to help–and to keep the politicians honest.

Here is a very partial and incomplete list of campaign promises that I think Obama should keep:

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Posted in Economy & Poverty, Health Care, Housing, Immigration, Politics, Workers' Rights | No Comments »

Get Healthy for the Holidays: Amethyst Center Hosts Holistic Health Open House/Fundraiser for Somerville Homeless Coalition

Posted by Dorie Clark a 9:33 am on October 27, 2008

As cold autumn weather approaches, Davis Square’s Amethyst Center announced today that it is hosting a “Get Healthy for the Holidays” open house offering refreshments and holistic health treatments. The short treatments—available in exchange for a suggested $10 donation to the Somerville Homeless Coalition—include: acupuncture; shiatsu; massage; craniosacral therapy; naturopathy consultations; reiki and other energy balancing sessions. Participants are also encouraged to bring gently-used or new blankets to donate to the Coalition.

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Posted in Announcements, Economy & Poverty, Housing, Neighborhoods and Squares | 1 Comment »

CAAS seeks Executive Director

Posted by Dennis Fischman a 9:55 am on September 3, 2008

The Community Action Agency of Somerville (CAAS) is seeking an Executive Director to start January 1, 2009. Please refer to our website for more information: www.caasomerville.org.

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Posted in Announcements, Economy & Poverty, Housing | No Comments »

Hamilton Retires, Was CAAS Director Over 25 Years

Posted by Dennis Fischman a 12:40 pm on August 14, 2008

When Jack Hamilton began serving as the Executive Director of CAAS (the Community Action Agency of Somerville), Ronald Reagan was President, postage stamps cost 20 cents, IBM had just introduced the first personal computer running on MS-DOS, and PacMan-mania was sweeping the country. After more than a quarter-century of service to Somerville’s low-income residents, Hamilton has announced he will retire as the head of Somerville’s anti-poverty agency at the end of 2008.

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Posted in Economy & Poverty, Housing, Immigration | No Comments »

This Summer, Enjoy Reading about Ending Poverty

Posted by Dennis Fischman a 10:27 am on July 1, 2008

Who says all summer reading lists have to be filled with fluff? CAAS, the Community Action Agency of Somerville, is offering a summer reading list about poor people and people rising out of poverty–and what we can all do to help. “There is something on this list for every reader”

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Posted in Arts and Culture, Economy & Poverty, Politics | 2 Comments »