Newstalk – March 25

On March 25, 2020, in Latest News, by The Somerville Times

We here at The Times hope that everyone out there is staying safe and following the social distancing guidelines to keep this coronavirus threat at the lowest level possible. Please check in on your neighbors and help anyone that might not be able to get out and go to the store.

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Everyone should also remember to please support our local businesses in any way they can. Even though restaurants closed and most are only available for takeout, you are encouraged to order out and buy gift cards at the restaurants and small businesses for future use.

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To contact us at The Somerville Times during these closures, please go to news@thesomervilletimes.com. We are still up and running but will be working remotely.

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Happy birthday this week to the following; Happy birthday to former Somerville resident, now in the western part of Kansas, Carolyn Calier, a great lady. Happy birthday also to one of the famous Sullivans of Spring Hill, Michael Sullivan, now living in Worcester. He is celebrating this week. A nice guy, we wish him the very best. Happy birthday to another former Spring Hill lady, Rachael Hart-Adams. We wish her the very best of birthdays, celebrating with her great family and, of course, with her son, Finn. Happy birthday to great guy and lifelong resident, Ed Bean from Prospect Hill, who works at City Hall. Happy birthday to Jim Halloran, long time agent here at The Norton Group, now Century 21 North East Norton Group. We wish the following the happiest of Birthdays: Rhonda Annette, Beth Redmond, MaryLynn McWatters O’Malley, D.J. Dabenigno, Maureen D Kelley, Judy McCollem, Christine Andrade McSheehy, Megan O’Brien and Kathleen Kennedy. Finally, to all those we might have missed we send birthday greetings for this week throughout Somerville and beyond.

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We received this from one of our Newstalk readers: “Now that the world has almost come to a stop, let’s think about what happened here a year ago. Bridges were closed, streets with multiple signs put up, detour signs put up, follow them, take right – left go straight – traffic jams everywhere, bike and bus lanes put up overnight. From north to south and east to west business losing customers yet billboards saying support your local business. Public safety, DPW, schools and lots of more choking the city. But no one knew all this was going to happen! No announcement until late in the ballgame! So much for the word “transparency” – delay of opening of all this mess of closures. The administration beating a different drum OMG like no one knew! This is going to put a choke hold on the city. Besides the $50 million they bonded, how much of the taxpayer’s money is this costing us? With the two disasters how many businesses will reopen or be forced out by the administration. By the way, the new definition of transparency is ‘don’t say anything just keep pointing the finger and talk to so and so!'” What do you think?

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As a result of low traffic volumes observed due to the current Somerville High School closure and COVID-19 social distancing measures, the Green Line Extension (GLX) project will adjust its scheduled closures at the School Street bridge in an effort to maximize efficiency and minimize disruption for the community. The series of weekend closures planned throughout March and April will now be consolidated into two weeklong closures. The first closure will be established Friday, March 20, at midnight as planned, but will continue through Sunday, March 29. The second is planned for April 17 through April 26. Setup and material delivery may take place overnight but construction activity will take place during daytime hours. The School Street pedestrian bridge between Medford Street and Highland Avenue will remain open for pedestrians and cyclists during these closures. As a result of these short-term closures, the School Street Bridge is anticipated to reopen permanently in April 2021, a full two months ahead of schedule. Construction will comply with updated public health and social distancing guidelines. Detour maps and directions are available at SomervilleMA.gov/GLX in the Bridge Closures & Detours section. These detours will be modified slightly prior to the full-time School St. bridge closure in May. Further information will be provided closer to that date. For additional information about the Green Line Extension, visit mass.gov/GLX. To learn how to stay informed about construction in Somerville, visit SomervilleMA.gov/construction.

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Now that people are home more often than usual, don’t forget, if you would like to subscribe to receive a digital edition of our paper, go directly online to our website over to the right side and fill out your email address to receive a free, full PDF copy of the paper without the need for going out for a copy of the print edition.

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There are a lot of questions about COVID-19 and how it effects employee rights and employer obligations. The Attorney General has a page on Mass.gov that has guidance for employers and employees during the Coronavirus public health emergency. The Attorney General’s Fair Labor Division (FLD) is receiving many questions from both employers and employees about COVID-19 and its impact on the workplace. They are updating this page with frequently asked questions visit https://www.mass.gov/service-details/frequently-asked-questions-about-covid-19-employee-rights-and-employer-obligations.

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ONCE Somerville has set up a GoFundMe page to help then get ready to rock again! Your generous support is going directly to their staff and will help to pay for their bills during this troubling time. They believe that community, personal interaction, and the arts are vital to everyone’s well-being and they look forward to enjoying time together again, worry-free, at ONCE. If you would like to donate visit their GoFundMe page.

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Going outside for walks is a great way to get fresh air. While you’re out, remember that playgrounds and athletic courts are closed. Fields should NOT be used for team sports or congregating in groups. Practice social distancing by staying at least six feet away from others. Learn more at somervillema.gov/coronavirus.

 

2 Responses to “Newstalk – March 25”

  1. Casimir H. Prohosky Jr. says:

    You know what I think? The guy needs another drink. A nice “transparent” one. It’s obviously doing him nothing but good.

  2. Villenous says:

    I think when someone pays no attention, everything seems like a surprise.