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© 2021 The Somerville Times. All rights reserved.
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Newstalk – April 24
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Celebrate Somerville’s newly updated community climate action plan, Climate Forward. Step into Somerville in 2050, an inspiring community where our collective efforts have triumphed in creating a climate-forward society. Enjoy live music, refreshments, and interactive art installations that depict our shared vision of resilience in the face of climate change. Wednesday, April 24, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m., Greentown Labs (444 Somerville Ave). Registration recommended but not required:https://greentownlabs.com/.
Our View of the Times – April 24
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Who among us doesn’t appreciate all the fine things that the Arts at the Armory gives to the community? All sorts of special events, entertainment, cultural celebrations, and so on.
It’s just a great institution that deserves our appreciation and support. This coming Friday, we all have an opportunity to join in a special event to benefit the organization, GLOWBALL: A Rave In Support of Arts at the Armory – The Center for the Arts at the Armory.
The lost tapes
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Life in the Ville by Jimmy Del Ponte
Four Somerville kids start a band in the early 70’s. The Tools (formerly Shadowfax) was the name of my original band from the 70’s. In 1978 we recorded a 45 with two songs, Spark ’em Up and Love My Money.
Electrify Somerville: Ensuring Equitable Home Electrification for All
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By Michelle da Silva
As a long-time resident of Somerville, I have witnessed firsthand the growing interest in sustainable living within our vibrant community. This Earth Month, as we reflect on our role in the ongoing battle against climate change, it’s important to take stock of all of the progress we’ve made, while also considering the roadblocks that remain, and what we need to do to continue moving forward.
Letter to the Editor – April 24
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To the Editor,
Somerville’s housing costs are beyond the reach of many of the city’s employees. Our city would function more equitably and efficiently if city employees could live in Somerville.
I would like to propose a policy change that might mitigate this problem.
Newstalk – April 17
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Mayor Katjana Ballantyne and Somerville’s Inspectional Services Department announced Somerville’s 2024 Integrated Pest Management (IPM) plan. Aimed at enhancing rodent management efforts, the updated plan incorporates Integrated Pest Management principles to effectively address rodent issues across residential, public, and commercial areas within the city. The detailed presentation of the City of Somerville’s Integrated Pest Management will take place at the city’s Board of Health meeting on Thursday, April 18, at 6:00 p.m. Community members, stakeholders, and interested parties are encouraged to attend the meeting, which will be hosted on Zoom, and participate in discussions surrounding rodent management strategies. Interested attendees can join the meeting here: somervillema.gov/events/2024/04/18/board-health-meeting.
April 17
Our View of the Times – April 17
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It began after a bad oil spill that took place in 1969 off the coast of California. A year later, the first annual Earth Day was celebrated to demonstrate universal support for environmental protection and responsible stewardship of the planet and its inhabitants.
Pot shops
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Life in the Ville by Jimmy Del Ponte
Recreational marijuana stores are popping up all over the city. Ball Square, Davis Square and East Somerville to name a few. I surveyed people from around the city on their feelings toward this. Each new comment is in quotes.
That Ratio
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By Chris Dwan
Budget season in Somerville is starting off with a cool tone that approaches austerity. The School Committee has been told to expect a budget that will fail to cover mandatory increases like seniority-based pay raises. The City Council heard last Thursday that any new initiatives will need to fit in less than $15M.
Davis Sq. merchants get double dose of distressing news
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By Jack Connolly
Jackconnolly422@gmail.com
Somerville City officials attended a meeting called for by Davis Sq. merchants last week to discuss the unhoused people, addicts frequenting Davis Sq. on a daily basis, and their open drug use and drug dealing happening in area parks, including the plaza next to 7/11. Much mention was made about disturbances apparently arising from patrons of the Brightview clinic on Highland Avenue, acting up throughout Davis Sq. Before and after visits to the Brightview office.
Newstalk – April 10
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Mayor Katjana Ballantyne, Ward 7 Councilor Judy Pineda Neufeld, and city staff invite community members to attend a groundbreaking ceremony Wednesday, April 10, at the Dilboy Auxiliary Fields (300 Alewife Brook Pkwy.) at 1:00 p.m. Construction kicks off this spring to transform the Dilboy Auxiliary Fields into a state-of-the-art sports and recreational facility with natural turf fields. Highlights of the work include full reconstruction of the baseball and softball fields, installation of a sand-slit drainage system, new sports lighting, and more.
April 10
Our View of the Times – April 10
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It’s not just another three-day weekend, folks. It’s a huge part of our national – and regional – heritage.
Patriots’ Day was established over 100 years ago to commemorate the Battles of Lexington and Concord in 1775, the first battles of the American Revolutionary War. Re-enactments are staged and speeches are given, and a generally festive air of patriotic zeal pervades.
Somerville Lumber: Big store with a small store feel
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Life in the Ville by Jimmy Del Ponte
This article first appeared in the February 22, 2014 edition of The Somerville Times.
“Before there was Home Depot or Lowe’s, my family always went to Somerville Lumber for any home project that needed to be done.” Somerville Lumber was located on McGrath Highway in the area where Stop & Shop is now. You may remember the huge American flag that flew over Somerville Lumber.
Letter to the Editor – Somerville Climate Forward
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Mayor Ballantyne and Director Blais,
In order to mitigate the disastrous effects of climate change and create safe and healthy schools that reflect the community’s values, Somerville must do all it can to reduce carbon emissions from its largest municipal source: school buildings. We applaud the City’s work to update the Climate Forward plan, Somerville’s plan to reduce carbon emissions in the city, and the aim for Somerville to be carbon net-negative by 2050. However, to be a serious plan that can achieve this goal, the Climate Forward update must have a bold, detailed, and clear timeline for the decarbonization of municipal buildings, especially school buildings. We implore you to listen to community feedback and include these strategies.
Newstalk – April 3
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The city’s Public Safety for All Task Force invites Somerville community members to attend an Emergency Response Community Workshop tonight, Wednesday, April 3, from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. The workshop will take place at the Somerville High School Cafeteria, 81 Highland Avenue. Attendees will hear a brief update about the Task Force’s work, be introduced to key terms for the workshop, and be asked to respond to questions to help inform emergency response recommendations to the mayor. Food and drink will be provided during the event as well as children’s activities. Learn more at: https://www.somervillema.gov.
April 3
Our View of the Times – April 3
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Spring has finally arrived, and with it comes the inevitable regular street sweeping activities throughout the city.
As inconvenient and annoying it may be to comply with schedule, it is an inescapable fact of life for us all and we must make the adjustment accordingly.
Somerfest
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Life in the Ville by Jimmy Del Ponte
With another summer getting closer I thought we would take a look back in time to a city program called Somerfest. Let’s look back to the early ‘70’s. Bands were paid to perform in the streets. A staff of teens were paid to set up for the shows. My own band, Shadowfax, did a lot of these gigs.
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