Year-long contract campaign involving hundreds of educators, caregivers, and students leads to greater investment in Somerville Public Schools and increased supports for the city’s most vulnerable students and educators

On June 23, the Somerville Educators Union ratified three new contracts which represent a huge step forward in reifying community values of inclusivity, accessibility, and educational equity. The union’s priorities and campaign included caregivers and community members; several caregivers served as silent bargaining representatives on the union’s bargaining team throughout the process, and union leaders hosted biweekly office hours for community members and organizations to learn about the bargaining process. These contract wins reflect a ten-month effort by educators, students, families, and community members to call upon Mayor Katjana Ballantyne to use the city’s reserves to fund its schools. 

The Middlesex Sheriff’s Office (MSO) is warning residents of a significant uptick in reported scam calls in which perpetrators are posing as members of the office. During June, the MSO’s Inner Perimeter Security (IPS) team reported receiving 59 complaints of scammers posing as officers or deputies – the most recently reported to the office in a single month.

Of the 59 people who reported receiving calls during the month of June, one individual reported losing more than $1,700.

The National Weather Service has issued a Heat Advisory from Tuesday through Thursday

At this time, the National Weather Service has issued a Heat Advisory for Tuesday, July 15 through Thursday, July 17. High heat and humidity are expected with feels-like temperatures up to 100 degrees. It’s important to know how to keep yourself and loved ones cool and safe on high heat days. The expected weather conditions can cause heat illness if precautions are not taken. 

— Photos by Joni Lohr

The Center for Arts at the Armory Deepens Collaboration With Leading Percussive Dance Artists in Third Annual Feet Keep the Beat Festival July 28 – August 3

Now in its third year, Arts at the Armory’s Feet Keep the Beat Festival announces its annual jams, workshops, and Showcase Performance LINEAGE to premiere on August 1st in the Armory Performance Hall. Returning from prior festivals are Ariaki Dandawate (Kathak), Joh Camara (West African), Lekisha Limage (Step), Ryan Casey (Tap), Anjali Nath (Kathak), Antonio Tran (Flamenco guitar), Akili Jamal Haynes (percussion, trumpet and tabla), Sory Diabate (percussion), Giri Subramaniam (tabla), and Aidid Brayboy (percussion). Xianix Barrera, a renowned Flamenco dancer and educator based in New York City, will be joining the Boston-based collective of percussive dance and musical artists this year. 

Get ready to tee off in style! Good Time Golf is thrilled to announce the grand opening of its newest location at Assembly Row, located at 470 Revolution Drive, on July 12 from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m..

By Dennis Fischman

Recently, I heard that Netflix had issued a new TV series, Dept. Q, based on a set of mystery novels that fall into the category of Nordic Noir. The first season is getting good reviews, and I thought I would go take a look at the books.

You can help. On Sunday, July 6th, 26 people including two minors, as well as pets, were displaced by a fire on Wheatland Street that left two multifamily homes uninhabitable. Fortunately, everyone got out safely, but significant challenges remain for our neighbors who cannot return to their homes. Roughly a dozen City departments and a half-dozen partner agencies mobilized to set up temporary shelter and food, and are actively coordinating ongoing support, but your help is needed for what comes next.