(L to R) Krista Easterly, IIDA New England Chapter, President, Autumn Thompson, Somerville resident and IIDA Advocacy Committee, State Representative Christine Barber, Heather Gaidjunas, IIDA Advocacy Committee, Kalyn Pavlinic, Somerville resident and IIDA New England President-Elect, and Betty Chen, IIDA Advocacy Committee

Rep. Christine Barber, representing the 34^th Middlesex District, has been honored as the 2025 Legislator of the Year by the International Interior Design Association’s New England Chapter (IIDA New England). The award, presented at IIDA’s Annual Advocacy Day at the Massachusetts State House, recognizes Rep. Barber’s advancement of women’s rights and social equity in the Commonwealth.

The proposed Fiscal Years 2027 – 2031 MBTA Capital Investment Plan includes all planned capital investments over the next five years.~Photo by Bobbie Toner

On Thursday, March 26, the  MBTA released the proposed Fiscal Years 2027 – 2031 MBTA Capital Investment Plan (FY27 – 31 MBTA CIP) for public comment, marking the beginning of a 21-day public comment period. 

Eligible property owners: please note that Wednesday, April 1 is the deadline to apply for property tax exemptions or relief such as the Residential Exemption or the Senior Tax Deferral.

Find details at somervillema.gov/assessing, or contact the Assessing Department with any questions at (617) 625-6600 ext. 3100 or by emailing assessing@somervillema.gov.

(The opinions and views expressed in the commentaries and letters to the Editor of The Somerville Times belong solely to the authors and do not reflect the views or opinions of The Somerville Times, its staff or publishers)

By Matthew McLaughlin

As a veteran of a number of political campaigns, kickoff events always bring a mix of emotions for me. Excitement, hope, anxiety, fear: they typically run the complete spectrum. While I have been lucky enough to run and participate in a number of different campaigns at this point, last night’s kickoff for my campaign for the state senate was particularly emotional and inspirational for me.

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Host, Sarah Fishman speaks with new Ward 7 city councilor, Emily Hardt.

February 14, 1944 – March 26, 2026

Carol was one of five children born in Cambridge to Ellen (Barrett) and Ernest Ivester. Carol was the dear sister of the late Dorothy Shappe, the late Lillian Difraia, the late Maryellen Lawrence and the late James Ivester. She is survived by many loving nieces, nephews and cousins.