As part of regional working group, Somerville will have five “station area” representatives, and 2 at-large representatives.

 As part of a regional partnership with the Massachusetts Department of Transportation, and the Cities of Cambridge and Medford, the City of Somerville is seeking residents to serve on the Green Line Extension (GLX) Working Group. Major construction activities are expected to begin in early 2018, and the GLX Community Working Group will provide a collaborative forum for information exchange between the MBTA GLX Project Management Team and external stakeholders. The Working Group’s role will focus on community impacts from construction activities, and members will assist with planning and implementation of community meetings related to construction.

— Photos by Bobbie Toner

In honor of Veteran’s Day, members of HS, the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company of Massachusetts and re-enactors of the British Regiment of Foot commemorated Somerville’s Veterans of the Revolutionary War and Civil War today at Milk Row Cemetery.

Somerville Neighborhood News (SNN) is a hyper-local news service created to help inform and strengthen the community. SNN is a community-service production of Somerville Media Center, created by staff, interns, volunteers, and professional journalists. If you have any questions, local stories that you would like covered, or are interested in getting involved, email us at news@somervillemedia.org. Check out the latest stories from SNN:

By William C. Shelton

(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)

For almost forty years, Republicans have been peddling tax-cut snake oil on the promise that it would aid the middle class while explosive economic growth would benefit all. The results have consistently been the reverse.

From the Office of Senator Patricia D. Jehlen

Senator Pat Jehlen (D-Somerville) recently joined her Senate colleagues in voting for a comprehensive criminal justice reform package that updates decades old criminal sentencing laws to improve outcomes of our criminal justice system. The bill, S. 2185, An Act Relative to Criminal Justice Reform, passed by a vote of 27-10.

And Honoring Somerville’s Veterans of the Year
*

By Joseph A. Curtatone and Somerville Commissioner for Veterans’ Services Bryan Bishop

(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)

With the approach of Veterans Day each year, as we remember and honor the sacrifice and service of all veterans, we are often also reminded of the range of challenges facing many of our Veterans as a result of their military service. From employment needs and transition to civilian life to physical or mental wounds, those who serve often carry extra burdens. We are reminded of the nearly 20 Veterans a day that take their own lives, Veterans dealing with the horrors of Post-traumatic Stress Disorder, mental and emotional disabilities, and physical disabilities that can have an adverse, long-lasting effect on both Veterans and their families and friends.

The lack of adequate fencing along the MBTA commuter rail corridor is a cause of great concern for Somerville and neighboring community residents, according to a recent resolution put forward at the latest Board of Aldermen meeting.

By Jim Clark

At the most recent regular meeting of the Board of Aldermen on Thursday, October 26, a resolution was put forward by Ward 2 Alderman Maryann Heuston asking that the city urge the MBTA to maintain the fencing along the commuter rail corridor, to prevent the needless loss of life.

Heuston cited recent instances of fatal encounters between commuter trains and pedestrians who had gained entry into the rail corridor due to inadequate fencing.

By Bob Katzen

Last week the state House and Senate approved and acting Gov. Karyn Polito signed into law a ban on bump stocks, devices that are attached to rifles, shotguns or firearms, other than a magazine, to increase the weapon’s rate of fire and mimic a fully automatic weapon that can fire hundreds of shots in succession.

Don’t forget, The Little Sisters of the Poor annual Christmas Bazaar takes place on Saturday, November 11, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the home on Highland Ave. Once again this year the entire first floor will be filled with goodies, baskets and gifts suggestions. A great place doing great work, stop in and support the fine Little Sisters of the Poor and all the residents of the home.

~Photos by Claudia Ferro

Folks from East Somerville and its environs joined forces on Saturday, November 4, to participate in the annual East Somerville Fall Clean-Up, organized by East Somerville Main Streets, and  Somerville’s 7th annual Bulb Blitz.