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By State Representative Christine P. Barber

 After decades of advocacy, I was thrilled to celebrate the opening of the Green Line Extension through my district in Somerville and Medford last week. This public works project is the result of years of hard work from countless community members, laborers, activists, and colleagues at all levels of government. I’m proud that we made it to our opening day to celebrate this momentous occasion. 

City buildings will be closed Monday, January 2, in observance of the New Years holiday.

Trash and recycling collection will be delayed by one day.

Mayor Katjana Ballantyne invites all to join the city’s annual  kick off for the New Year on Sunday, January 1, 2023, with a ceremony for the anniversary of the Grand Union’s flag-raising at Prospect Hill Park. A processional that all are welcome to join will leave from the City Hall Concourse at 11:30 a.m., followed by a ceremony at Prospect Hill Park from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. All are welcome to join this family-friendly event, and anyone who wishes to is encouraged to don Colonial-style or Colonial-inspired clothing (see below for links to how to make a tricorn paper hat or neck ruffle).     

— Photo courtesy of Kiwanis Club of Somerville

The Somerville Kiwanis club teams up annually with the Community Action Agency of Somerville (CAAS) Head Start Program to supply much needed gifts to eligible Head Start children. Now in its 23rd year, the gift program has changed a bit due to Covid restrictions. However, given the Kiwanians incredible generosity and “get it done” attitude, they were able to supply every single Head Start child, ages 3-5 years old, with a gift for Christmas this year. That’s almost 200 gifts. Kiwanis members purchased the gifts and gathered together to wrap every one of them prior to delivery to the Head Start staff for distribution. 

The City of Somerville and Pathways for Immigrant Workers will host a free immigration legal information session for small employers and lower-wage workers on Thursday, January 5, from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. at the East Somerville Community School Cafeteria located at 50 Cross St. To register, email info@myimmigrantpathway.org. Walk-ins are also welcome. 

Two million in ARPA funding is available for area nonprofits to support programs that address gender pay disparity, particularly for women of color

Mayor Katjana Ballantyne announces that the City of Somerville is now seeking proposals that aim to address the gender wage gap, particularly for women of color who face the greatest pay disparity. Programs that create and maintain employment opportunities for low- and moderate-income women residing in the city are sought. The grants are made possible by the city’s American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, the Job Creation and Retention Trust, city funds, and funds generated from development impact fees. Proposals will be accepted until January 31, 2023.

City buildings will be closed Monday, December 26, in observance of the Christmas holiday.

Trash and recycling collection will be delayed by one day. No street sweeping on Monday.