Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone, Ward 4 City Councilor Jesse Clingan, and city staff invite you to a virtual community meeting to discuss upcoming schoolyard renovations at the Arthur D. Healey School.   

Mayor, Council issue unanimous Proclamation for Women’s Advancement, Equity, and Opportunity  

With women bearing the brunt of lost jobs and wages during the COVID-19 pandemic, the City of Somerville is planning a host of initiatives to facilitate a true recovery for women, their families, and the city in general. Among these initiatives will be job training, grant money for women-owned businesses, and childcare support. This shared commitment by Mayor Joe Curtatone and the City Council was recently memorialized with the Proclamation for Women’s Advancement, Equity, and Opportunity initiated by Councilor At-Large Kristen Strezo, developed in collaboration with and submitted by the Mayor’s Office, and passed unanimously by the City Council.  

James E. “Buff” MacAuley, 65, of Methuen, MA and formerly of Somerville, MA, passed away peacefully at Mass General Hospital in Boston, MA, surrounded by his loving family and friends. He is survived by his beloved wife and best friend of 42 years, Donna J. (Dill) MacAuley.

By Jim Clark

Somerville Police officers were dispatched to Fasika Ethiopian Restaurant on Broadway last Saturday evening on reports of a dispute.

As units were responding to the location, Somerville Control informed responding units that the defendant, Javier Fabian-Dubon, fled the scene heading in the direction of Stop and Shop on McGrath Highway.

Here is the COVID-19 update for Wednesday, May 11, followed by other city news and events. Please also check somervillema.gov/covid19 for information and resources that are updated frequently.

Firefighter John O’Connor is seen being deconned by fellow Firefighter Ryan Epps after extinguishing a fire at 23 Melvin Street. Firefighter O’Connor’s gear had been covered with blown in insulation after walls and ceilings were opened up to search for hidden fire. — Photo courtesy of Somerville FD

On May 26, 2021 at 4:51 p.m., the Somerville Fire Department was notified of a house fire at 23 Melvin Street. Responding firefighters found an active fire involving a third floor bedroom. The fire resulted in significant fire, smoke and water damage to the third floor and water damage to the remaining areas. Several skylights on the roof were ventilated due to heavy smoke on the third floor. Walls and ceilings were opened by firefighters to verify that the fire had not spread into the attic space. Ten adults and six children have been displaced. Somerville Health & Human Services representatives were on scene working with the Red Cross to provide services. The home is uninhabitable at this time. One firefighter suffered a knee injury. The unseasonable hot temperatures added to the difficulty in fighting the fire.

This Memorial Day, the City of Somerville will host a ceremony of remembrance to honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice while in service to our country.  

The ceremony will take place Monday, May 31, at Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery on Broadway between Alewife Brook Parkway and North Street. Speaking remarks will begin at 10 a.m. featuring Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone, Director of Veterans’ Services Ted Louis-Jacques, City Council President Matthew McLaughlin, and several members of the local Veterans community. Members of the general public are welcome to attend. This event will provide an opportunity for residents to come together after an especially trying year to remember our fallen heroes and honor all who serve. 

Persons Seeking Vaccination Encouraged to Sign Up for Mobile Vaccine Clinic Alerts

The City of Somerville Health and Human Services Department has announced plans to jointly hold mobile COVID-19 vaccination clinics with the Cambridge Health Alliance throughout the city. Mobile vaccination clinic dates will be released as sites are confirmed. Dates and locations will be listed on somervillema.gov/vaccine and will be announced via City vaccine alerts (by text, phone, and e-mail). Community members are encouraged to sign up for City vaccine alerts to receive notification when mobile vaccination sites are announced. To sign-up, complete the form in your language below, or call 311 (617-666-3311).