Tuesday, May 28, 7 PM -- School Committee public hearing on the SPS budget; budget documents available

Dear friends,

The Public Hearing on the FY 2014 Somerville Public Schools Budget will be on Tuesday, May 28th in the Somerville High School Library at 7:00 PM. Anyone who wishes to will have the opportunity to speak for a couple of minutes about the budget or related issues.

Before members of the public speak, the Superintendent will present his recommended budget, put together with extensive input from the School Committee. This is a comprehensive and informative presentation that provides an excellent overview of the school district's goals, programs and activities and a lot of interesting and useful information beyond just the budget. It will be posted online on the Somerville Public Schools website after the presentation.

For your information, the FY14 budget documents have been posted onto the Somerville Public Schools website, Finance & Facilities page www.somerville.k12.ma.us/finance. There are seven documents posted. If you want a quick overview of this year's budget and the changes from last year, check out Budget Changes to Operations and Salary, which is two pages.

The School Committee will meet again on Thursday, May 30th and is likely to vote on the FY 2014 school budget at that time. The School Committee makes final decisions on what's in the budget and may vote changes to the Superintendent’s recommendations. The School Committee’s recommended budget will then be considered for approval by the Board of Aldermen as part of the entire city government budget process in June.

To update you on the budget process: There has been extensive input from the School Committee and many changes made by the Superintendent as a result. The current working draft calls for a seven percent increase in spending next year, which, if approved by the Board of Aldermen, would continue major improvement in our schools. The current proposed Superintendent’s budget would support:

Ø -- two more pre-K SMILE classrooms, free for all students, for a total of 11 classrooms

Ø -- seven new early literacy playgroups for pre-school families

Ø --expansion of Spanish language instruction to the 6th grade

Ø --- a full-time Coordinator for the Unidos two-way Spanish-English program

Ø --salary increases for teachers and other staff

Ø -- an increase in the Special Education budget

Ø -- additional funds for the successful Somerville Family Learning Collaborative

Ø -- an additional elementary music teacher for strings and percussion.


Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns.

Yours,
Mark Niedergang
Somerville School Committee, Ward 5
617-629-8033
m.niedergang@comcast.net

Board of Aldermen to Meet on Thursday

The Board of Aldermen will hold their regularly scheduled meeting in the Aldermanic Chambers of City Hall on Thursday at 7:00pm. The agenda for the meeting has been published on the City's Meeting Portal as of Tuesday at 7pm.

This meeting is open to the public and all residents/concerned citizens are encouraged to attend!

You can watch the meeting live on Channel 22 (Comcast) or Channel 13 (RCN). This meeting will be rebroadcast at various times throughout the week, as well as, streamed live on the internet.

Magoun Square Sign to be Unveiled Thursday!

Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone and Ward 5 Alderman Courtney O’Keefe invite all residents to a ceremonial unveiling of the Magoun Square sign, located at the intersection of Broadway and Medford Street, on the CVS Plaza. A brief ceremony will be held on Thursday, May 23 at 6 p.m. The sign had been temporarily removed for renovations, and its reinstallation comes just one month before the city’s annual Fourth of July Fireworks celebration will bring thousands of visitors to the Magoun Square area on June 27.

All are welcome to attend the ceremony.

 

Lost Cat!

Please shoot me an email if you have seen Twitchy.

Licensing Commission Asked to Investigate Armory Issue

At the April 25th meeting of the Board of Aldermen, a request was made that the Licensing Commission investigate why the Arts at the Armory used their driveway for a cookout and staging area on April 20th and report back to the BOA any violations that took place that day.

According to Alderman At Large Bruce Desmond, he received so many calls that he went to the Armory and found them using the driveway to prepare food for an event in the main hall.

This issue comes after the Zoning Board of Appeals approved numerous requests for the Armory that included later hours and the option to apply for an all-forms liquor license among others.

The Licensing Commission meeting starts at 6pm on Wednesday May 22nd and is conducted in the TAB building - 167 Holland Street - between Teele and Davis Square. Their agenda for this meeting has been posted for review.

Penny Packer's Approved for Magoun Square Brick and Mortar

On Wednesday May 15th, the Zoning Board of Appeals approved the application for Penny Packer's to open a brick and mortar at 514c Medford Street in Magoun Square! This will be the 7th new business opening in the Square that once had 12 empty storefronts.

The establishment will feature 10 tables and a kitchen to help supply their two food trucks located in the Boston area, as well as, their catering company.

They write, "Pennypacker’s offers catering for any party, corporate lunch, or private function. All menus are customized. We do anything from our truck menus- soups, salads and sandwiches, to high end fine dining for your more formal events. Nothing is too big or small, nothing too simple or too sophisticated!"

For more information on Penny Packer's, please visit their website: http://www.pennypackersfoodtruck.com/

Important Meetings on Tuesday!

The Legislative Matters Committee continues conversations on the proposed ban on polystyrene containers this Tuesday May 14th at 6pm in the Committee Room (second floor) of City Hall. This ordinance is among an 11 item agenda that also includes the Linkage Program creation and a request that re-affirms its longstanding policies in support of all immigrants, and expresses its support for comprehensive immigration reform that combines a path to permanent status for immigrants already here with the humane enforcement of our nation's borders.




The Board of Aldermen will then gather for a 7:30pm Special Meeting to honor a Public Hearing request on on filling interim BOA vacancies, pursuant to Section 8 of the City Charter. This Public Hearing was requested by 140 registered voters and will take place in the Aldermanic Chambers of City Hall. This is legislative item number 194908. The Board of Aldermen recently met, as a whole, and had a great discussion on changing the rules of the Board to have a more predictable process in filling a vacant when there is less than a year left on the term. The recommended process has been published on the City's Meeting Portal for public review. This is legislative item number 194191, and is number 3a on the agenda for Tuesday's meeting.

Community Path Extension Construction Set to Convene

Although weather may not be permitting it to start today, construction of the Community Path Extension from Cedar to Lowell Streets is slated to begin this week and last until November.

An official Groundbreaking ceremony is scheduled for Monday May 13th at 6pm hosted by the Mayor's Office, MassDOT and the Friends of the Community Path.

Board of Aldermen to Meet on Thursday

The Board of Aldermen will hold their regularly scheduled meeting in the Aldermanic Chambers of City Hall on Thursday at 7:00pm. The agenda for the meeting has been published on the City's Meeting Portal as of Tuesday at 7pm.

This meeting is open to the public and all residents/concerned citizens are encouraged to attend!

You can watch the meeting live on Channel 22 (Comcast) or Channel 13 (RCN). This meeting will be rebroadcast at various times throughout the week, as well as, streamed live on the internet.

Boston Eater Gives Bronwyn Some Love!

Photo: Facebook/Bronwyn via Grub Street

Boston Eater, the awesome foodie blog, featured Union Square's Bronwyn in a great article by Aaron Kagan. Check out the piece which includes a list of sample dishes and drinks. 

The new eatery will be open on May 15th! For more information, check out www.bronwynrestaurant.com.

Board of Aldermen to Host Public Hearing on Wage Theft

131 registered voters have requested a public hearing on Wage Theft in the City of Somerville which has been scheduled for Tuesday May 7th at 7pm. This request is pursuant to Section 8 of the City Charter.

Mayor Joe Curtatone has submitted an ordinace surrounding Wage Theft in response to a public gathering outside of City Hall on April 9th. A draft of this ordinance can be found on the City's Meeting Portal.

Somerville Journal Article

Rules Committee to Meet on Tuesday

The Rules Committee will be meeting on Tuesday May 7th at 6pm to discuss the following items:

· 194191: Discuss in Committee That this Board consider a rules change to make the replacement of members of this Board subject to a time limited community review process when a vacancy occurs mid-term.

· 194192: Discuss in Committee That this Board consider a rules change eliminating carry over items to the next Board of Aldermen and instead require the re-filing of bills and resolves that have not been addressed or concluded within the two year term of office.

The Rules Committee is made up of Aldermen at Large William A. White Jr., Chair, John M Connolly, Vice Chair and Rebekah Gewirtz, Ward Six Alderman

Hydrant Flushing Begins on Monday!

The City’s Water & Sewer Engineers will be conducting their annual hydrant flushing program beginning on May 6th in your neighborhood. Work will be done on Monday nights from 11:00pm – 7:00am on Tuesday mornings.

Over the next 3 weeks as this work is completed, residents may notice a temporary period of water discoloration. Although the water may be discolored, it is safe to drink. Until the water runs clear, however, you may wish to avoid washing clothes, especially white fabrics.

If any rust stains appear on wet laundry, the clothes should not be dried, and you should contact 311 for a free bottle of rust remover.

Updated information on affected streets and dates of flushing can be found on the City’s website, www.somervillema.gov.

Magoun Square Clean Up Set for May 16th

All partipants are asked to meet at Daddy Jones Bar (525 Medford Street) at 5:30pm to assist cleaning the sidewalks leading into Magoun Square (the area between CVS and Bartlett Street on both Medford and Broadway as well as the sidewalks between CVS and Trum Field).

The cleaning regiment will include weeding and sweeping, so please bring trowels, dustpans, brooms, gloves, garden shears for weeding, a screwdriver to dig weeds up in the sidewalks, and plastic grocery bags. Another great way to participate is to plant flowers outside of your business or home.

 At 7:30pm, join us at Daddy Jone’s Bar for a big thank you and appreciation snack courtesy of Dimitra Tsourianis, owner of Daddy Jones Bar.

 You do not have to be a Magoun Square or Ward 5 resident to help! Please email Amy at amy_timmins@me.com to sign up!

Legislative Matters Committee Meeting Cancelled

Please note that this meeting has been cancelled and rescheduled for Tuesday May 14th at 6pm.

Meetings for Tonight

The Legislative Matters and Licenses and Permits will be meeting tonight at 6 and 7pm, respectively.

Legislative Matters will be discussing a 9 item agenda that includes the polystyrene ban and the Linkage Fee report. The agenda has been posted on the City's Meeting Portal and the meeting begins at 6pm.

Licenses and Permit will also be meeting tonight, at 7pm, and will be holding a public hearing for a Petition for Extended Operating Hours for Kee Kar Lau Inc., dba Chow N Joy, 626C Somerville Avenue. Their agenda is also posted and features 12 items.

Thank You!

I just wanted to take a moment to thank all of the participants in this year's Spring Clean Up at the Community Path (I was stationed here)! The path has never looked more beautiful and it's all due to the hard work and dedication of the 50-60 people who spent a beautiful Saturday morning raking, picking up trash and clearing off dead branches. Thank you so much!

MaxWell's Green Hosts Opening!

An Important Message from the City of Somerville...

The following information is being sent to all Somerville residents after careful and ongoing discussions with law enforcement personnel, and will be updated as necessary throughout the day.

Due to an ongoing manhunt in the Boston area, state authorities have shut down the MBTA and issued a shelter-in-place advisory for a number of surrounding towns. At this time, Somerville has NOT been included in the advisory, but we ask that Somerville residents observe the shelter-in-place advisory. If possible, please stay home, keep doors locked, and do not open the door for anyone other than identified law enforcement officials.

Please also limit travel as much as possible. State authorities do not perceive a threat to our community, and residents are not required to remain in their homes, but please use common sense and stay tuned to area news sources for updates. Please also be aware that residents in the cities of Boston, Watertown, Waltham, Newton, Belmont, Cambridge, Brookline, and Allston-Brighton have been advised to remain in their homes and lock their doors. Businesses in these areas have also been advised to remain closed.

Again, authorities consider the City of Somerville to be safe and NOT under any immediate threat. Somerville Police will remain vigilant, and will monitor the situation throughout the day. If and when we receive more information, we will notify you as necessary.

For updates, please refer to the Boston news media, or to the City Facebook and Twitter feeds. Thank you, and please be safe.

Meeting and Memorial Tonight

The Land Use Committee will hold a Public Hearing tonight on an ordinance amending the Somerville Zoning Ordinance section 7.11.9.2, seeking to separate Supermarkets from General Merchandise and Department Store in the use table and section 2.2 to add definitions of these uses. This meeting begins at 6pm in City Hall!

 

 

There will also be a 7:45pm vigil held on the City Hall concourse to honor the victims of Monday's tragedy. Please join Mayor Joe Curtatone as the City of Somerville takes a moment to remember and reflect. The vigil will also include a "healing ceremony," giving attendees the opportunity to speak to the crowd with messages of hope, support, and peace. Please join us to honor all those affected by this terrible tragedy.

MBTA Porter Square Station Elevator Improvement Project

Work to Begin April 19th, 2013

UPCOMING CONSTRUCTION:

Beginning on the evening of Friday April 19th the MBTA’s contractor, Walsh Construction Company, will begin an excavation in the middle of Somerville Avenue at the intersection of Somerville Avenue and White Street. Work will begin in the evening, and continue until complete (about 24 hours).

DESCRIPTION OF WORK:

As part of the elevator improvement project, Walsh Construction Company must remove a temporary access structure to the MBTA Porter Square Station that is located in the middle of Somerville Avenue at the intersection of White Street. This access structure has been utilized over the past 2 years to provide construction access to the new elevator shaft that is being constructed from the mezzanine level of the station down to the Red Line platform.

TRAFFIC IMPACTS:

During the removal of the structure, Somerville Avenue will be restricted to one lane in each direction. Sidewalk and crosswalk areas will be temporarily adjusted as necessary to facilitate construction activities. While sidewalk and plaza work is disruptive, the contractor will work to provide safe access to all properties and the MBTA station during construction, using temporary fencing and ramps, traffic cones, caution tape, and signage. In addition several Police details will be stationed around the work area to assist with pedestrian and traffic flow.

SCHEDULE:

Weather permitting, work will begin at approximately 8PM on Friday April 19th and the removal will proceed continuously around the clock until the structure is removed and the roadway is restored. It is anticipated that it will take approximately 24 hours to complete the removal of the access structure. At the completion of the work, the roadway will be restored to its original condition and all traffic restrictions will be removed.

INFORMATION and ASSISTANCE

The MBTA thanks you for your patience and understanding during this necessary work. Please contact Girard Allien, MBTA Resident Engineer, at 617-945-2348 with any questions or concerns.

Legislative Matters Public Hearing Cancelled

Tonight's public hearing on an ordinance concerning polystyrene containers has been cancelled out of respect for the tragedy experience during yesterday's Boston Marathon. The meeting was cancelled by chairperson/Ward 6 Alderwoman Rebekah Gewirtz.

This meeting has been rescheduled for April 22nd at 6pm in the Aldermanic Chambers of City Hall.

E-Waste Recycling Event

Spring ResiStat Meetings Set

Residents Asked to Take Online Survey to Help Shape Meeting Agenda

SOMERVILLE - Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone invites residents to the Spring 2013 ResiStat Community Meetings, a twice-yearly effort to share the latest City news and data directly with residents and gather their feedback.

Seven neighborhood meetings, one in each ward, will be held in the coming weeks starting Tuesday, April 30, with the Ward 7 West Somerville and Teele Square Meeting. Mayor Curtatone, ward and at-large aldermen, members of the Somerville Police Department, and City staff will discuss issues important to residents and take their questions. Topics will range from crime and safety reports, rodent control, and neighborhood improvements such as road, park, and library projects to a look at citywide initiatives including Green Line station area planning, the city budgeting process, and a word from the Mayor on how the City is using data and a systems approach to improve services and tackle new issues. Refreshments will be served at a meet-and-greet before each meeting, where residents can talk with City officials and their neighbors.

Residents are invited to help shape the meeting agendas by taking the Meeting Survey to propose topics for discussion. The survey is online here: http://somervilleresistat.blogspot.com/p/meetings.html, or take the survey by phone by calling Community Engagement Specialist Meghann Ackerman at 617-625-6600 x2120.

The Ward 5 meeting will be taking place on Tuesday June 18th from 7-8:30 p.m at the John F. Kennedy Elementary School cafeteria, 5 Cherry St. There will be a Meet-and-Greet with refreshments from 6:30 to 7 p.m.

The Word Around the Ward

 

 

Modelo Butcher Market is getting rave reviews on the Ward 5 Online Facebook page with residents impressed with the cleanliness, selection and prices of Magoun Square’s newest storefront. I, of course, went up there on Monday for my dinner items including a piece of chicken, spinach, and chives-all under $6. Can’t beat that!

Somerville’s Spring Clean Up will be happening on Saturday April 27th, starting at 10am. Please join me along the Community Path as we help beautify the City!

The Word around the Ward is buzzing with political speculation as names for Ward races are popping up. At this time, no incumbent has announced that they are not running for reelection, but May will narrow the field down as nomination papers are pulled during this month. Be sure to comment what you have heard in the ongoing conversation here on the website.

Mayor Joe Curtatone is putting his two cents in on the topic of wage theft with a submitted ordinance at tonight’s Board of Aldermen meeting. Read the draft of the document and offer your opinion in the comment section.

YUM: A Taste of Immigrant City initiative

In a city proud of its diverse immigrant history and celebrated for its growing foodie scene, Somerville non-profit The Welcome Project is celebrating the community’s immigrant flavor with the 2013 YUM: A Taste of Immigrant City initiative.

The YUM Restaurant Card and upcoming April 25, 2013 YUM Celebration feature the international flavors of eleven immigrant-owned Somerville restaurants, with proceeds going to strengthen the voices of immigrant families across the city.

“Somerville has always been an immigrant city, and even as the city changes we have the ability to shape what kind of community it will be,” said Warren Goldstein-Gelb, director of The Welcome Project. “YUM celebrates and strengthens the city’s many immigrant communities while providing an opportunity for everyone to connect with these communities and explore the city’s international cuisine.”

Good through the end of December, the 2013 YUM Restaurant card offers a 10% discount off food orders of $25 or more at participating restaurants. All YUM eateries are also part of the City’s Shape Up Approved campaign, which makes Somerville a healthier place to live, work, play and eat by highlighting healthier menu options at participating restaurants.

Individuals interested in purchasing a YUM Restaurant Card or tickets to the 2013 YUM: A Taste of Immigrant City celebration can do so by visiting www.yumsomerville.org. Cards will also be available at the Winter Farmers’ Market at the Armory on February 23 and March 9.

The eleven restaurants participating in the 2013 YUM: A Taste of Immigrant City are:

Amelia’s Kitchen, Italian, Teele Square; Aguacate Verde, Mexican, Porter Square; Fasika

Ethiopian, East Somerville; Gauchao, Brazilian, East Somerville; Istanbul’lu, Turkish, Teele Square; Los Paisanos, Mexican, East Somerville; Maya Sol, Mexican, East Somerville; Masala,

Indian and Nepali, Teele Square; The Neighborhood Restaurant & Bakery, Portuguese American, Union Square; Sabur, Mediterranean, Teele Square; Yak & Yeti, Nepali and Indian, Ball Square.

 

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The Welcome Project builds the collective power of Somerville immigrants to participate in and shape community decisions. We do this through programs that strengthen the capacity of immigrant youth, adults and families to advocate for themselves and influence schools, government, and other institutions. For more information about The Welcome Project, visit www.welcomeproject.org.

Board of Aldermen to Meet on Thursday

The Board of Aldermen will hold their regularly scheduled meeting in the Aldermanic Chambers of City Hall on Thursday at 7:00pm. The agenda for the meeting has been published on the City's Meeting Portal as of Tuesday at 7pm.

This meeting is open to the public and all residents/concerned citizens are encouraged to attend!

You can watch the meeting live on Channel 22 (Comcast) or Channel 13 (RCN). This meeting will be rebroadcast at various times throughout the week, as well as, streamed live on the internet.

Mayor's Fitness Challenge Kick Off!

The Mayor's Fitness Challenge will kick-off with a registration event at the Somerville High School gym/atrium on April 13th from 11am until 3pm. The event will feature music, family-friendly activities and more.

Curbed Boston Discusses Somerville Street Performer Ordinance

Curbed Boston is featuring Somerville in its recent email blast, specifically, discussing the Street Performer Ordinance in the hands of the Legislative Matters Committee. This Ordinance is also the topic of the most recent Somerville News Online Poll.

Check out the article and vote in the online poll.

Citizens to Call on the Board of Aldermen for Hearing on Wage Theft in Somerville

Press Advisory
For news on April 9, 2013

For more info contact: Rand Wilson at rand.wilson@gmail.com or Patrick McDermott, Workers' Rights Organizer at Centro Presente or email pmcdermott@cpresente.org.

Citizens to Call on the Board of Aldermen for Hearing on Wage Theft in Somerville

Over 150 residents of Somerville have signed petitions to the Board of Aldermen requesting a hearing on the extent and severity of the problem of Wage Theft in Somerville and the merits of passing an ordinance to prevent wage theft.

Somerville allows citizens to compel the Board of Aldermen to hold a hearing if 50 or more residents sign a petition calling for it.

Our concern arises out of the case of a group of seven employees who worked at One World Cuisine restaurants. With support from Centro Presente and Greater Boston Legal Services, last year the workers filed suit in federal court for $183,500 in unpaid wages, minimum wage, and overtime violations. $20,500 of this claim is for work done at Diva Indian Bistro in Davis Square.

"Violations of labor rights are a systemic problem affecting all workers in this country," said Patricia Montes, Centro Presente's Executive Director. "Immigrant workers are even more vulnerable to this exploitation. The enormous movement of immigrants to the U.S. is the result of a global economic system that exploits the rights of workers in their own countries."

Other cities around the country have passed local ordinances aimed at preventing wage theft in their communities. We are hoping to follow their example and make Somerville a fairer place to work and do business.

Supporters will gather at the Somerville City Hall on Tuesday, April 9 at 12:00 PM to turn in the signed petitions and kick off a campaign to stop wage theft in Somerville.

For a copy of the petition to the Board of Alderman, email Rand Wilson.

Business Town Meeting Video Posted

A video of the 8th Annual Business Town Meeting has been made available by the City of Somerville on their YouTube page.

The Mayor delivered a one-hour presentation with information on Somerville's Business/Economic state on Wednesday March 20th in the Davis Square Theatre, concluding with a 1-hour Question and Answer session.

Comment the Caption!

The Word Around the Ward

Modelo Butcher Market is now open and King of Wings is set to open soon. Magoun Square seems to be coming out of its funk a little bit these days and I hope the momentum continues! Be sure to stop by the new locations and say, “hi.”

Spring seems to be slowly approaching and that means two things: campaign season is right around the corner and reconsideration for head-out/angled parking at Trum Field will, hopefully, begin again. With the new businesses coming into the Square it is necessary to increase the parking capacity, so everyone can benefit. What are your thoughts?

Speaking of campaign season, Ward 1 is heating up as all three candidates are being seen at fundraisers, the most recent being Maryann Heuston's at The Independent in Union Square, and on the social media scene. Be sure to keep up with everything that's going on by reading our ongoing conversation of Election Season 2013!

The Shape up Somerville Road Race will be taking place on Sunday, April 7th, starting and ending at the Somerville High School concourse, 93 Highland Avenue. The day will begin with a 1-mile children's "Fun Run" at 10:30 a.m., followed by a 2.7-mile walk at 10:30 a.m. and a 2.7-mile adult race at 11:00 a.m. Check out the details on the City's website.

A concern came up regarding City sidestreets being open to abutters only during designated hours (usually high traffic hours) and how this impacts cyclists. Are you a cyclist? Have you ever been told that you weren't allowed on a street during these designated hours? Please comment your experience!

Public Health and Safety to Meet on Thursday

The Committee on Public Health and Safety, Chaired by Alderman at Large Jack Connolly, will be meeting at 7:30pm on Thursday April 4th to tackle a 6 point agenda that includes a foreclosed property in Ward 5 and crime statistics for 2012. This committee also includes Ward 2 Alderwoman Maryann Heuston and Alderman At Large William White, Jr.

School Committee Votes on Date for Last Day of School

The School Committe voted, last night, that Friday June 28th (1/2 Day) will be the last day of school for Somerville students!

Mary Jo Rossetti, Chairperson of the School Committee, wrote to the Somerville-4-School listserv, stating, "Friends, Due to 'New England Weather' these past few months (6 days of no school for various weather conditions), last evening the school committee voted the following as being the last day of school for all students: Friday, June 28th (1/2 day). We thank you for your patience and understanding."

March Green Line Extension Status Report Published

The monthly status report on the Green Line Extension for March has been posted.

 

The Medford Green Line Neighborhood Alliance has pulled the highlights out of this report for our convenience.

Legislative Matters Committee to Meet

The Committee on Legislative Matters will be meeting on Thursday April 4th at 6:30pm to discuss a 10 point agenda that includes continued discussions on a possible ban of polystyrene food and beverage containers, as well as, to approve the Election calendar for 2013 among others.

This committee is chaired by Ward 6 Alderwoman Rebekah Gewirtz and includes Aldermen at Large Bruce M. Desmond (Vice Chair), John M Connolly, Alderman At Large, William A. White Jr., and Ward 3 Alderman Tom Taylor.

Teen Empowerment Peace Conference

 

 

In collaboration with the city of Somerville, Teen Empowerment is excited to announce the 7th annual Peace Conference! This year things are going to be even bigger than ever!

On April 6th, at 7:30pm, we’ll kick off Peace Month at the Somerville Theatre. Teen Empowerment will host “Late Nite with Teen Empowerment,” an all-original show with theater, spoken word, music and speeches. Youth Organizers and Associates have been working to create a powerful show to address the issues that youth face in Somerville and bring together the community. The show will address issues related to drug use, bullying, mental health, media influences, violence and more.

At the end of the month, on April 26th, Teen Empowerment will hold big celebration at the Armory. This event, ‘Villens All Out Bash, vol. 2.0 will have a job and service fair with local agencies, provide dinner, entertainment and a dance party with local DJ Anthony Soto, a former Youth Organizer.

We hope you’ll join us for “Late Nite with Teen Empowerment” on April 6th at 7:30pm. Tickets are $2 in advance and $3 at the door. They are available from Teen Empowerment or at the box office of the Somerville Theatre.

Finance Committee to Meet on Wednesday

The Finance Committee, chaired by Ward 2 Alderman Maryann Heuston, will be covering a lengthy agenda at their April 3rd meeting, beginning at 6:30pm.

Grant acceptances, bill payments and appropriations make up the 24 items facing the committee which also includes Alderman at Large John M Connolly (Vice Chair), Ward 7 Alderman Robert C. Trane, Ward Four Alderman Tony Lafuente, and Alderman At Large William A. White Jr.,

2013 YUM Celebration Set for April 25th!

In a city proud of its diverse immigrant history and celebrated for its growing foodie scene, Somerville non-profit The Welcome Project is celebrating the community’s immigrant flavor with the 2013 YUM: A Taste of Immigrant City initiative.

The YUM Restaurant Card and upcoming April 25, 2013 YUM Celebration feature the international flavors of eleven immigrant-owned Somerville restaurants, with proceeds going to strengthen the voices of immigrant families across the city.

“Somerville has always been an immigrant city, and even as the city changes we have the ability to shape what kind of community it will be,” said Warren Goldstein-Gelb, director of The Welcome Project. “YUM celebrates and strengthens the city’s many immigrant communities while providing an opportunity for everyone to connect with these communities and explore the city’s international cuisine.”

Good through the end of December, the 2013 YUM Restaurant card offers a 10% discount off food orders of $25 or more at participating restaurants. All YUM eateries are also part of the City’s Shape Up Approved campaign, which makes Somerville a healthier place to live, work, play and eat by highlighting healthier menu options at participating restaurants.

Individuals interested in purchasing a YUM Restaurant Card or tickets to the 2013 YUM: A Taste of Immigrant City celebration can do so by visiting www.yumsomerville.org. Cards will also be available at the Winter Farmers’ Market at the Armory on February 23 and March 9.

The eleven restaurants participating in the 2013 YUM: A Taste of Immigrant City are:

Amelia’s Kitchen, Italian, Teele Square; Aguacate Verde, Mexican, Porter Square; Fasika

Ethiopian, East Somerville; Gauchao, Brazilian, East Somerville; Istanbul’lu, Turkish, Teele Square; Los Paisanos, Mexican, East Somerville; Maya Sol, Mexican, East Somerville; Masala,

Indian and Nepali, Teele Square; The Neighborhood Restaurant & Bakery, Portuguese American, Union Square; Sabur, Mediterranean, Teele Square; Yak & Yeti, Nepali and Indian, Ball Square.

 

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The Welcome Project builds the collective power of Somerville immigrants to participate in and shape community decisions. We do this through programs that strengthen the capacity of immigrant youth, adults and families to advocate for themselves and influence schools, government, and other institutions. For more information about The Welcome Project, visit www.welcomeproject.org.

Friends of Harpoon Event Tonight at Olde Magoun's!

Olde Magoun's Saloon (518 Medford Street) will be hosting a Friends of Harpoon event tonight from 7-9pm. They will have 4 different Harpoon IPAs on tap including Black IPA, White IPA, Rye IPA and the classic Harpoon IPA. There will be folks from Harpoon there to chat with, as well, along with $8 Fish Taco plates!

Modelo Butcher Market to Open Today

The Modelo Butcher Market, located at 501 Medford Street in Magoun Square, is open today! This is another new business in a string of businesses that have opened up shop in Magoun, including a beer and wine store, hairdresser, and alterations/dry cleaning service.

Featuring cold cuts, fruits, meats, and seafood, the former Cara Donna location has undergone a massive interior and exterior renovation throughout the winter for today's opening.

Going? Let me know how it is by commenting below!