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.

— Photos by Bobbie Toner

Somerville’s Jingle Bell 5k Run took place on Sunday, December 18. Starting in Davis Square, the 5K run/walk wound through streets and squares of Somerville, ending back in Davis Square. The run was followed by a post-race party in several local bars. Congrats to the finishers of the 2022 Jingle Bell 5K Run and Walk! Results can be found at https://www.gsrs.com/results/4641.

Recent donations from PUMA North America, Cradles to Crayons, Boynton Yards, help stock SFLC’s Clothing Closet to support Somerville students.

The Somerville Family Learning Collaborative’s Clothing Closet recently received a number of donations from local businesses and organizations, making it possible for SFLC and the Somerville Public Schools to distribute quality clothing, footwear, and other items to Somerville students struggling with basic needs. In Fall 2022, the Clothing Closet received large donations from PUMA North America, whose headquarters is located at Assembly Row, from long-standing SPS partner Cradles 2 Crayons, and from Boynton Yards.

— Photos by Bobbie Toner

The Somerville Arts Council’s Illuminations is back until January 2, 2023. Take a self-guided tour and enjoy the brightest holiday displays around Somerville. To access the map visit somervilleartscouncil.org. 

 More Than 3,000 Stickers Placed on Liquor Store Bags Reminding Adults Not to Purchase Alcohol for People Under 21

Unlawful purchases of alcohol by adults for youth are a significant contributor to underage drinking, and Somerville youth working with a City of Somerville prevention program have been out in force to help stem the problem this holiday season. Using a tactic known as a “Sticker Shock” campaign, youth leaders gathered more than 3,000 bags from liquor stores and placed stickers on them reminding adults not to provide alcohol to people who are underage.      

By Jim Clark

Last week, Somerville Police dispatch received a call that a car was stopped in the middle of the street near the intersection of Temple and Ten Hills Road and had been idling for a few minutes. Police officers were subsequently dispatched to the area to investigate the matter.

Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan, the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), Massachusetts State Police assigned to USPIS and Melrose Police have confirmed that two juveniles have been arrested and charged with armed masked robbery in connection with allegedly using an apparent firearm and a knife to rob a United States Postal Service letter carrier in Melrose.

Life in the Ville by Jimmy Del Ponte

At this time of year, there are many versions of the classic ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas. I hope you enjoy this one. It’s dedicated to all my loved ones no longer with us…

Mayor Katjana Ballantyne and the Somerville Arts Council are inviting residents to participate in the city’s cultural capacity planning process. The cultural planning process aims to explore ways to strengthen and improve access to Somerville’s cultural assets. Community members can participate in a variety of ways, including joining a community conversation, self-nominating to serve as an ambassador to the city and representing your artistic or cultural community on the Advisory Committee, or attending a town hall and sharing feedback on draft recommendations.