Newstalk – February 19

On February 19, 2025, in Latest News, by The Somerville Times

The Somerville Police Department (SPD) has produced a list of unclaimed bicycles that are currently being stored at SPD headquarters located at 220 Washington St. Any owner of an unclaimed bicycle who seeks to reclaim it is encouraged to contact Somerville Police at 617-625-1600 as soon as possible. Bicycles remaining in the possession of SPD will be treated as municipal property and will be disposed of in any manner consistent with city surplus property and MGL c. 30B § 15, including but not limited to disposition at less than fair market value to a charitable organization.

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This year’s Community Gospel Choir concert will take place Sunday, February 23, 5 pm at the Somerville Community Baptist Church, 31 College Avenue, two blocks from the Davis Square T-station.  The theme of this year’s concert is “Heaven.”  The singers will be accompanied by an ensemble of professional jazz musicians and the concert will be emceed by Medford’s former Poet Laureate Terry E. Carter.  For more information, see www.ilovescbc.org

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Visit the Arts at the Armory, 191 Highland Ave., on Tuesday, February 25, for The Moth StorySLAM with doors at 6:30 p.m. and show at 7:30 p.m. Listen to true stories or share your own at this open-mic storytelling competition. This month’s topic is OBLIVIOUS: Prepare a five-minute story about naïveté. Missing the social cues and movie references. The joke going over your head at the brunch table. The flirting attempt that you were clueless about. Tell about your tragic miscalculations, cringe-worthy regrets, and blissful moments of ignorance.

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Happy birthday this week to the following: Happy birthday to Sean Fitzgerald, who is celebrating this week. We wish Sean a great day. Happy birthday to Christine Resmini. We hope she has a great day as well. Happy birthday to great guy, Eamon Fee, who celebrates this week. Happy birthday to Celia Taylor, we hope she has a great day. Happy birthday to local realtor Sammy Alves, who is celebrating this week. We wish her a nice day. Happy birthday to a good guy, Elio LoRusso, who is celebrating this week as well. Happy Birthday to Rod Kreimeyer. We hope Rod has a great day. We wish all of our Facebook friends, such as Barbara L Amaral, Sheila Borges-Foley, Jason Rabin, David Tiger Williams, Lauren Daddio, Wayne A Fournier, Wayne A Fournier and Las Carolinas a very happy birthday. To all those that are also celebrating this week, we wish a happy birthday.

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Join WCVB Channel 5 News Reporter Danae Bucci kick off the 5th Annual Rolling Lunar New Year Celebration at Arts at the Armory, 191 Highland Ave. A free community celebration for all ages, Sunday, February 23, 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., doors open at 11:20 a.m. By Korean American Citizens League of New England. Enjoy live performances, Korean food, games, drummers, lion dance and more.

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Broadway Supper Club returns with an all new show. After a highly successful December debut, PR Productions is thrilled to announce the return of Broadway Supper Club, an exciting live entertainment and dining experience celebrating the music and stories of Broadway performers. The next performance will take place on Thursday, February 20, at 8 p.m. at Premiere on Broadway, located at 517 Broadway, Somerville, MA. Tickets are available for $35. The upcoming show will once again showcase an outstanding lineup of performers from both Boston and New York City, including Peter Romagna, Marissa Miller, Morgan Billings Smith, and Joshua Pemberton. The show offers an up-close experience with artists who have appeared in productions such as The Sound of Music on Broadway, national tours of Wicked, Miss Saigon, and Elf the Musical, and at numerous theaters across the country. Tickets can be purchased on Eventbrite and at www.premiereonbroadway.com.

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Make Your Own Slime. Saturday, February 22, 2:30 – 4:00 p.m., Central Library, 79 Highland Ave. Have a gooey, messy good time making your own slime. All materials will be provided. This event is recommended for children age 6 and older.

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Our condolences go out to the family of Anne (Guilfoy) Twardzik. Anne is the mother of one of our own reporters, Cathleen Twardzik. We wish them peace and comfort as they grieve their loss. She will be missed by many.

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The Somerville Public Schools conducts preschool screenings for children 3 to 5 years old who live in Somerville. These screenings check a child’s development and help identify children who may need further evaluation for special education services. Participation in the screening process is free and optional for parents. Details: February 26, and April 30, 8:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m., Capuano Early Childhood Center, 150 Glen St. Screenings are by appointment only and for Somerville residents. Fill out the online Screening Intake Form https://forms.gle/wBDGVxziMH5ZQdua9. (The form should take 2–5 minutes to complete.) Register by phone at (617) 629-5670 ext. 3657.

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The city is holding COVID-19 and Flu Vaccine Clinics: Thursday, February 20, at the Council on Aging (167 Holland St.) from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Thursday, February 27, at the SomerViva Office of Immigrant Affairs (42 Cross St.) from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Learn move and register here https://www.somervillema.gov/vaccinations.

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The Somerville Commission for Women (SCW) seeks five members, and Somerville residents are encouraged to apply. The SCW serves as a centralizing force in the City of Somerville and the community which will deal with all women’s issues providing information, referral, guidance, and more to public agencies and organizations engaged in activities and programs intended to eliminate prejudice and discrimination against women because of their status as women or minority women. All applications are due Friday, March 21. Interested candidates should submit a statement of interest by email to sflythe@somervillema.gov or by mail to Steven Flythe, Deputy Director, Department of Racial and Social Justice, City of Somerville, 167 Holland Street, Suite 208, Somerville, MA 02144. Please contact Steven Flythe at 781-808-7502 or sflythe@somervillema.gov with questions.

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The Rás na hÉireann USA 5K, takes place, Sunday, March 16, 11 a.m. Rás na hEireann is the most genuine Irish race this side of the Atlantic Everyone is invited to Somerville, all runners and walkers, to celebrate life, the coming of spring, and to enjoy a memorable race and St. Patrick’s Day celebration. The Ras na hEireann U.S.A. 5Km is open to all, from beginners to international stars. To register visit: https://www.theraceofireland.com/.

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State health officials are informing the public that Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, which rarely infects humans, is suspected to be affecting wild and domestic birds in several Massachusetts municipalities. Here are precautionary steps you can take: Avoid handling birds and other wildlife and keep dogs and pets leashed and away from wildlife.Learn more and stay up to date on state guidance. https://www.mass.gov/news/state-officials-provide-updated-guidance-on-suspected-avian-flu-cases-reported-across-massachusetts.

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The Somerville Family Learning Collaborative (SFLC) and Families First are partnering to offer the Power of Parenting, a free 12-week program connecting parents and caregivers of children ages 3 to 8. Learn about your child’s developmental stages and behaviors, strengthen your caregiving skills, and discover self-care techniques. Programs begin March 4. Learn more and apply now. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfgFd1kLlE91KxC8QLMQYt01fWwQZEOJy6Irm185zecYVWmHw/viewform.

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The Somerville Warming Center is looking for donations for their clients. To see what is needed visit their facebook page or their Amazon wish list under Somerville Warming Center.

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Winter can stretch budgets to the breaking point. With increased costs for food, heating, housing, and transportation, many Massachusetts families are facing tough choices. If you or your family need help accessing food, don’t wait – call Project Bread’s toll-free FoodSource Hotline today at 1-800-645-8333.

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All Somerville residents should be on the lookout for the 2025 annual City of Somerville census in their mailbox. The 2025 census form also includes an application to vote by mail in Somerville’s preliminary and city elections this year. High census participation provides an accurate population count, which helps the city plan municipal services, apply for grants, and adapt as the population changes. The Elections Department also uses the census to help keep voting rolls up to date.It’s easy to take part in the census. Just fill out the short form, be sure to sign and date the form, and then return it one of three ways:mail it back in the provided postage-paid return envelope, scan the form and email is to census@somervillema.gov, or drop it off in person at City Hall (93 Highland Ave.). Contact 311 (617-666-3311) with any questions.

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Made In Massachusetts, a 3+ hour chronological journey through over 100 years of filmmaking in Massachusetts will screen on Sunday, March 9, at 1:00pm at the Somerville Theatre in Davis Square, Somerville. MIM features clips from over 200 movies and television shows shot in the state starting with films from the silent era and going all the way through 2024. Highlighting cities and towns from Boston, Cambridge, and Somerville to Concord, Martha’s Vineyard, Great Barrington, and everywhere in-between. Featuring stars from James Cagney, Elizabeth Taylor, Steve McQueen, and Paul Newman to Harrison Ford, Sandra Bullock, Ryan Reynolds, Kerry Washington, and all the Afflecks and Wahlbergs you can handle.Admission is free, with donations gladly accepted to support the Independent Film Festival Boston (IFFBoston). Q&A with filmmakers Adam Roffman and Vatche Arabian to follow.

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Important tips for staying safe and warm in the current cold weather: Dress in layers and cover as much exposed skin as possible when outdoors. Minimize time outside, including for pets. Check in on family and neighbors. Follow all safety precautions if using space heaters. Do not use a stove or oven as a heat source. Check your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and make sure they are working and have fresh batteries. Learn more about carbon monoxide safety: mass.gov/info-details/carbon-monoxide-co-safety.Prevent frozen water pipes: somervillema.gov/frozenpipes. For more, visit: somervillema.gov/coldweather.

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Join the Growing Center for the Maple Boil Down and experience the process of boiling sap into maple syrup. Learn the process from the tapping of maple trees at Tufts University to the making of maple syrup. Connect with other folks in the community. Get into the spirit and order your t-shirt ahead of time at bit.ly/fcgc-store. This event is free and open to all. Saturday, March 1, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m., Somerville Community Growing Center, 22 Vinal Ave, Somerville. Rain Date Saturday, March 8.

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The SHS Athletics Department honored Jerry Knight as the first inductee to the Somerville High School Athletics Ring of Honor. He was chosen for his amazing contributions to the Somerville High School athletic community. Watch the video here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pk7OTtv7Es.

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Abstract painter and Brickbottom Artists’ Building founding member Diane Novetsky has assembled a cohort of three inventive painters for a new exhibit of current abstraction at Brickbottom Gallery, running through February 28. Brickbottom Artists Association, 1 Fitchburg St., Somerville, MA. https://brickbottom.org/.

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The Somerville High Trivia Team is competing on GBH’s High School Quiz Show this year. Congratulations Ella, Calla, Jack, Sam, Nate, Oliver, Coach (and SHS History Teacher) Theodore Blake and the rest of the SHS Team. Only the top 17 trivia teams in the state qualified for the annual tournament. Somerville’s first match will air on GBH and Youtube on February 22.

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LEGO® Brick’s 67th Birthday and LEGO Discovery Center Boston is celebrating by launching a brand-new event called LEGO Creativity Academy through March 3. Event URL and tickets: https://www.legodiscoverycenter.com/boston/whats-inside/events/creativity-academy/.

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Are you looking for a way to get involved? The City of Somerville needs board and commission members. Learn more and apply for current openings by visiting somervillema.gov/besomerville.

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The Somerville Homeless Coalition invites you to join them for a special celebration on Thursday, March 27, at 6 p.m., Crystal Ballroom, 55 Davis Sq, as they commemorate 40 years of service to the Somerville and Greater Boston community. Enjoy specialty cocktails, delicious delights from local favorites Redbones and Dave’s Fresh Pasta, and vibrant live music to sway to by West of Willows and The Loomers. https://somervillehomelesscoalition.org/events/.

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SCES is teaming up with City Fresh Foods to offer a five-pack of frozen home delivered meals. This new meal delivery option is ideal for consumers who want the convenience of home delivered meals but are not able to be at home each weekday to receive deliveries. Meal recipients can choose which weekday they would like to receive the frozen meals, with up to five meals in each bulk delivery. Each meal comes with bread, milk, and a dessert. Current SCES clients who are interested in receiving meals should call their office at 617-628-2601 or contact their case manager for more information.

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Low-income households may be eligible to receive help with winter heating costs through the Fuel Assistance Program. This program is part of the Home Energy Assistance program (HEAP) and serves residents of Somerville and Cambridge. Participants receive assistance with their heating costs between November 1 and April 30. Learn more about the program, check if you qualify, and apply for assistance today at somerville-ma.gov/heatingassistance.

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Somerville High School students are invited to bring their SHS ID to the Somerville YMCA on Fridays from 7 to 9 p.m. and Sundays from 2 to 4 p.m. for free. There are free movie nights. On Sundays, students will have access to the basketball and exercise areas (including the weight room). Visit their website to learn more. https://somervilleymca.org/news/somerville-teens-after-hours/. Somerville YMCA asks that students go to their website to register before visiting and this program is for ages 14 to 17 years.

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City Alerts are a great way for those who live, work, or own a business in Somerville to receive important city information that affects your neighborhood. City Alerts provide information about emergencies (including snow emergencies), construction and road closures, water service interruptions, community news, and more. To sign up, visit somervillema.gov/alerts and click on the button for your preferred language. Step-by-step sign-up instructions are available at: somervillema.gov/alerts. Having trouble signing up? You can call 3-1-1 (617-666-3311) for assistance.

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With the days growing shorter and temperatures dipping colder, the Somerville Homeless Coalition is in critical need of new or lightly used jackets for their clients currently living outside. If you have any adult sized coats hanging in your closet that you don’t wear, please consider dropping them off at the Somerville Homeless Coalition admin office located at 255 Elm Street, Suite 204, during the hours listed below. Drop Off Hours: Monday–Friday, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., 2 – 5 p.m. Each coat donated provides warmth, dignity, and safety for our neighbors having to face the harsh New England winter conditions.

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If you want to adopt-a-drain in Somerville, perform light maintenance as needed, and give it a creative name. Sign up for the Adopt-a-Drain program today by visiting Somerville.mysticdrains.org.

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The Somerville Winter Farmers Market is back at the Arts at the Armory, 191 Highland Ave. on Saturdays, 9:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. from November 2 to April 12. The Center for the Arts at the Armory is proud to offer a weekly winter market with 71+ local food vendors with the best locally grown and regionally produced foods, including fresh produce, cheese, eggs, meats, fish, breads, tamales, pastries, chocolate, skincare products, and more. The market accepts SNAP/EBT and HIP benefits. They also offer a $15 SNAP match to customers each week. More info available on their website: https://www.somwintermarket.org/.

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Is your teen looking to make some extra money? The city’s Snow Shoveling Program is hiring youth to assist shoveling seniors and homeowners with disabilities out after snowstorms this winter. Teens and homeowners are paired for the season. After each storm, the homeowner will contact their assigned youth to request shoveling services. Somerville teens ages 14 to 19 are welcome to apply. Looking for snow shoveling services? Apply online or contact Debby Higgins at dhiggins@somervillema.gov.

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Snow emergency parking is on the even side of the street all winter, unless posted signage says differently. Sign up for alerts or update your information at somervillema.gov/alerts. You can call 311 if you need assistance. Flashing blue lights at major intersections indicate a snow emergency. Snow emergencies are announced on the city’s website, social media feeds, CityTV, and via information shared with local media. For more information on the city’s snow policies, visit somervillema.gov/snow.

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Through the generosity of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), and from the direction of Mayor Ballantyne, the Council on Aging can provide Durable Medical Equipment at no cost to Somerville residents. Residents with a documented need for medical equipment must be over the age of 60, or have a permanent disability, and must be otherwise unable to afford or access needed medical equipment. We currently have available: Commodes, Bath Benches, Rollator Walkers, Incontinence Supplies and Transport Wheelchairs (wheelchairs are intended for transport and are not self-propelling or self-breaking.) For additional information, or for an application, please contact Debby Higgins at 617-625-6600, ext. 2321.

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