Proposed budget delivers major investments in youth, affordability, and infrastructure, with equity and sustainability at the core

Mayor Katjana Ballantyne today submitted Somerville’s Fiscal Year 2024 budget proposal, directing $337.4 million toward key investments in the provision of city services and programs and the advancement of community priorities. Expanding on last year’s focus on building a foundation for progress, this budget prioritizes investments in the resources needed to serve all residents and meet the community’s ambitious goals, from supporting youth, seniors, and vulnerable residents to advancing affordability, taking on infrastructure challenges, developing equity across all functions, and pursuing sustainability goals.

James J. Campano– Of Somerville, passed away on Saturday, May 20, 2023. He was 82.

Born in Boston and raised in Boston’s West End. He was the son of the late Frank and Mary (Mikonis)Campano. James’s career was full of life. He was the founder and writer for the West Ender Newsletter, which he founded in 1985.  He was not only a successful writer, but he also had a few TV shows on the Somerville Access Television Channel, worked for the democratic party for 12 years and was also the cofounder of the West End Museum.  Jim was also published on the Front page of the Wall Street Journal in the year 2000 for keeping the West End history alive. He was also the president of the Old West End Housing Corp. Jim was a family man and loved his family.

— Photos by Devon Moos

The Curl Bar located on 76 Cross Street celebrated their two year anniversary by hosting a wonderful block party on Flint Street on Sunday, May 21. Toriah Mimms, owner of the Curl Bar, used the block party to highlight other small, minority-owned businesses during the event. The Curl Bar celebrates curly hair and all hair textures are welcomed and celebrated in a safe and judgement free curly space.

Monday, May 29, Memorial Day, is a holiday. City buildings will be closed.

Trash, recycling and yard waste collection will be delayed by one day.

No street sweeping on Monday.

This live session took place on Wednesday, May 17. For more information about the City of Somerville’s Public Safety for All initiative, visit https://somervillema.gov/psfa.

Lyndell’s Bakery is extremely proud to announce that thanks to the generosity of its customers, the $100,000 goal of the Sean Collier Memorial Scholarship Fund was met after this past Marathon weekend in April.

33 students from classes of 2023 and 2024 qualify; 8 students qualify for the Seal of Biliteracy with Distinction

Top row: Eduardo Mazariegos, Gabriela Cabre-Jockovich, Bryan Recinos, Ana Luna  Maldonado CloughertyBottom row: Shital Oli, Edgar Flores Ramos, Gricela Mendez, Gabriela Mendoza

The Somerville Public Schools district is proud to announce that 22 seniors and 11 juniors from Somerville High School will earn the prestigious Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Seal of Biliteracy. Students qualify for the Seal through testing, then earn the Seal upon graduation. The Seal of Biliteracy is a statement of accomplishment for future employers and for college admissions and will appear on their transcripts and diplomas. Students also receive a physical medal, which they wear over their robes at graduation. 

Mayor Katjana Ballantyne and the Department of Veterans’ Services are pleased to announce Somerville’s Memorial Day parade will return this year on Sunday, May 28 (rain date: May 29).

By William C. Shelton

Last week the Dormition of the Virgin Mary, Somerville’s Greek Orthodox Church, celebrated another milestone in its century-long mission of communion and community. Although the Church has been planning a renovation for six years, a September 2021 a fire resulted in extensive smoke and water damage to the church’s interior and its electrical system.

SHS Girls Varsity Softball took on Matignon at Trum Field. It was an exciting, high scoring affair that came down to the wire. Somerville bats were alive in the bottom of the seventh but the Highlanders came up short, losing to Matignon 14-10. — Photos by Alex Fredette. To see more photos from this game visit: https://alexfredette.smugmug.com/Softball/SHS-SB-Matignon/