Life in the Ville by Jimmy Del Ponte

Now that Memorial Day is in the rear window, as the unofficial the start of summer I wanted to make this summer memorable. It will include a couple of nights at old Orchard Beach in Maine for sure. Everything else is up in the air which is not bad. Especially since I’m retired I don’t have to get up and go to work thankfully.

— Photos by Claudia Ferro

SomerStreets: Carnaval returned to East Somerville for its fourteenth year with free activities and entertainment on Sunday, June 2, 2024.  Then event included a parade, delicious food, family activities, over 30 vendors, live music, and performances from Esh Circus, Grooversity, Capoeira, Timba Messengers. SomerStreets is Somerville’s annual series of street festivals that close busy streets to cars and open them to the community. SomerStreets: Carnaval is hosted by the Somerville Arts Council and East Somerville Main Streets.

The proposed Safe Streets ordinance would address the needs of non-drivers on Somerville city streets.

By Parker Garlough

The Somerville City Council’s Legislative Matters Committee recommended that the Somerville City Council pass the Safe Streets ordinance, which would require that the needs of non-drivers are accounted for in street enhancement projects, and that Somerville would construct 29 miles of separated bike lanes by 2030.

Senator Patricia Jehlen (D- Somerville) is happy to announce the Massachusetts Senate has unanimously approved a $57.999 billion budget for Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25). Following robust and spirited debate, the Senate adopted over 400 amendments, and took 43 roll call votes. A fire alarm Thursday night delayed the final vote till shortly after midnight on Friday.

Somerville Parks and Recreation and The Dojo at Somernova co-hosted the first indoor Teen Summer Fair this past Friday, May 31. In partnership, they were able to offer a variety of entertainment including an extreme bouncy house, Photo Booth, henna tattoos, photo key chains, video game tournament, scavenger hunt, live permeates including the SHS Step Team, and a variety of ways to win prizes. There was also catered food from the Neighborhood Restaurant, Daddy Jones Restaurant and Bar, and Leone’s Pizza and Subs.

Mayor Ballantyne submitted the FY25 Budget to the City Council on Thursday, May 30. The upcoming meetings to discuss the budget can be viewed on the city’s website. The next meeting will be Thursday, June 6, at 6:00 p.m., the City Council Committee will be conducted via remote participation. This meeting will include the budgets for Health and Human Services, Inspectional Services, Emergency Management, Fire, Fire Alarm, Police, Animal Control, and E-911.You can view the meeting live and find meeting materials at the following link: https://somervillema.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx.

Whether you want to learn more about local history, meet your neighbors, or simply get outside, we would love to have you join the 2024 Somerville Docent Program.

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This dish is perfect for any hot summer day and can be served either hot or cold. Not only that, it can be ready in under 30 minutes, or be made ahead and can be assembled within minutes. This salad packs great flavors and texture with a kick of heat. Certainly, a new favorite in my house. Serves 4.

Mayor Ballantyne has submitted her proposed budget for the fiscal year 2025. City officials must now work together to hammer out a final budget, one that comes as close as possible to serving the wants and needs of as many of us as is practical and doable.