Big Sister Kristen with Little Wild — Photo courtesy of Kristen Erekson

This winter, Somerville resident and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Massachusetts (BBBSEM) volunteer mentor, Kristen Erekson, is celebrating her 19 years of cumulative mentorship in a BIG way. Erekson, a long time Big Sister and BBBSEM Board of Advisor member, is holding a 19-day donation challenge from December 13 through December 31 in which she will match up to $19,000 in financial contributions to support BBBSEM’s year-round one-to-one youth mentoring programs.

Councilor-At-Large Jake Wilson is launching a campaign for mayor in the 2025 Somerville municipal election. A two-term Councilor-At-Large, Wilson is looking to bring accessible, collaborative, and decisive leadership to the job.

With a focus on innovative problem solving and communication, Wilson’s time on the City Council has seen him serve as the chair of the Finance Committee since 2022. As Finance chair, he has overseen and overhauled the annual budget review and introduced a new process for the council to identify its top shared budget priorities. Prior to his election to the City Council, Wilson worked in journalism and communications before moving into community non-profit administration in 2017. 

Phase 1 will affect six bus routes where service will increase by 60%. Four Frequent Bus Routes will operate every 15 minutes or better. MBTA staff will be at key bus stops and stations through December 20 to assist riders with information and support.

The MBTA is reminding riders that Phase 1 of Bus Network Redesign (BNR) will launch this Sunday, December 15, and will change bus routes 104, 109, 86, 116, 117, and 110. The MBTA’s Bus Network Redesign is a major initiative of the Better Bus Project aimed at improving bus service reliability, frequency, and connectivity throughout the region. Phase 1 introduces significant service changes to six bus routes serving the communities of Chelsea, Everett, Revere, Malden, Somerville, Cambridge, Allston, Brighton, and East Boston. The Phase 1 changes will increase service by 60% on these routes and establish several Frequent Bus Routes, which will operate every 15 minutes or less. These changes add a new one-seat bus ride from Malden and Everett to Airport and a new direct connection to the Red and Green Lines. Riders can find complete information on these service upgrades at mbta.com/Phase1.

Sunday, December 15, the annual Jingle Bell Run road race will be held in and around the Davis, Teele, and Ball square areas.

Detours will be in place around the starting line on Elm St. in Davis Square. Please observe posted signage.

Firearm Arrest
24076085: On 12/7/24 at approximately 7:21 a.m., Somerville Police responded to 30 Washington St. for a report of two males who exited a vehicle and left it parked in the roadway. Upon arrival, officers observed the two males walking away from the vehicle and inside to the Holiday Inn. Officers conducted a plain-view inspection of the vehicle and observed one 40 cal. bullet inside. Officers then approached the males who appeared nervous and began to reject officers’ commands. Detectives on scene, conducted a search of the area and located a loaded firearm under a nearby vehicle. Both males were subsequently placed under arrest.

Thank you to everyone who came out to the Toy Drive over the weekend. We had a great time meeting new friends and your donations are truly appreciated. This upcoming weekend is the last for the “Fill The Cruiser” Toy Drive benefitting families of the Mystic Learning Center. Officers will be at Target on this weekend, Saturday (12 – 8 p.m.), and Sunday (12 – 8 p.m.).

— Somerville Police Department