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.

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Interview with Doug Holder

I have always admired the work of Kate Snodgrass. I have attended and reviewed many of the plays she put on when she was the artistic director of the Boston Playwright’s Theatre. As a teacher myself, I can appreciate the work she has done hatching the minds and careers of many young theatre professionals.

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Howie Good’s newest book, Frowny Face, is a collection of his prose poems and handmade collages from Redhawk Publications. He co-edits the online journal UnLost, dedicated to found poetry.