Middlesex County District Attorney Marian Ryan and Massachusetts Secretary of state Bill Galvin paid a visit to Properzi Manor last week. The event was hosted by former Somerville Mayor Gene Brune, former Ward 3 Alderman Bob McWatters, and former Alderman At-Large Jack Connolly.

Arrests:
*

Brian Donnellan, August 20, 4:12 p.m., arrested at Assembly Row on a warrant charge of larceny over $1200.

Devin Newbery, August 20, 4:12 p.m., arrested at Assembly Row on a warrant charge of possession of a class E drug.

The easiest and best way to avoid WNV is to prevent mosquito bites.27

State health officials announce fourth case of West Nile virus in Massachusetts

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) today announced the fourth human case of West Nile virus (WNV) in the state this year. The person is a woman in her 50s from Middlesex County who was never hospitalized for her illness. Three other cases were reported on Friday.

Investigations conducted by state public health officials indicate that at least two of the four cases were exposed in the greater Boston area leading them to raise the risk level from moderate to high for 11 communities in the area. Those communities are Arlington, Boston, Belmont, Brookline, Cambridge, Chelsea, Everett, Medford, Newton, Somerville, and Watertown.

Although timelines are subject to change, current plans for construction of the Green Line Extension (GLX) call for the full closure of the Broadway Bridge, just east of Ball Square, for one full year beginning in late 2018. While the bridge is closed, detours will be in place for cars, bikes, pedestrians, and MBTA bus routes 80 and 89.

Please join City of Somerville staff, Ward 5 Alderman Mark Niedergang, Ward 6 Alderman Lance Davis, and representatives from the GLX team for a community meeting on Wednesday, August 29, at 6 p.m. to discuss the upcoming bridge closure and detour routes. The meeting will be held at the Somerville Community Baptist Church, 31 College Ave.

Carolynn Nagao-Marcotte, dementia certified Aging Life Care Manager for the CLO program at (SCES)

By Carolynn-Nagao Marcotte

Assisted Living can be a great option for older adults who are isolated or looking to downsize. But finding the assisted living situation that best fits your needs can be complicated; there are many factors to consider and the task can feel daunting when you first begin to familiarize yourself with the Assisted Living model.

It is a big decision, and getting it right can mean the difference between a successful transition to an enjoyable new lifestyle—or needing to relocate, either because a higher level of care is required or the assisted living  is just not the right fit. 

Zones aim to eliminate double-parking in traffic lanes and increase safety for all modes of transportation

In an effort to increase safety and reduce congestion in one of Somerville’s busiest squares, a passenger drop-off and pickup only zone has been established in Union Square. The pickup and drop-off zones are open to all users including the public, taxis, and ride share services. Parking and idling more than five minutes in the designated zones are prohibited. The spaces are located between 345 and 347 Somerville Ave. near the entrance to Bow Market.

L-R Standing: Bill Lemos, Eugene Brune, Federal Realty Assistant General Manager David Middleton, Darcie DeLuca, Regina Bertholdo, Somerville Schools Parent Information Center, Jim Bowdring, Julia Esko and Courtney O’Connor from Prospect Hill Academy; Seated: Kiwanis President Paul Upton, Program Chairperson Haley Adams, Assistant Chairperson Catia Aruda. ~ Photos courtesy of Somerville Kiwanis

On  August 16, the Somerville Kiwanis Club wrapped up their month-long drive to collect school supplies for local children in need. The program began in early July with donation collection boxes being placed at local businesses across the city where the supplies were collected. On two July weekends, Kiwanis members collected supplies donated by customers at Staples located at Assembly Square Marketplace. In addition, club members and corporate supporters donated more than $2000 in cash.

The Mayor’s Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development and 351 Summer LLC are pleased to announce an affordable homeownership opportunity for four (4) condos at 353 Summer Street for eligible households with a combined gross income at or below 80% or between 81 to 110% of the Area Median Income. Please see the sales prices and descriptions of the units below:

~Photos by Bobbie Toner

Union Square Farmers Market is back for its 14th season. With over forty vendors, a great lineup of musicians and bands, and community groups – it promises to be one of the best seasons yet.

Task Force will identify and recommend policies and safety improvements to be included in Vision Zero Action Plan.

The City of Somerville is seeking applicants for a newly formed Vision Zero Task Force. In September 2017, the City announced the launch of Vision Zero Somerville, reaffirming Somerville’s commitment to multi-modal road safety. The initiative will take a multi-department, data-driven approach to improving safety for all road users, whether on bicycles or on foot, in vehicles, or aboard public transit. The Task Force will explore potential policy and infrastructure changes the City may include in the upcoming Somerville Vision Zero Action Plan. Area experts willing to serve as occasional or one-time advisors are also sought for a wide range of knowledge areas from active transportation, traffic safety, public health, data analysis and visualization, and other relevant fields.