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Rebekah GewirtzWard 6 Alderman, Somerville |
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Rebekah GewirtzWard 6 Alderman, Somerville |
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Welcome |
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I will periodically post helpful and informative news and links pertaining to Ward 6 Somerville. Please check back often.
Dear Friends,
Although you just received my Spring 2009 Community Newsletter there
are several events and important meetings in May that were not included as
I didn't have the dates at the time or I have since learned about them.
So I'm sending you another newsletter because I want to be sure you know
about them. This will be an abridged newsletter so as not to be
repetitive.
As always, if you have information you'd like me to share with others
through my e-newsletter, send me an email to rebekah@rcn.com.
Best wishes and happy May!
Rebekah
At the April 23, 2009 Board of Aldermen meeting the Tree Preservation Ordinance passed unanimously. This ordinance, which I sponsored and worked on collaboratively with Mayor Curtatone and his administration and other aldermen in the Legislative Matters Committee for over a year, will help us preserve our healthy public shade trees in the city. Specifically, the ordinance creates a brand new tree preservation committee that will advise the city on best practices with respect to our tree inventory; there is a new notice provision in the ordinance so if a healthy public shade tree is to come down in the city it won't happen without neighbors knowing about it; and there is a new tree preservation fund to support the purchase of new trees when others are removed. For more information about the new Tree Preservation Ordinance, please be in touch with me rebekah@rcn.com or you can contact city hall for a copy. Passage of this ordinance helps advance Somerville's reputation as a true "Tree City USA" and demonstrates how important local initiatives are to preserving the urban canopy and combatting global warming.
Arbor Day Celebration, Friday
May 1, 2009 at 10am at the West Somerville Neighborhood School, 177
Powderhouse Blvd.
The Arbor Day celebration will include two tree plantings in front of
the school grounds, as well as a brief ceremony acknowledging the renewal
of Somerville's "Tree City USA" status for the 14th consecutive year. The
Arbor Day tree plantings are part of the City's ongoing efforts to
increase overall tree cover and improve the health of the urban forest.
Somerville Open Studios May 2 and 3rd, 2009 throughout the city 12-
6pm both days.
Over 300 artists in over 100 venues will open their homes and studios
for the Eleventh Annual Somerville Open Studios Event. During this free
showcase for the arts, mid-career and emerging artists working across a
broad spectrum of fine art styles and craft media -- including painting,
photography, printmaking, sculpture, glass, fiber, jewelry, furniture and
ceramics - will exhibit their work to the public. For more detailed
information about Open Studios click here.
Shape Up Somerville Walk and Run Road Race, Sunday May 3, 2009
starting and ending at the Somerville High School concourse
Part of the Shape Up Somerville program, this event includes a kids'
Fun Run for children 12 and under beginning at 10:00 A.M and the 2.7-mile
adult road race begins at 11:00 A.M. There will be a Health &
Wellness Fair at the finish line. Registration fee for the kids' race is
$5, and adult fee is $20.
Spring Clean Up, Saturday, May 9, 2009 10am-12pm in locations around
the city.
For people living in Ward 6, meet in Davis Square. BBQ to follow at
Nunziato Field. (Rain date, May 10th.)
The cleanup will focus on the city's parks, community gardens,
schoolyards and grounds, and will be followed by a cookout for volunteers
at Nunziato Field. Meet Ward 6 School Committee member Paul Bockelman and
I at Statue Park at 10am to help clean up the area! Following the
Cleanup, the city will partner with Groundwork Somerville for their third
annual SomerGreen Festival, an eco-fair that features organizations and
community groups promoting green practices and strategies for healthy
living. All participating community members are invited to Nunziato Field
and the Community Growing center for a free community barbecue and
SomerGreen Festival.
Ward 6 Resistat Meeting, Wednesday May 20, 2009 7-9pm at the First
Congregational Church of Somerville, 89 College Ave.
Mayor Curtatone and I invite you to a discussion of city services and
neighborhood concerns at this neighborhood meeting in Duhamel Hall of the
church. The meeting will include a discussion of how the City's
administration and the Board of Aldermen are grappling with a spending gap
of almost $12 million dollars in the upcoming fiscal year's budget, which
starts July 1st. Please come and have your opinions heard. Contact me at
rebekah@rcn.com or Stephanie Hirsch
for more information or with questions: shirsch@somervillema.gov, 617-
625-6600 (ext. 2103).
HONK! Neighborhood meeting, May 28th, 2009 7-8:30 PM at the West
Branch Library in Davis Square, 40 College Ave.
The HONK festival returns October 9-11th in and around Davis Square. This community meeting will be about how you can get involved in helping to make HONK happen again. Check out www.honkfest.org for more information and for updates on the festival or contact Rand Wilson for questions about the community meeting: rand@mindspring.com.
Board of Aldermen
committee on Public Health and Public Safety will take up the issue of
Surveillance Cameras on Monday, May 4, 2009 7pm City Hall, 2nd
Floor
This meeting will be a follow up to the Public Hearing that was held on
March 31st on this issue. At the public hearing many members of the
public expressed their concern about the surveillance camera system
installed at various locations throughout the city. The committee, of
which I am a member and chaired by Alderman at Large Bill White, will be
taking follow up steps to address the issue at this upcoming meeting. The
meeting will not be another public hearing but it is, of course, open to
the public and I would encourage you to come if you're interested in this
topic.
Board of Aldermen committee on Rules will take up how the Board of
Aldermen does its business on Monday May 18, 2009 7pm City Hall, 2nd
Floor
This will not be a public hearing but the meeting is open to the
public. The committee will address the issue of whether or not
resolutions and citations should be kept privledged and confidential until
they are passed by the Board of Aldermen among other things.
Board of Aldermen committee on Licenses and Permits will take up
request of extended hours by Wing Works, Wednesday May 13, 2009 6pm
Wing Works on Cutter Ave has requested extended hours from the Board of Aldermen until 2am. What do you think? Come to this meeting or contact me in advance to let me know your opinion. rebekah@rcn.com or 617-718-0792.
Spring Reception to Support my Re-Election
Campaign
You're invited to a spring reception to support my re-election
campaign!
Where:Sagra Restaurant, 400 Highland Ave. Davis Square.
When:Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Time: 6-8pm
Light appetizers will be served
Suggested Donation is: $35, $75, $150 but if you're unable to make a
contribution please come as my guest anyway. $500 is the maximum
contribution allowed by law. Checks can be made to: Committee to Elect
Rebekah Gewirtz or on-line at www.rebekahgewirtz.org.
Committee to Elect Rebekah Gewirtz | 36 College Ave. #53 | Somerville |
MA | 02144
Do you have an event or issue you’d like me to discuss or advertise in my e-newsletter? If so, let me know! Send an email to me at rebekah@rcn.com or call 617- 718-0792.
Dear Friends,
I hope you are doing well and enjoying the beginning of spring after
such a long, cold winter. There are many upcoming events and activities
that may interest you and I've included them in this newsletter.
I've also continued the new section "Constituent Corner" in this email.
As always, I'm looking for your feedback. Part of how I effectively do
my job representing you is when I hear from you.. so please don't be shy
and let me know what you think!
If you have information you'd like me to share with others through my
e-newsletter, send me an email to rebekah@rcn.com.
Best wishes and happy spring,
Rebekah
Did you know The Burren was named one of the top 10 Irish pubs in the United States by Gayot.com? With the entire Board of Aldermen signing on, we will present a resolution congratulating The Burren at the April 23, 2009 Board of Aldermen meeting.
In this new section of my e-
newsletter, I'm looking to hear from you on important issues facing the
city. Click on the link at the end of each question and let me know what
you think! Getting your feedback on these issues is very important to me,
and I hope this new feature of my newsletter will encourage you to share
your thoughts, ideas, and concerns. As always, feel free to contact me via
email at rebekah@rcn.com or 617-718-
0792.
New preliminary proposal for Summer St...reasonable or not?
The developers of the parcel at the controversial site at 343 Summer
St, otherwise known as the Summer St shaft site, have come forward with a
new concept. This concept includes the possiblity of 30 new units on that
street and the VFW moving to a much smaller VFW building to be built on
the Summer St lot. What do you think of this preliminary idea? Click here to send me your response.
Animals in the circus...what do you think?
Ward 1 Alderman Bill Roche and I have proposed an ordinance that would ban wild animals in travelling circuses through Somerville. Cruelty to these animals has been widely documented. While circuses don't often come through this area, other neighboring cities and towns have passed similar resolutions. I'm curious to hear your thoughts on this issue. Click here to send me your response.
Davis Square Task
Force meeting, April 27, 2009 7-9pm 167 Holland St, Tufts Administration
Building
The Davis Square Task Force has been meeting for more than 25 years to
discuss development initiatives in Davis Square and to talk about general
community issues. The group is open to the public - all are welcome to
attend. If you have an item you would like to put on the agenda for this
meeting, please send it to me rebekah@rcn.com or to Monica Lamboy at
mlamboy@somervillema.gov.
Neighborhood discussion "Persevering Up Heartbreak Hill:A Panel to
Address Racism and White Privilege in the Communities and Congregations of
Somerville and Beyond" April 30, 2009 7-9pm
Sponsored by First Congregational Church of Somerville and taking place
at 89 College Ave in the church, this panel discussion will explore the
issue of racism in Somerville. Panelists will include Somerville Police
Chief Tony Holloway, Peggy McIntosh, Elena Latona, and Edith Guffey. All
are welcome to attend.
Davis Area Resident Business Initiative (DARBI) meeting, first
Wednesdays of the month. Next meeting: May 6, 2009 at 7pm at The Green
Tomato II
This group provides a great opportunity for residents and business
people in Davis Square to come together to talk about what's happening in
the square and issues that are important to you. For more information,
contact Dan O'Sullivan at medfield99@hotmail.com or Thalia
Tringo at tctringo@rcn.com.
Ward 6 Resistat Meeting, Wednesday May 20, 2009 7-9pm at the First
Congregational Church of Somerville, 89 College Ave.
Mayor Curtatone and I invite you to a discussion of city services and
neighborhood concerns at this neighborhood meeting in Duhamel Hall of the
church. The meeting will include a discussion of how the City's
administration and the Board of Aldermen are grappling with a spending gap
of almost $12 million dollars in the upcoming fiscal year's budget, which
starts July 1st. Please come and have your opinions heard. Contact me at
rebekah@rcn.com or Stephanie Hirsch
for more information or with questions: shirsch@somervillema.gov, 617-625
-6600 (ext. 2103).
HONK! Neighborhood meeting, May 28th, 2009 7-8:30 PM at the West
Branch Library in Davis Square, 40 College Ave.
The HONK festival returns October 9-11th in and around Davis Square. This community meeting will be about how you can get involved in helping to make HONK happen again. Check out www.honkfest.org.for more information and for updates on the festival or contact Rand Wilson for questions about the community meeting: rand@mindspring.com.
All America City Fundraiser
sponsored by the Somerville Chamber of Commerce, April 16, 2009 6-9pm at
the Holiday Inn in East Somerville
Somerville has been selected as a finalist for the All America City
contest. This fundraiser is to help raise money for community members to
attend and participate in the event where the winner will be selected in
Tampa, Florida. Click this link for details. Hope to see you there!
Patriot's Day and Paul Revere's Ride through Somerville, April 20,
2009 10am, Foss Park
The city's Patriot's Day celebration will be on Monday, April 20th
beginning at 10 a.m. The events of the day are co-sponsored by the
Preservation Commission, Historic Somerville, Somerville Museum, East
Somerville Main Streets, Foss Park Neighborhood Association, and Shape up
Somerville. There will be colonial games and songs, light refreshments,
speeches, and a visit from Paul Revere on horseback on his historic ride
from Boston to Lexington through Somerville. Attendees are also encouraged
to dress in traditional Colonial attire. For more information contact
Brandon Wilson with the Historic Preservation Commission at 617-625-
6600.
Homeless Coalition Fundraiser "Under the Roof", Saturday April 25,
2009 6:30pm at the Armory on Highland Ave.
This annual benefit known this year as "Under the Roof" is to support
the amazing work of the Somerville Homeless Coalition. The night's
honoree will be Mark Winkeller of Caritas Communities and food is care of
Red Bones. For tickets and to learn more, click here.
Save our Homes Walk to benefit the Somerville Community Corporation,
Sunday April 26, 2009 2pm at City Hall
This annual walk benefits the Somerville Community Corporation and is
organized by the Affordable Housing Organizing Committee of the SCC or
AHOC. For more details or to join in the walk, click here.
Living Green Festival organized by Somerville Climate Action.
Saturday, May 16, 2009 10am-2pm at Somerville High School
Join fellow Somerville community-members to learn skills and techniques
for going green, including making your home more energy-efficient,
reducing what ends up in your trash, growing food in small spaces,
maintaining and fixing your bike, the ins and outs of properly insulating
your house, and more!
Celebrate Somerville going green through food, music, presentations by local school children and community groups, and a raffle filled with great earth friendly prizes! Lots of kids activities and games including the Earth-pinata. For more information contact vanessarule@gmail.com.
Tree
Preservation Ordinance will be taken up before the Board of Alderman
Legislative Matters Committee on Tuesday, April 14, 2009 at 7pm at City
Hall, 2nd Floor committee room
Last year, working with the administration and members of the
Legislative Matters Committee, we filed a Tree Preservation Ordinance that
would protect healthy street trees throughout the city. The proposed Tree
Preservation Ordinance would require more adequate notice to neighbors and
a replacement tree planted when a healthy tree is removed. Another key
provision is that a tree preservation committee would be created to advise
the city on the trees that make the most sense to plant in our urban
environment and to provide guidance on how to preserve already existing
trees. If you're interested, I encourage you to come to this meeting. To
learn all of the specifics of the legislation send me an email to rebekah@rcn.com.
Housing and Community Development Meeting about Maintenance
Facility, Green Line Extension, and the 2008-2013 Open Space Plan, Tuesday
April 21, 2009 6pm at City Hall
We will continue to explore the issue of the green line extension and
the location of the maintenance facility at this meeting. Expected at
this meeting are representatives from the Mayor's Office of Strategic
Planning and Community Development and other interested members of the
public. We will also be voting on approval of the city's Open Space plan.
Everyone is welcome to attend this meeting and I'd encourage you to come
if you'd like to learn more. For more information contact me rebekah@rcn.com.
Surveillance Cameras meeting of the Board of Aldermen committee on
Public Health and Public Safety...
The public hearing on this issue happned on March 31st and was very well attended. Many commuinty members provided insightful comments and concerns about the program. The next meeting of the Public Health and Public Safety committee where we will take up this issue will be scheduled and I will let you know when that date will be. Stay tuned!
Home Energy Savings for Renters: FREE
Energy Saving Seminar offered by The City of Somerville and Somerville
Climate Action Tuesday April 14th, 6:30 PM Somerville City Hall, 93
Highland Avenue
-Want to reduce your home energy costs?
-Looking for cheap, do-it-yourself solutions?
-Interested in energy savings rebates and tax credits?
You'll learn about all this and more by attending a FREE Seminar: Home
Energy Savings for Renters.
Presenters will illustrate hands-on tips, indicate which actions are most
cost effective, and provide free educational materials for everyone
attending. For more information, please contact David Lutes at 617-625-
6600, x2106 or dlutes@somervillema.gov.
B2Green Expo, Thursday May 7, 2009 4-5:30pm at the Holiday Inn in
East Somerville Washington St.
Organized by GoGreen Somerville, the Somerville Chamber of Commerce,
and the City of Somerville.
-Find out what businesses in Somerville are doing to go green
-Meet green service providers
-Make new connections with other businesses and non-profit to make
Somerville a greener community!
This is a business to business event. For more information contact
Vanessa Rule at vanessarule@gmail.com.
Committee to Elect Rebekah Gewirtz | 36 College Ave. #53 | Somerville |
MA | 02144
Do you have an event or issue you’d like me to discuss or advertise in my e-newsletter? If so, let me know! Send an email to me at rebekah@rcn.com or call 617- 718-0792.
Dear Friends,
I hope you had a great holiday season and that you're managing through
this cold, snowy winter. If you are having problems with walks in your
neighborhood that aren't shovelled, please contact 311 or me at rebekah@rcn.com. But as we look out
past winter and start thinking about spring, I wanted to tell you about
some things going on around Ward 6 and throughout the city that might
interest you.
I've also added a new section to my newsletter called the "Constituent
Corner". In this section I'll ask a couple of questions about pressing
issues and I'm looking for your feedback. Part of how I effectively do my
job representing you is when I hear from you.. so please don't be shy and
let me know what you think!
And as always, if you have information you'd like me to share with
others through my e-newsletter, send me an email to rebekah@rcn.com.
Best wishes,
Rebekah
Did you know that there are approximately 130 locally owned independent
businesses in Davis and Ball Square combined, according to Somerville
Local First? Local First is launching a new campaign to encourage people
to shift 10% of their shopping dollars to locally-owned retailers, which
will help keep millions of dollars in the local economy. I'm happy to let
you know that recently I became the first elected official in New England
to sign the 10% Shift pledge. I hope additional support for the campaign
will raise awareness about why it's so important to support locally owned
and operated businesses. For more information on Somerville Local First
or to get involved, check out Somerville
Local First or click on the icon above. Or contact Executive Director
Joe Grafton at somervillelocalfirst@gmail.co
m.
I encourage YOU to sign on to the 10% shift pledge as well!
In this brand new section of my e-newsletter, I'm looking to hear from
you on important issues facing the city. Click on the link at the end of
each question and let me know what you think! Getting your feedback on
these issues is very important to me, and I hope this new feature of my
newsletter will encourage you to share your thoughts, ideas, and concerns.
As always, feel free to contact me via email at rebekah@rcn.com or 617-718-0792.
Surveillance Cameras...What's your take?
In August 2008, the city installed several video surveillance cameras
at undisclosed locations throughout the city, with funds from the
Department of Homeland Security.
These cameras started taping activity in October 2008 and it is unclear
what's happening to this information or who is watching it. What do you
think about these cameras? Are you concerned about your civil liberties
or do you feel they keep us safe? Click
here to send me your response.
Golden Light and Extended Hours in the City...What time is
reasonable?
Recently there has been controversy on the Board of Aldermen around the
Golden Light restaurant's operating hours. The restaurant has been in
business for 28 years and has just recently been told they must comply
with city laws limiting their hours.
Any establishment serving only food must go to the Board of Aldermen to
extend their hours beyond 12am. The Licenses and Permits committee is
working on a feasible city wide policy. What do you think the hours for
food restaurants should be in a Central Business District like Davis
Square? Click here to send me your
response.
Mass Phone Book Distribution...Wasteful or Useful?
At the last Board of Aldermen meeting, Alderman Desmond and I put in a resolution requesting the city solicitor advise us on how to curtail blanket phone book distribution throughout the city. We're concerned about the environmental impact. I'm curious what you think. Should the phone companies distribute phone books thoughout the city or should they be distributed upon request? Click here to send me your response.
This group provides a great opportunity for residents and business
people in Davis Square to come together to talk about what's happening in
the square and issues that are important to you. The owner of Green Tomato
will graciously serve complimentary food for the meeting. For more
information, contact Dan O'Sullivan at medfield99@hotmail.com or Thalia
Tringo at tctringo@rcn.com.
Davis Square Task Force meeting, February 23, 2009 7-9pm 167 Holland
St, Tufts Administration Building
The Davis Square Task Force has been meeting for more than 25 years to discuss development initiatives in Davis Square and to talk about general community issues. The group is open to the public - all are welcome to attend. If you have an item you would like to put on the agenda for this meeting, please send it to me rebekah@rcn.com or to Monica Lamboy at mlamboy@somervillema.gov.
We will continue to explore the issue of the green line extension and
the location of the maintenance facility at this meeting. Expected at
this meeting are representatives from the Mayor's Office of Strategic
Planning and Community Development and other interested members of the
public. Everyone is welcome to attend this meeting and I'd encourage you
to come if you'd like to learn more. For more information contact me rebekah@rcn.com.
Alderman meeting where we will take up the issue of extension of
Golden Light's hours, Thursday February 12, 2009 @ 7pm at City Hall
At the last meeting of the Licenses and Permits Committee, the
committee determined Golden Light's hours should be returned to 1am
Sunday-Thurs and 2am on Fri and Sat. I supported this and advocated for
it. I've heard from many constituents in favor of the restaurant
including more than 30 residents of Ciampa Manor who signed a petition
supporting these hours. At the meeting of the Board of Aldermen on Feb
12th the board will vote on whether to accept the committee's
recommendation. All are welcome to attend Board of Aldermen meetings so
feel free to come to city hall for this. For more information, let me
know.
Tree Preservation Ordinance will be taken up before the Board of
Alderman Legislative Matters Committee on Tuesday, Febraury 24, 2009 at
7pm at City Hall, 2nd Floor committee room
Last year, I proposed a Tree Preservation Ordinance that would protect
healthy street trees throughout the city. This ordinance has been debated
in the Legislative Matters committee of the Board of Aldermen for many
months and the situation involving an old Willow tree on Thorndike St has
gotten many neighbors excited about the ordinance. The proposed Tree
Preservation Ordinance would require more adequate notice to neighbors and
a replacement tree planted when a healthy tree is removed. Another key
provision is that a tree preservation committee would be created to advise
the city on the trees that make the most sense to plant in our urban
environment and to provide guidance on how to preserve already existing
trees. There will be a neighborhood meeting about the ordinance on
Monday night 2/2 at 7pm and the next meeting before the Legislative
Matters Committee about the ordinance will be on February 24th at city
hall. If you're interested, I encourage you to come. To learn all of the
specifics of the legislation or if you want to attend the neighborhood
meeting (though I realize it's short notice for those just learning about
it!) send me an email.
Condo Conversion Ordinance Public Hearing, March 3, 2009 at 7pm at
City Hall
The Legislative Matters committee of the Board of Aldermen will hold a
public hearing about this proposed ordinance. The new, improved ordinance
is the product of more than 16 months of work by a task force that I
chaired at the request of the mayor. The task force included two
representatives of the real estate community and two representatives from
the tenant advocacy community as well as a city attorney, the Housing
Department, and a staff person from the Mayor's office of Strategic
Planning and Community Development. I would urge anyone interested to
come to the public hearing. The mayor's office has also held a series of
briefings on the ordinance over the past several months. For more
information on the ordinance, go to the front page of the city website or
just click here.
Surveillance Cameras Public Hearing before the Board of Aldermen
committee on Public Health and Public Safety, March 31, 2009 7pm at City
Hall
I'm curious to hear your thoughts about surveillance cameras throughout Somerville and I'm very glad the Public Health and Public Safety committee, chaired by Alderman White, will hold a hearing on this issue. At the hearing I hope to learn more about the benefits and consequences of these devices. If you have an opinion about the cameras, this hearing is a great chance for you to have your voice heard. For information about some of my concerns, check out the Somerville Journal article by clicking here.
Also, go to the Constituent Corner and let me know what you think!
The Democratic Caucuses to elect delegates to the state convention is
coming up! All wards will hold their caucuses at the Argenziano School.
All wards will have their caucus at 7pm, with the exception of Ward 5, which will hold their caucus at 8pm. The state convention will be in Springfield in June this year. For more information on the Somerville Democratic City Committee or the caucuses, check out www.somdems.org.
Come join the Somerville Recreation Department in bringing our very
popular Somertime Program indoors at the West Somerville Neighborhood
School
8:30am-4:00pm
February 17th-20th (Tuesday through Friday)
Cost: $80.00 for the week (Breakfast included)
Board games, Movies, Dodge ball, Pizza, DJ, Field trip, Arts &
Crafts, and much more!!!
Please call Somerville Recreation for more information at 617-625-6600
ext. 2980
Charles River Alleycats will hold a low cost spay/neuter and
vaccination clinic in Somerville
Saturday February 14, 2009. As a Valentine's Day Special, cost is $65
and includes spay/neuter surgery and rabies shot. Space is limited and
advance registration is required. Call 617-244-0200 and leave a message
including your name, address, telephone and the sex of your cat (male or
female). Or send an email to charlesriveralleycat
s_general@yahoo.com. Your call will be returned within 2-3 days with
more information and the location of the clinic.
Do you have an event or issue you’d like me to discuss or advertise in my e-newsletter? If so, let me know! Send an email to me at rebekah@rcn.com or call 617- 718-0792.