Rebekah Gewirtz

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Winter News 2011...into 2012

Dear Neighbors and Friends,

I hope you had a happy Thanksgiving celebration and are ready for the holiday season to begin in full swing. I want to start off this newsletter by thanking you very much for your support in the election on November 8th. Thanks to you, I was re-elected to serve a fourth term on the Somerville Board of Aldermen. I am looking forward to returning to the Board and working with you to continue to shine a light on local government and advocate for the advancement of our community.

In this e-newsletter you will find information about upcoming events and happenings both in the community and at city hall. If you have events you would like me to include in a future e-newsletter, please send me an email to: rebekah.gewirtz@gmail.com.

Best wishes to all for a happy and healthy New Year!
Rebekah

Ward 6 Fun Fact

Midnight Madness is coming to Davis Square for the third year in a row THIS Thursday, December 1st, 6pm-12am!

Midnight Madness is sponsored by the Davis Area Resident Business Initiative (DARBI). founded in 2006. All community members are welcome to join DARBI.

Constituent Corner

In this section of my e-newsletter, I'm looking to hear from you on important issues facing the city right now. I hope this feature of my newsletter will encourage you to share your thoughts, ideas, and concerns with me. Please share your responses with me via email at Rebekah.Gewirtz@gmail.com or 617-718-0792.

1. Proposed Charter School for Somerville
   Recently, a proposal has been presented to the state to create a new Charter School in Somerville. I'm concerned about the funding formula for charter schools. If this new school were approved, approximately $5 million would come out of our district to go to fund the charter school - possibly resulting in the closing of one or more elementary schools here in the city. There will be a public hearing on this proposal on Wednesday Dec 14th 4-6pm at Somerville High School. What's your take on a new charter school coming to Somerville? Click here for more information.
2. Cabot Farm building on Broadway near Powderhouse Rotary
   Recently, I drove by this old, run down building and shook my head. It is in such terrible disrepair. It's my understanding that a new owner may be on the horizon. If you could redevelop this building, what would you see it become?
3. Red Line shut down in Davis Sq on the weekends
   Starting earlier this month, the MBTA closed the Red Line on Saturdays and Sundays from Harvard to Alewife in order to perform needed repairs. I'm interested in hearing from residents and business owners about whether this change has impacted your shopping or dining habits or your business. Click here for an article about our city's efforts to encourage the T to initiate a campaign supporting local Davis Square businesses.

   In response to the weekend closure, the Somerville Chamber of Commerce is also launching a new site: http://www.shopinsomerville.com/

   One thing that gives me some piece of mind is the reliability of MBTA shuttle service. I have found shuttles are a reliable, quick way to travel. Has this situation changed your shopping habits or weekend activities? Send me an email and let me know.

4. Single Stream Recycling - what's your take on the roll out?
   Single stream recycling (also known as Zero Sort) was rolled out citywide this fall. Have you found that it makes recycling simpler? Did you get too many or too few bins? The more I know about your experiences the better I can advocate for improvements, if needed.
5. Local Hiring Ordinance for Somerville
   This fall, the Somerville Community Corporation and other interested residents have worked hard to advance a Local Hiring Ordinance in the city. In our region, Boston has something similar. I have expressed concern that if other cities like Cambridge passed a local hiring ordinance, it could hurt our Somerville workers when they seek construction jobs in that city. On the flip side, the ordinance would apply to companies who have received a city subsidy and the ordinance seeks a "goal" of 30% local hiring not a hard and fast requirement. What's your take on this proposal? For news stories about the ordinance click here and here.

Community Events and News

Midnight Madness comes to Davis Square
Thursday December 1, 2011 from 6pm-12am at participating stores throughout Davis Square
Some businesses will offer coupons or specials to shoppers during the event. At least 14 local businesses, primarily retail stores and restaurants, will take part this year. Confirmed participants include Dave's Fresh Pasta, Magpie, Artifaktori, Kickass Cupcakes, Davis Squared, When Pigs Fly, The Boston Shaker, Suneri, Johnny D's Uptown Restaurant and Music Club, Buffalo Exchange, Found, Comicazi and Sunshine Lucy's. In addition, Zipcar will have a special booth set up in Statue Park throughout the event. Plus, Thalia Tringo Real Estate will host an art opening, "Elements and Artifacts," featuring photographs by T.L. Litt and food and drink from local eateries.

Annual Tree Lighting
Thursday December 1, 2011 at 5:30 PM at the City Hall Concourse 93 Highland Avenue
This annual family friendly event includes a special visit from Santa, caroling by the Somerville Community Chorus, Holiday music by the Somerville High School Band, a Kick off for the Toys for Local Children Campaign and festive fun and holiday refreshments

Somerville High School Department of Music Presents its Winter Concert
Thursday, December 8, 2011 at 7pm in the Somerville High School Auditorium
Come and enjoy the SHS Dance Club, Orchestra, Chorus, Band, World Percussion Ensemble, and Guitar Ensembles! Tickets are free and available in the main office or at the door! Please come and support our student musicians.

The Somerville Community Chorus will join with The Community Gospel Choir for its 2011 Holiday Concert at First Church Somerville UCC, 89 College Ave. on Saturday, December 10, 2011 at 3:00 PM.

The program will feature Benjamin Britten's A Ceremony of Carols and Christmas carols from around the world. All are welcome to attend for this holiday celebration. For more information visit www.somervillechorus.org. or call: 617-741-4053.

City of Somerville's 2011 Council on Aging Christmas Party
Tuesday Dec 13th from 11am-2pm
This year's annual event will be held at the Somerville's Winter Hill Yacht Club located at 78 Foley Street in Somerville. For more information and reservations contact the Council on Aging office at (617)625-6600

Illuminations Trolley Tour
Saturday, December 17th, with 27 tours departing from the City Hall Concourse beginning at 4:30pm
The 45-minute tours visit Somerville neighborhoods with holiday lights displays. Tours leave from (and return to) Somerville City Hall where coffee, hot chocolate, and cookies are served. Entertainment at City Hall includes choral music, courtesy of the Somerville Community Chorus and craft activities for children. Trolley Tour tickets will be available at the Blue Cloud Gallery, 713 Broadway, beginning Wednesday, December 1st. Tickets are $10.00 for adults and $5.00 for children and seniors. For more information visit www.somervilleartscouncil.org.

Grand Union Flag Raising
New Year's Day in Prospect Hill Park in Union Square
The nation's first flag was raised in Somerville in 1776. At noon, all are invited to a celebration of the 236th anniversary of that momentous event.

Inauguration of Aldermen and the Mayor at City Hall/ Somerville High School Auditorium
January 2, 2012 at 6pm
All are welcome to attend the inauguration of both newly elected officials and returning ones. This event typically starts in City Hall at 5pm with organizational meetings of both the School Committee and the Board of Aldermen and then moves to the Somerville High School Auditorium at 6pm for the ceremony, speeches, and refreshments.

Spotlight on a Local Business

Somerville Local First
Somerville Local First is a small local business all unto itself! This terrific organization supports locally owned, independent businesses throughout Somerville. Founded several years ago, Executive Director Joe Grafton has raised the profile of this small organization, which now has a convincing and important voice on local issues impacting our community. In particular, Somerville Local First is working hard on the Responsible Walmart campaign. To learn more about their activities, click here.

Announcements

Somerville Homeless Coalition Coat Drive going on now!
Bring your donations to the Somerville Homeless Coalition offices at 1 Davis Sq. (side door of building with CVS). For more information about donating to or volunteering with the Somerville Homeless Coalition, check out their website.

Annual Christmas Tree Sale to benefit Next Wave and Full Circle Alternative Schools in Somerville at Foss Park Tree lot Dec 2-Dec 22, M-Fri 4-8pm and Sat-Sun 10am-8pm.

Celebrate the season and contribute to the healthy development of Somerville students by purchasing a tree or wreath at the Foss Park Tree lot. Christmas trees cost between $19 and $49, depending on size and type. Wreaths cost $15. For more information about these schools and their work to help students succeed, check out their website.