Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone, the Somerville Health & Human Services, and Somerville Police and Fire Departments announced today that, in collaboration with the efforts of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the “National Prescription Drug Take-Back” program, Somerville will celebrate “National Prescription Drug Take Back Day” on Saturday, October 27, 2018 from 10 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. The focus of the national event is to raise awareness about preventing prescription drug abuse, pollution, and theft by properly disposing of unwanted medications safely.

Mayor Joseph Curtatone, Superintendent of Schools Mary Skipper, and Director of Parks & Recreation Jill Lathan announced this month that, following approval by the Somerville School Committee of a draft Memorandum of Understanding, the Somerville Parks and Recreation Department will take over operations and programming at the Kennedy School pool, formerly operated by the Somerville School District. The shift in management hopes to bring more oversight of pool operations, streamlined processes for events and programs, and additional support to existing staff.

After a decades-long distinguished career in community planning and economic development, including seven years at the helm of the City’s Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development (OSPCD), Michael Glavin has announced his retirement. Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone has named the City’s current nationally respected Director of Planning George Proakis the new Executive Director of OSPCD.

Beginning in January 2019, the 109-year-old West Branch Library will undergo renovations to expand and enhance programming and resources, community space, and operations, following a lengthy community process which culminated earlier this year. The West Branch Library will close to the general public in mid-November to provide time for staff to prepare for the renovation.

All interested community members are invited to join the City of Somerville’s Urban Forestry Division and the Mystic River Watershed Association for a series of community planting events in November, at locations in East Somerville and Ten Hills. 

Learn more at https://www.somervillema.gov/events/2018/12/06/conway-park-contamination...

Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone announced today that current Deputy Director of Libraries, Cathy Piantigini, has been appointed as the city’s newest Library Director, effective December 3, 2018. Piantigini has worked in the Somerville Public Libraries in various roles for 25 years, beginning as a Junior Assistant at the East Branch Library in 1993. Piantigini succeeds Glenn Ferdman as Library Director.

Somerville Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone is not expected to attend public events or work from his office at City Hall for the next few weeks due to a severe case of the shingles virus. 

Mayor Curtatone was recently hospitalized with the shingles virus, which is the same as the virus that causes chickenpox. The illness, which nearly one-third of adults experience in their lifetime, is not life-threatening though it can be quite painful, and in rare cases, the inner ear and facial nerves are affected, as is the case with Mayor Curtatone.

The City of Somerville’s Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development (OSPCD) invites all interested community members to an information session on Wednesday, December 12, to discuss upcoming renovations to Foss Park, planned by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR). The meeting will be held at the East Somerville Community School, 50 Cross St., from 6 to 8 p.m.