Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: Somerville Police Warn Against Gold Bar Scam

Spotted on the Somerville calendar: Cultural Survival Bazaar

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Saturday December 13th Patch AM
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Hey there, Somerville! Let's get started with what's happening in and around town. Read on and stay in the loop. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • Somerville seniors targeted in sophisticated gold bar scam, police warn
  • How Somerville’s expanded warming center could help vulnerable neighbors this winter
  • Will Somerville opt in to on-site cannabis lounges and events?

Also on today's calendar: Cultural Survival Bazaar and 12 more events.

Find out what's happening in Somervillefor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Today's riddle: What did the boat dock say when it was arrested? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

Find out what's happening in Somervillefor free with the latest updates from Patch.

  • Saturday: Mainly cloudy, with a high of 37 and low of 28 degrees.
  • Sunday: Snow and flurries, up to 1", temps: high: 31, low: 14. ⛄️ Brr!
  • Monday: Sun, then clouds; cold, with a high of 29 and low of 23 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Somerville Police Warn Against Gold Bar Scam (patch.com) — Somerville police are alerting residents, especially older adults, about a scam where fraudsters urge victims to convert their savings into gold bars, then send couriers to collect the valuables. The warning follows multiple recent reports from Somerville seniors and broader FBI data showing millions lost across New England, with Massachusetts residents heavily affected. Locals are urged to be skeptical of urgent computer alerts about protecting their finances.
   

2. Somerville Expands Winter Warming Center To Accommodate 45 Adults Nightly (magic983.com) — Somerville has expanded its overnight winter warming center at the old Cummings School on Prescott Street to 45 beds, operating nightly through April 12, 2026. Adults experiencing homelessness can access hot meals, safe sleeping space, and on-site housing support, while families with children are directed to the city’s Office of Housing Stability. Residents are encouraged to donate supplies or gift cards to support the program.
   

3. CCC approves framework for social cannabis use sites (wcvb.com) — Massachusetts has approved regulations for social cannabis consumption sites, and Somerville is among the communities expressing interest in potentially allowing them. Over the next 18 months or so, cities and towns will decide whether to opt in and set local rules, which could bring new businesses, jobs, and tourism-focused cannabis venues to participating communities.
   

4. Rümeysa Öztürk: An American Story Pt. 1 (bostonglobe.com) — A Tufts graduate student living on Mason Street in Somerville was seized by ICE in what neighbors first thought was a kidnapping, sparking frantic legal action and a massive rally in the city. This first podcast episode traces her arrest on Somerville streets, the scramble by local lawyers and friends to find her, and the broader national debate over immigration and pro-Palestinian student activism.
   

📸 Around Somerville

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Somerville

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Somerville Considering Cannabis Dens and Cannabis Promotional Events —David Booth Read on Patch
  • Brigham and Women's Hospital posted a job opening for BFT Aspire Assistant Group Leader in Somerville. Apply here.
  • CROSSMARK posted a job opening for Retail Merchandiser- Part Time (HIRING ASAP) in Somerville. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Somerville here.

Ok Somerville! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I demand a jury of my piers.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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