Community members invited to submit nominations; Recipients to be announced monthly

As Cher almost said: “Can I hear a little commotion for the staff?” Mayor Jake Wilson is introducing the Somerville Service Award, a monthly spotlight to recognize the exceptional work of City staff who keep Somerville running. Whether it was getting a problem solved, listening and acting on your feedback, connecting you to a service, launching a whole new initiative, or just a helpful conversation over pizza at your ward’s Slice of the City, community members are invited to nominate City staff that you feel deserve recognition.  

Dear Editor,

Once again, I am writing to thank the residents of Somerville for demonstrating their community spirit and commitment to sustainability by donating more than one million pounds of clothing and household goods to Morgan Memorial Goodwill Industries in 2025.

Life in the Ville by Jimmy Del Ponte

My first cousin, who is more like a sister to me, now owns our paternal grandparents’ house off Holland St. between Teele Square and Davis Square.

Cha-Ching! Not so fast! We are a very passionate, nostalgic, and emotional bunch. Since her mom (my dad’s sister), who lived there her entire life, passed away at 94 years young, decisions had to be made.

— Photos by Bobbie Toner

Somerville Community Growing Center’s annual Maple Boil Down took place Saturday, March 7. As part of this project, volunteers collect dozens of gallons of maple sap from trees at Tufts. It was then boiled down into real maple syrup. Youth and adults had a chance to learn about tree anatomy and physiology and experience the process of making fresh maple syrup first-hand. This year’s event included programming led by Indigenous storyteller Anna-Celestrya Carr, historic events manager at the Somerville Museum, shared a “Maple Syrup Creation Story.” This event plays a critical role in supporting their mission to engage the full population of Somerville while providing a welcoming space for community interactions, environmental education and awareness, engagement with nature and culturally enriching experiences. If you were not able to attend this event and if you have the means, consider making a donation to help sustain this type of programming budget, and every little bit helps. https://www.thegrowingcenter.org/

James A.Roache, – 74, of Somerville, passed away at home on Saturday, March 7th. Beloved son of the late James F. and Lorraine L. (Flores) Roache. Devoted brother of Kevin T. Roache and his wife Christina of Marshfield, Lorraine Watson of Wilmington, the late Mark Roache and the late Maureen Roache. Cherished uncle of Mark Watson, Robert Watson, Kevin Roache, Thomas Roache, and Christina Butler. Loving great uncle of Hannah, Ryan, Timothy, James, Mary, Elizabeth, Mikey, Fiona, Gillian and Benjamin.

An update on the next phase of the Union Square (USQ) revitalization plan was made at a recent meeting of the Somerville Redevelopment Authority.

By Harry Kane

The Somerville Redevelopment Authority held a meeting on Wednesday, March 4, to provide an overview of the Union Square (USQ) revitalization plan that is moving into the next phase.

Construction option 2B for the new school building proposal.

By Ewan Henrie

The City of Somerville welcomed residents to a forum on Tuesday, March 3, focusing on plans to build a new school at 115 Sycamore Street. The forum meeting took place inside Somerville High School, and featured appearances from Mayor Jake Wilson of Somerville, Superintendent Ruben Carmona, and project architects from Perkins Eastman. Also, in attendance were Councilors Lance Davis and Kristen Strezo.

Somerville’s 2026 high school graduates are invited to apply for City of Somerville Municipal Scholarships designed to help students launch their next steps, be that professional training, college, or a job in the trades. Selected applicants will receive $2,000 to help with post-secondary education expenses, including tuition, professional programs and certifications, and union fees. The deadline to apply is March 27. To qualify for consideration, students must be in high school, a resident of the City of Somerville at the time the financial aid is awarded, and be accepted to an accredited post-secondary institution. Awards are granted both on the basis of merit and need. To apply, students must complete the online application at bit.ly/municipalschol26 by Friday, March 27, at midnight. For more information, visit somervillema.gov/scholarship or contact 311 (617-666-3311).

By Coach Dennis Orellana

The Prospect Hill Academy Wizards upset #2 in the State, Hopedale, to get to the first Final Four in School History.

On Wednesday, March 11, at 5 p.m. at UMass Boston, it’s #7 Prospect Hill Academy vs. #6 Holbrook to go to the State championship this weekend at UMass Lowell.

Teacher of the Year Finalist Beatriz Thomas was recently honored by health benefits company Wellpoint during their visit to Somerville High School.

Wellpoint, a health benefits company in Massachusetts, visited Somerville High School to honor social studies teacher Beatriz Thomas, a finalist for the 2026 Massachusetts Teacher of the Year. Wellpoint awarded Thomas $5,000 to further enhance the educational experience for her students. She intends to use the grant to strengthen students’ transition from 8th to 9th grade.