Burt Mayer and Tom Ward at a Somerville Arts Council’s previous Beardfest.

The All-American Beardfest has made its way to Somerville yet again. Come get your fill of crazy hair twirling, moustache combing.

Join in for a fun creative hair contest Sunday, February 2 from 2 p.m.-5 p.m. at the Arts at the Armory, 191 Highland Ave.  Contestants will vie for prizes in 5 categories: natural full beard, free-style full beard, free-style moustache, free-style partial beard, (which includes goatees, sideburns and any other creative combination of the above), and for follicle challenged, best fake beard.

Bombing victim aiding 13-year-old in need of prosthesis
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Melissa Estefania Salinas and her family are looking forward to their forthcoming visit to the U.S., as soon as the red tape and logistics involved are resolved.

By Max Sullivan

After losing her leg and her best friend in the Boston Marathon bombing last April, Somerville resident Karen Rand has spent the last few months working to bring 13-year-old El Salvadorian Melissa Estefania Salinas to the United States for treatment of a similar affliction.

 Massachusetts School Building Authority’s vote kicks off feasibility process

Somerville is one step closer to a renovated or new high school after the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) voted on Wednesday to invite Somerville Public Schools into MSBA’s eligibility period, which is the first step in the application process for state funding for renovation or replacement of the school.

By William C. Shelton

(The opinions and views expressed in the commentaries of The Somerville Times belong solely to the authors of those commentaries and  do not reflect the views or opinions of The Somerville Times, its staff or publishers)

Assembly Square’s development remains Somerville’s biggest and most timely opportunity to bring jobs and expand our commercial tax base.

Ward 3 Alderman Bob McWatters has big plans for improving the quality of life for his constituents as he begins his tenure on the Board of Alderman.

By Max Sullivan

Newly elected Ward 3 Alderman Bob McWatters said he sees property tax as an issue for Somerville residents. Though he said it’s difficult to lower taxes while maintaining quality government services, he hopes he can help Somerville bring in more commercial property owners, removing some of the property tax burden from the residents’ shoulders.

By Jim Clark

While on patrol in the Davis Sq. area, a police officer caught sight of what he deemed to be suspicious behavior on the part of an individual whose vehicle was parked on Grove St.

The man, later identified as Alex Bilodeau, 26, of Revere, was reportedly observed standing outside of the driver’s side door of a parked SUV. According the reports, Bilodeau was seen tossing a small safe in the air, then picking it up off the ground and throwing it into a nearby trash bin.

The Somerville Theatre Festival’s first outing brought thought provoking theatre to local audiences this past weekend at the Art at the Armory in Somerville.

By Erica Scharn

In 10 minutes or less, each play at the Somerville Theatre Festival delved into issues ranging from gender roles and sexuality to race and relationships to the thoughts of dogs. The plays raised questions like: Who should take out the trash – the man or the woman? Is God a woman? What would a restaurant serving human meat look like?

By Joseph A. Curtatone

(The opinions and views expressed in the commentaries of The Somerville Times belong solely to the authors of those commentaries and  do not reflect the views or opinions of The Somerville Times, its staff or publishers)

Our city of Somerville, just like the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and this great country, has greatly benefited from the contributions of immigrants who have sought their dreams here—the same dreams that so many sought before them—while becoming valued members of our community. The famed entrepreneurial, innovative and determined spirit that characterizes Somerville was and continues to be fueled by—to cite only a few nationalities—the Irish, Greek, Italian, Portuguese, Salvadoran, Haitian, Nepalese, and Brazilian immigrants who chose this city as the place where their dreams could take root and grow. Today, one-third of Somerville residents are foreign born and more than 50 languages are spoken in our community. Somerville doesn’t belong to any one culture, age group, class or ethnicity. The people of our city, our state and our country are united in aspiring for a better life for our children and ourselves.

Somerville’s Director of School Nursing, Gay Koty, will be testifying at the State House Wednesday, February 5, to provide information to the transportation subcommittee on the outcomes of school based vision screenings done in the SPS.   There will be others from around the Commonwealth providing similar information.