Villens United by Chris Haskell

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

History books will not speak kindly of the 2016 president election. Although political campaigns have gotten dirty in the past, none have been more ugly and divisive than the campaign’s run in this election. For many their vote was passionately choosing who they didn’t want to be president more than who they did. I myself was guilty of that charge.

By Donald Norton

This past Saturday, The Little Sisters of the Poor on Highland Avenue held their annual bazaar, and once again it appeared to be a huge success. Hundreds of people came to the home all day long. This is an event that is prepared with the help of many, and it all goes to a great cause right there at the home for the many residents that live there.

The Aldermanic Chambers saw a packed house last week as concerned parties gathered for a public hearing on Community Benefits Agreements.

By Joe Ruvido

At their meeting on Thursday, the Board of Aldermen held a public hearing on Community Benefits Agreements (CBAs) at the request of a petition to the Board.

An assortment of community groups, led by Union United and the Somerville Community Corporation, are asking the board to sign and implement a CBA before approving any zoning or permits for the Union Square Development and MBTA Green Line Extension into Somerville.

Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker presented Somerville Mayor Joseph Curtatone with a 13M MassWorks Infrastructure grant for Union Square last week.

By Ross Blouin

This past week Governor Charlie Baker and Housing and Economic Development Secretary, Jay Ash joined Mayor Joe Curtatone and Union Square Station Associates (US2) President, Greg Karcewski, to announce a $13Million MassWorks Infrastructure grant for Union Square.

Mark your calendar for a public hearing on Thursday, November 17, 7:00 p.m., Alderman Chambers, 2nd floor, City Hall. The mayor will present a proposal for Somerville’s contribution of $50M for Green Line Extension (GLX) funding. The mayor presented a proposal for a city contribution of $50 million to the Board of Aldermen (BOA) at their meeting Thursday, November 10. A vote in favor by the BOA will be necessary for the city to send the money to the state.

Take a peek into the studios of artists who create their works at Brickbottom Artists’ Building this coming weekend.

By Rebecca Danvers

Brickbottom Artists’ Building will host its 29th annual Open Studios – one of the oldest open studio events in Somerville – on November 19 and 20 from 12:00 – 6:00 p.m. each day.

And so, after all these years of residents of the odd number side of the street shouldering the burden of clearing the way for the snow plows, the time has come to get … well, even.

It’s only fair that this new plan of alternating sides should finally become a reality. It has been discussed – and yes, even argued – for many years. At last the city administrators have hammered out the details and given the go-ahead for this first year’s run.

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A staple in Teele Square since 1999, this friendly neighborhood Irish pub is a fun place to grab a Guinness and a burger and catch up with friends.

When you first walk in, notice the exposed brick wall and the bar area made up of beautiful wood. The bar itself is a 1930’s pharmacy counter that adds much character to the space.

By Donald Norton

This past Tuesday at the regular meeting of the Somerville Rotary club, a new member come on board at their weekly luncheon at the Holiday Inn on Washington St. Seen here is Ann Kirby (left), who sponsored Kevin Su (center). Both are sales associates of Century 21 Commonwealth on Elm Street. Pictured on the far right is Past President Paul Kaufman, who has performed the ceremony for many years. Somerville Rotary is a service club with a long history here in Somerville, assisting many local charities. They meet every Tuesday at 12:15 p.m. at the Holiday Inn on Washington Street. If you are interested in joining this organization you can contact Ann Kirby at C21 Commonwealth or Paul Kaufman at his law office on Broadway in Magoun Square.

— Photos by Donald Norton

By Donald Norton

Pictured here at the Brigham House Bazaar this past Saturday is Somerville’s own Lynne Lenoir and Dorothy DiMarzo, who every year donate their time and creative skills to help raise funds for Brigham House in Watertown.