Villari’s Self Defense Center, 54 Union Square, Somerville, will offer free self-defense and personal protection classes August 20-26.

Classes will be offered for all students of all ages – elementary school, middle school, high school and college as well as parents and adults.

Executive Director of Somerville-Cambridge Elder Services (SCES) Paul Hollings.

By Paul Hollings

Elder service agencies have long taken an in-home approach to helping people age in place, and shifting perspectives in the public health field are primed to highlight our role in helping people maintain health and wellness.

On August 4 and 5, 55 riders from Somerville will cycle up to 192 miles in the Pan-Mass Challenge (PMC) with the goal of topping last year’s record-breaking gift and raising $52 million for critical cancer research and patient care at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

Somerville’s ArtFarm will see development in the design process this summer. — Photo courtesy of the City of Somerville

By Shira Laucharoen

While plans for the development of Somerville’s ArtFarm had previously been held back, the initiative will experience progress over the summer. There is no set date for the completion of the project, but organizers intend to make headway on construction documents this season, with the aim of having a bid package ready in 2019.

ArtBeat is one of the area’s largest and most innovative arts festivals, with over a dozen bands, dance troupes, 75 craft vendors, food, and all-age activities.

On Saturday, July 14th we shut down Davis Square for craft vendors, two stages of music, dance in the Somerville Theater, and a host of great interactive performances from 11 am to 10 pm.

The City of Somerville has issued a directive to staff informing them that, to prevent potentially unsafe conditions created by National Grid’s lockout of 1,200 workers in Massachusetts, no non-emergency permit should be issued to National Grid during this time without undergoing an additional stringent review process. Citing the concern that an “outside contractor under supervision of National Grid staff unfamiliar with our standard operating procedures would likely create significant constituent impacts and could potentially result in unsafe conditions,” the directive sets a range of requirements and stipulates permits undergo review “until we are confident that the execution of the work will be fully in adherence to our standards.” The directive goes on to state that, “through years of experience, the gas company crews and their contractors have become familiar with our requirements, and we therefore have a comfort level in issuing Occupancy Permits. The current situation with National Grid, however, presents a changed condition.”

By Jim Clark

While on duty for the Somerville Police Gang Unit, officers operating an unmarked cruiser conducting a directed patrol in the area of Mt. Vernon Street observed a man operating a vehicle who appeared to be texting while driving. The officers conducted a motor vehicle stop at the intersection of Mt. Vernon and Perkins Streets.

By Joseph A. Curtatone

(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)

Taking a closer look at notable city data—and interesting numbers. 

More than 75 percent of pedestrians crossing illegally in Davis Square: Before signal timing changes were made last month at the main intersection in Davis Square, it could take between four and six minutes for pedestrians to legally cross the intersection diagonally. As a result, more than 75 percent of pedestrians were crossing without a signal.  So recently, the City made changes to signal timing to increase safety and help the intersection run more efficiently and reduce delays for all users.

~Photos by Claudia Ferro

Last Thursday evening, July 5, people gathered for live entertainment at Trum Field that included performances by the 215th Army Band, and local Disco-Funk band Booty Vortex.