April Media Mixer & Pitch Event

Sunday, April 29 from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Arts at the Armory Cafe

Let’s celebrate creativity by throwing a Media Mixer and Pitch event! Come to the event to meet other media makers, filmmakers, editors, actors, aspiring creatives and more. They also welcome attendees to PITCH their ideas and skills to others in the room. Use this space to talk through your project ideas, help craft the logistics, and even market your own skills.

The Ryan Harrington Foundation is honored to be hosting the Just One Run Fundraiser in Memory of Anthony D. Giurleo on Sunday, June 3, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

The Just One Run is a 5k fundraiser, the proceeds of which will directly impact the lives of those affected by the disease of addiction. Participation includes the 5k adult race and walk, a children’s “Fun Run” plus refreshments, music and plenty of activities for the kids.

Applicant must be a Somerville resident who works at or serves on the board of a Somerville non-profit community-based organization

The Somerville Fair Housing Commission was formed to help prevent housing discrimination in Somerville. The Commission receives complaints about possible fair housing violations and provides information and assistance to residents, including referrals to the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination.  The Commission also conducts outreach to educate the public about state and federal fair housing laws to address housing discrimination. The City of Somerville invites all interested and eligible residents to apply for the Commission’s vacant post.

To the editor:

(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)

Two months ago, the dust settled on yet another tragedy, and the world looked to America for a response. They saw bodies strewn across the streets in communities nationwide but no action from the government. They saw legislators and assault weapons bought and sold with the NRA pulling the strings. We as students rose up to offer an alternative vista. We stepped up and demanded change from people who attempted to silence us. We set a precedent, we foreshadowed the incredible social strides that will be made with us at the forefront.

By Bob Katzen
Beacon Hill Roll Call

The 19-member Committee on Public Safety has recommended passage of a bill that would authorize courts to prevent people from owning guns if they are deemed an extreme risk. The proposal gained momentum following February’s school shooting in Parkland, Florida. It gives courts the authority to order an extreme risk protection order that would bar the person from possessing a gun for one year. The court must first find that the person “poses a significant danger of causing personal injury to himself or herself or others by having in his or her custody or control, purchasing, possessing, or receiving a firearm.”

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)

There’s no denying that technological advances have made many positive contributions in our communities and lives, but they have also radically changed the way we interact with each other and how much time we’re spending in front of screens. Time in front of electronics is increasingly replacing time spent on physical activity and movement, social and family interactions, and even sleep. And as screen time increases, physical and mental health tends to decrease. Most concerning though is that no group has felt the full effect of the digital wave more than our young people.

~Photos by Claudia Ferro

Somerville High School students from all grades attended the annual Career Day event on Wednesday, April 11, organized as part of Somerville High School’s College and Career Readiness programming.

With the closure of Conway Park, youth athletic organizations are looking to alternative playing areas such as Dilboy Field to provide them with the spaces needed to function. ~ Photo by John Phelan

By Jim Clark

With the temporary closure of Conway Park due to concerns over soil contamination, many youth athletic groups have been left wanting in terms of playing spaces for their regularly scheduled activities.

The City of Somerville Board of Aldermen took up the issue at their latest regular meeting last week, looking to find solutions to the ongoing problems faced by youth athletic organizers.

By Shira Laucharoen

The Somerville Commission on Energy Use and Climate Change (CEUCC) convened on April 11 at the Somerville City Hall to design new initiatives and reflect on recently passed legislation relating to sustainability. The chief topics discussed during the meeting were shadow carbon pricing and recent state-level developments.

This Friday, April 20, the Dave Martini and Nick Peters Scholarship Fund is having A Night with Jim Plunkett. The event is being held at the Dante Club, 5 Dante Terrace off Craigie Street here in Somerville. It’s a great time and lots of fun. Tickets are $40, and include well-known local singer Jim Plunkett, plus a 50/50 auction, lots of raffles, and a buffet dinner. For tickets, please contact: Janet7345@yahoo.com or you can purchase tickets at the Eventbrite page, www.eventbrite.com/e/dave-nicvk-scholarship-fundraiser-with-jim-plunkett-tickes-44716590526