By Kristen Strezo
Co-chair of the Somerville Commission for Women

A Prudential research study discovered that fewer than two in 10 women feel “very prepared” to make wise financial decisions. Half indicate that they “need some help,” and one-third feel that they “need a lot of help.”

~Photos by Claudia Ferro

The Big Apple Circus is now at Assembly Row, through May 6. The spectacular show under the big top features world class acrobats, jugglers, clowns, and just about everything you would expect from this highly renowned entertainment institution. Great fun for kids of all ages!

By Jim Clark

Police officers were dispatched to a Wheatland St. location last Sunday on reports of a motor vehicle break in progress, and that the suspect was being detained.

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)

A look at ways to get involved with your city: Don’t just live in Somerville, be Somerville!

Recreational Marijuana Public Discussion on Locations and Guidelines, April 12 & 19

The City is studying how to best implement new state laws regulating recreational marijuana. Join City staff at one of two upcoming meetings to discuss how recreational marijuana establishments might be permitted in Somerville. Each meeting will begin with a presentation reviewing the laws and an update on existing medical marijuana dispensaries in Somerville, followed by a discussion that will help us create new city policy on recreational marijuana sales. Please email planning@somervillema.gov with any questions or call 311. When/where: Thursday, April 12, at 6:30 p.m. at the Public Safety Building Academy Room, 220 Washington St., and Thursday, April 19, at 6:30 p.m. at the VNA, 259 Lowell St.

State Representative Christine P. Barber of Somerville and Medford joined her House colleagues last Wednesday in voting to adopt S.2371, An Act relative to criminal justice reform, a comprehensive criminal justice reform package that is a result of compromise discussions between the House and Senate.

Concerned citizens got its chance to sound off on the proposed real estate transfer fee at a public hearing of the Somerville Board of Aldermen Legislative Matters Committee last week. — Photos by Donald Norton

By Jim Clark

The Somerville Board of Aldermen’s Legislative Matters Committee got a collective ear full last Wednesday, April 4, at its public hearing on the proposed home rule petition to impose a real estate transfer fee on property sales in the city.

Traces of soil contaminants have been found on the grounds at Conway field and playground, forcing its continued closure until a full cleanup is completed.

By Kalina Newman

Conway field and playground will remain shut down, after risk assessors from Watson & Sampson, an environmental service company, along with The City of Somerville Parks and Recreation, examined soil solutions around the playground. Representatives from Watson & Sampson met with the public last Tuesday to discuss their findings.

(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)

This letter is being written in response to the announcement last week from Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan that the investigation has been completed into the fatal crash that took the life of Bernard “Joe” Lavins. As you may remember, Joe Lavins was riding his bicycle through Porter Square in Cambridge on the morning of October 5, 2016 when he was struck and killed by a tractor trailer. The DA’s report concluded that there would be no criminal charges brought against the driver and that the design of the intersection at Porter Square had nothing to do with the crash.

On 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

On Tuesday, April 3, Environment America was joined by Massachusetts State Representatives Mike Connolly and Christine Barber for a panel on renewable energy at Tufts University.