~Photos by Claudia Ferro

On Saturday, September 15, PetSmart in Everett celebrated Adoption Weekend in support of Somerville based Happy Tails Pet Rescue’s lifesaving work Participants enjoyed raffles, purchased baked goods and selected an item or two from the array of handmade items and unique gifts. If you were not able to make it and would like to donate to the ongoing rescue and care of their cats, you may make a tax deductible contribution at happytailspetrescue.org/donate. Your participation and donations are immensely appreciated.

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)

By Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone

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

Highest summer Parks and Recreation program participation in 5 years: Summer recreation programs are important community assets that benefit our youth in a number of ways. They keep participant’s minds and bodies active during those out-of-school months, allow them to explore new interests, give them the opportunity to socialize with friends, and can even build self-confidence.

~Photos by Bobbie Toner

The 7th Annual Corn Toss Tournament, hosted by the Ryan Harrington Foundation, took place on Saturday, September 15 at Trum Field. All monies raised will go to youth organizations in the city.

For more information on Ryan Harrington Foundation, visit www.ryanharringtonfoundation.org

Lion’s Head at the Homans Building was removed in one piece. ~Photos courtesy of MBTA

Wednesday, September 19, the Lion’s Head at the Homans Building removed successfully in one piece.

On Friday, as part of the Green Line Extension project’s commitment to historical preservation, a mold was made of the Lion’s Head at the Homans Building. The Homans Building is scheduled to be demolished in the coming weeks.  The building is very close to the future Green Line tracks, and land is needed for an electrical substation and other GLX-related infrastructure.

~Photos by Bobbie Toner

“Strike up the Bands,” the September installment of the city’s SomerStreets festival, took place on Sunday, September 16.
Fun, food, games and music were enjoyed by all who attended.

By Jim Clark

A Somerville police officer on patrol last week was contacted by a Saks OFF 5TH Loss Prevention Agent as he was driving through Assembly Row, and was informed that a male had just stolen multiple pairs of sunglasses from the store.

The officer was told that the suspect, later identified as Juan Molina, of Clinton, fled toward the Home Depot parking lot.

Life in the Ville by Jimmy Del Ponte

In the song Anticipation, Carly Simon tells us that “these are the good old days.” When you think about it, it’s true. But the problem is that when you’re actually going through “the good old days” you don’t realize it.

We are reminded of those days through conversation, perhaps Facebook and photographs. Did you ever look at a photograph taken 10 years ago and say, “Wow, I thought my hair was thinning then!” Or “Gee, I wish I was that slim now!”

Suitcases Needed!

Please donate your old (HARDCASE preferred) suitcases for an activist art project with the wonderful Nora Valdez and the awesome folks at MIRA: Massachusetts Immigrant & Refugee Advocacy Coalition. At HONK! the public will be invited to stencil each case with messages about immigrant/refugee rights.

The City of Somerville Board of Aldermen resolved to support “Yes on 3” coalition at its latest regular meeting last Thursday.

By Jim Clark

A resolution was put forward and approved at the latest Board of Aldermen meeting aimed at “supporting the “Yes on 3 Coalition” and re-affirming the Board’s commitment to equal protection under the laws for all people.”

The full text of the resolution reads as follows:

According to the Somerville Police Department, the two suspects wanted for the removal and defilement of American flags planted in the Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery and the desecration of the Veteran’s Monument have been identified.

The police department has reportedly sought felony charges against the male in Somerville District Court.