By Jim Clark

Police officers responded to the Citizens Bank at 40 Union Square last Thursday on a report of a woman trying to use a stolen credit card.

Upon arrival, the officers approached the suspect, later identified as Jeddasia Warner, of New Bedford, standing at the bank teller window. She was pointed out to police by an employee of the bank.

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)

As Somerville celebrates its 175th anniversary and looks back at its industrial past, we are preparing for a people-centric future – one that brings us closer to the goals laid out in our community-made 20-year SomerVision comprehensive plan. Important projects such as the Green Line, Union Square, Assembly Row, and neighborhood planning continue to move forward. To make progress on this scale, we need to make sure our municipal finances are sound, and as we prepare our fiscal year 2018 budget, we’re in good shape.

By Donald Norton

The annual Bunker Hill Day ceremony was held last Saturday, June 17, to commemorate the battle on that day in 1775. In that time Somerville was a part of Charlestown, and since the early 1800’s the communities have celebrated this holiday.

The proposed Fiscal Year 2018 budget for the City of Somerville has been submitted to the Board of Alderman Finance Committee for review, debate and revision, continuing through Thursday evening.

By Jordan Deschenes

With three months remaining until the end of the current financial year, Mayor Joseph Curtatone has presented his 2018 budget for consideration. As a conservative and “near level-service” budget, the proposal calls for few new long-term financial investments. In the midst of a twenty-year commitment to the SomerVision Comprehensive Plan and unavoidable infrastructure improvements, the mayor’s proposition is certainly reflective of such vital obligations.

The 2017 edition of Joe’s Jazz and Blues Festival entertained appreciative attendees at Powderhouse Park this weekend.

By Fiona Sharp

On Saturday, June 17, Joe’s Jazz and Blues Fest was held in Somerville’s Powderhouse Park. This annual event was started by Mayor Joe Curatone, who played trumpet in the Somerville High School Jazz Band.

By William A. White Jr.
Alderman At-Large

Last week’s story in The Somerville Times about the Union Square zoning vote incorrectly stated that my “decision to support US2 as the master developer to sign the covenant was based upon the benefits associated with the group’s interest and flexibility towards the project.” I am very troubled by that mischaracterization of my words on such an important issue to the residents of this City. The video recording of the meeting clearly shows that I never said anything about supporting US2 as the master developer to sign the covenant. Nor did I say anything about their interest or flexibility. I appreciate this opportunity from The Somerville Times to correct that error and discuss the reasons for my vote on that zoning.

This Saturday evening, June 24, 7:00 – 11:00 p.m., “East Somerville Reunion 17” will be held the Somerville City Club. Anyone that grew up in East Somerville is invited to attend to meet and greet old friends and reminisce about your park or the corner you grew up on, and so much more. Come and have some fun. Hook up with old friends. Eat, drink, and dance your ass off to a live band. Tickets are $10 each, available at the City Club bar. $15 at the door. This is an adult only event. No one under 21 allowed. We know what it was like back in the day to grow up in a unique part of Somerville. The last reunion had well over 100 attendees. It looks like this year’s event may be even more successful. Go to the Facebook page “East Somerville 17” and check in if you will be attending. The reunion is the idea of Dan Rogovich and his committee. They have worked hard to make this a success. A big thank you for having Somerville Pride, in particular East Somerville Pride.

A special luncheon was held by the Somerville Kiwanis at their well attended weekly meeting at the Mount Vernon Restaurant. Three members were honored for their many years of steadfast dedication and their many contributions to the Somerville Kiwanis, the oldest service club in Somerville, founded in 1925. Pictured here (from L to R) Distinguished Past President James “Jay” Lynch, 30 years service; Ross Blouin, 35 years service; and Joseph Benoit, 35 years service. The awards were presented by Michael McWilliams, President of Kiwanis 2016 – 2017.

Erica Voolich congratulates Anmol Maini on winning the Charlotte and Dr. Irving Fradkin scholarship from the Somerville Mathematics Fund.

By Rebecca Danvers

The Somerville Mathematics Fund recently announced the winners of their renewable mathematics scholarships for 2017. The Math Fund was founded to celebrate and encourage math achievement and these students deserve to be celebrated for their work in math and science while in high school. Thanks to the generosity of many individuals and a few organizations, this year they were able to award a record 8 scholarships, totaling $32,000 over four years.

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Pastéis de nata, torta de nadas, and pastéis de Belém are other names that these sweet, custardy confections also go by.