Important Update:

Somerville Nonprofit Kickball Game is moved to Nunziato Field ​at 7​ ​Putnam Street ​and no at longer Trum Field.

The 1st Somerville Non-profit Kickball Game is being moved to this Thursday, June 15, 4:00 p.m. at Trum Field.

The public is welcome to come cheer!

What do you get when you combine dozens of Somerville-based community organizations plus a baseball field and a kickball? One heck of an entertaining spectacle!

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)

Recently President Trump announced he will withdraw the United States from the Paris Climate Accord. His decision didn’t go over well. As it turns out, when you set in motion the potential reversal of decades of progress on climate change, people all across our huge planet – like world leaders, business executives, scientists, everyday citizens, and the Pope – will express their dismay.  Count me among the exasperated, and I’ve heard from many of you that you feel that way too. President Trump’s choice to make America a climate pariah – one of only three countries worldwide to reject the accord – is shortsighted, irresponsible, and outright bad for all of us. The question now is what can we each do to counter this step backward? Well, I have a few local options for you.

~Photos by Donald Norton

Assembly Row at Assembly Square and Metamovements Latin Dance Company presented Salsa Dancing On The Row! on Friday, June 9. The event celebrated #10yearsofMM at the Somerville Salsa Series this summer to promote health and wellness while celebrating new developments in Assembly Row.

Joe’s Jazz and Blues Festival will be livening up Powderhouse Park this coming Saturday as a great selection of blues and jazz artists perform free for the public.

By Tom Bannister

The brainchild of Somerville Mayor Joseph Curtatone, who played trumpet in the Somerville High School Jazz Band, Joe’s Jazz and Blues Festival is back this year.

On Saturday, June 17, get ready for a free all-day outdoor event in beautiful Powderhouse Park (a.k.a Nathan Tufts Park).

With a mix of enthusiasm and trepidation, the City of Somerville Board of Aldermen passed the Union Square Overlay District zoning ordinance at last Thursday’s meeting.

By Jordan Deschenes

The Board of Aldermen passed a Union Square Overlay District zoning at its meeting last Thursday through a vote of nine to one, with one absentee. Mayor Joe Curtatone also signed the master development covenant for the project into effect, binding US2 into an official agreement with the city.

State lawmakers testified last week in favor of S834, An Act Reforming Pretrial Process, a bill that, according to its supporters, addresses questionable practices inherent in the current bail system.

By State Senator Pat Jehlen

(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)

Last week I joined many other legislators to testify on criminal justice reform. This is my testimony on S834, An Act Reforming Pretrial Process.

“East Somerville Reunion 17” will be held this year on Saturday, June 24, 7:00 – 11:00 p.m., at 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.

— Photos by Bobbie Toner

The 14th Annual Save Our Homes Walk took place on Sunday, June 11 to raise funds to help those at risk of becoming homeless. This year’s goal was $50,000.

Eagle Feathers #131 –The Monument

By Bob (Monty) Doherty

While stacked high above the city waiting to land at Logan Airport, the pilot gave the travelers a brief history lesson. As the plane angled for a clear view, he pointed out the tallest monument in Boston, the Bunker Hill Memorial. Passengers were overheard saying, Bunker Hill? It looks more like Bunker Bump, but they soon viewed it as Bunker Mountain when informed about its historic saga.

It was a long time coming, and took quite a beating along the way, but at long last – after a torturous course of study and debate – the Union Square Overlay District zoning ordinance now stands before us. And quite a thing to behold it is.

Many different groups and individuals concerned with the planning of the new zoning regulations played a hardscrabble game of tug of war in what became an almost insurmountable battle of wills over the future of Union Square.