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 we return from another Memorial Day Weekend, I want to reflect not only on honoring and remembering our fallen on one day, Memorial Day, but every day. For many, celebrating Memorial Day and Veterans Day are special occasions where we stop and reflect on the sacrifices that so many men and women have made for our nation. But those brave men and women did not serve so we would have just these two days. Their stories, losses, and bravery underlie the freedoms and safety Americans enjoy every day. So though we may not hold parades year round, I hope each of you will carry the spirit of these important days in your hearts and minds always. On your behalf, our Veterans Services Department strives to do the same in their daily work too.

The Somerville Arts Council and the Department of Health and Human Services present the “Big Gay Dance Party!” This first-ever ArtsUnion Pride month event is scheduled for Saturday, June 3, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., on the Union Square Plaza, and features DJ Dee Diggs, who will be spinning a variety of songs throughout the evening. The event is free and open to all ages. In addition to dancing there will be a photo booth and tabling by local community organizations that serve the LGBTQ+ community including: Boston GLASS, RESPOND, IFED, The Rainbow Initiative, the Welcoming Committee, Cambridge Health Alliance and the Council on Aging. Boston GLASS will also be providing free and confidential STI/HIV screening and counseling.

By Charles Lane

The Somerville Police Department has joined the 2017 Click It or Ticket Campaign and will begin enforcing seat belt use as part of the national awareness to spread the importance of buckling up.

President William White, Jr., has CANCELLED the Special Meeting of the Board of Aldermen previously scheduled for Wednesday, May 31, 2017, at 6:00 PM.

Director of Planning and Zoning George Proakis was on hand at the meeting to help clarify points relating to proposed green space and planning amendments.

By Jordan Deschenes

The Board of Aldermen discussed the current amended draft of the Union Square Zoning Ordinance last Thursday at the request of Mayor Curtatone. The draft was eventually referred to the Land Use Committee for recommendation. During the meeting, aldermen reviewed comments inserted by members of the Planning and Zoning department at-length.

~Photos by Claudia Ferro

Despite the cancellation of the annual fireworks display that customarily accompanies the city’s Memorial Day observance, Somerville’s Memorial on the Mystic Concert, originally scheduled for Monday, May 29, at Baxter Park, was moved indoors to the Somerville High School auditorium, where attendees were treated to a moving celebration of gratitude for those service members who have passed before us.

By Danny LeBlanc

(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)

On Thursday night, May 18, 2017, the Somerville Planning Board voted to approve a waiver to the City’s 20% Inclusionary Housing requirement for Federal Realty Investment Trust’s (FRIT) new 500-unit housing development at Assembly Square. The Planning Board accepted a proposed alternative to the former 12.5% Inclusionary Housing requirement, presented in writing by Planning Staff two days before the May 18th meeting, and in person on Thursday evening.

By Donald Norton

The Ward 1 ResiStat meeting held at the East Somerville Community School on Tuesday, May 23, was attended by approximately 100 residents, along with a lot of politicians and some want-to-be politicians.

This Thursday, June 1, at the Cantina La Mexicana in Union Square, the very popular Alderman At-Large Bill White will be holding his campaign kickoff/fundraiser. Bill has been known as one of the smartest alderman on the board, even by his fellow alderman. He’s been elected and re-elected as President of the Board now for a few years. We think Bill has been a good alderman for the people here in the city for many years and hope he continues. So come out and show your support for him.

— Photo by Donald Norton

By Rebecca Danvers

The Somerville Youth Hockey Pee Wee A team is this years Valley League Champions in the Pee Wee A Northeast American Division.

The team began the season struggling with a 1-10 record.  After a team meeting the team decided to redouble their efforts, coaches added additional practices and the team came together, lead by team leaders Ilsa Weinert, Peter Launsberry, Lucca Alcaraz, and Andy Bonney the team began a 16 game winning streak.