Left to Right: Doug Holder with Jack Holland behind the bars of an old bank vault at the Bloc 11 Cafe in Somerville, Mass.

Holder interviews pop/rock musician Jack Holland about his new band  “The Dutch Tulips,” and his life and times of an up and coming musician in Somerville, Mass. and beyond.

Listen to podcast here

Year-long series of events scheduled in 2017 in honor of city’s birthday. Logo will appear on all city banners, memorabilia, for celebration.

Did you know?: in 2017, the City of Somerville is celebrating its 175^th birthday, 175 years since we separated from Charlestown, and we’re celebrating all year long. The events will kick off in January 2017, at the City’s Mid-Term Address and Ceremonies, where we will unveil the official 175^th birthday banner and logo. This is where you come in. We are seeking logo ideas and sketches to be considered for the 175^th celebrations. Winning logo(s) will be featured on all banners, signage, and memorabilia for the year, and will receive a $200 honorarium. Any member of the public is welcome to apply, though preference will be given to Somerville residents. Sketches and drawings are welcome.

Wondering about the residents of this historic Milk Row Cemetery dating back to 1804? Join the Somerville Historic Preservation Commission on Sunday, November 6, from 2 to 4 p.m., for the final public opening of 2016. Due to its fragile condition, the site is often closed to the public, except by appointment, or during regular openings during the seasonal months. At those times, volunteer docents, often dressed in historic period clothing, will help you learn a little about the buried residents, from as far back as Revolutionary times, and their history within the community, once known as “Beyond the Neck.” The grounds may also be appreciated as a peaceful retreat for reading and contemplation.

~Photo by Donald Norton

By Donald Norton

This past Saturday night in Arlington, local Attorney Phil Privertra held a Halloween Party at his Masonic Lodge. About 100 people attended and had a good time. He had a good number of people from Somerville at the party and, as part of the entertainment, had a local Mariachi Band playing for the crowd. The band is from Somerville and owns a local Mexican restaurant called El Potro Mexican & Bar Gill at 61 Union Square. We have been told that they have the best Mexican food in the area. They now have three restaurants from here in Somerville to Lowell on Merrimac Street back down to Malden on Highland Avenue. Live entertainment with the Mariachi Band here in the city. Stop in and see for yourself. And if you are having a party and want some fantastic music, give them a call at 617-416-4100 or email info@medusa.com. You won’t be disappointed.

SCATV Public Service Announcement

Let’s Vote Early, Somerville!

MacEachern, Harold J. -Of Somerville October 27, 2016. Beloved Husband of the late Sandra MacEachern. Loving father of Babette Mello of Somerville and her late husband James, Steven MacEachern and his wife Sheila of Somerville. Grandfather of Brad Sheehan, Alex and James Mello Jr. and Julia Moreira. Great grandfather of Jake Kelly. Brother of James MacEachern of WA the late Walter, John, Paul, Owen MacEachern and Patricia Shamon.

By Jim Clark

Police last Sunday afternoon received a call from a Saks Off Fifth Loss Prevention Officer who reported an alleged shoplifting incident in progress.

Officers were dispatched to the Assembly Row location to investigate and while en route were reportedly informed by store staff via cell phone that a man, later identified as Edward McVey, had been observed concealing expensive women’s handbags on his person and that he had exited the store, and had gotten on a bicycle heading towards the MBTA station at Assembly Row.

By William C. Shelton

(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)

Our city has the lowest proportion of green and open space in the Commonwealth because its elected officials colluded with residential developers rather than protecting their citizens’ best interests.

The Somerville High School Girls Varsity Volleyball team played their last home game at SHS Monday night against Cambridge Rindge Latin.

By Jim Thomas

(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 November 8, Somerville residents will be asked to vote on Question 5, which would allow an override of Proposition 2½ to raise money for a new High School. As a parent of three recent graduates of Somerville High School, I agree that we need a new school. Unfortunately, Question 5 and the current building plan have many significant issues. Here are 5 things to consider on Question 5.