The ABC’s of Question 2: The Charter School Debate

(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 8th, voters across Massachusetts will vote on whether to raise the cap on charter schools.

A “yes” vote supports this proposal to authorize up to 12 new charter schools or enrollment expansions in existing charter schools by the state Board of Elementary and Secondary Education per year.

“Daylight Walk” is one of Sarah Eigen Davis’ watercolors that can be viewed while on exhibit at Center for Arts at the Armory in November.

By Manna Parker

Somerville artist Sarah Eigen Davis is presenting her first exhibition at Center for Arts at the Armory in November. The exhibit will feature her original watercolors depicting moments of the community of Somerville.

By Mary Jo Rosetti,  Alderman at Large

As you know, attempting to change the infringement of air flight noise pollution on our livelihoods has been a passion of mine. I share with you today a long awaited Conference to be held here in Somerville.

A day-long conference that brings some of the world’s foremost airport impact experts and environmental health scientists together with interested citizens and policy leaders.

By Rep. Christine P. Barber
34th Middlesex District

(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)

While Medford and Somerville are great places to live, one thing we often complain about is a lack of open space. For many, this means driving far to access a park or waterfront. We forget, or simply are unaware, that though we may be immediately surrounded by city blocks and urban streets, we live within 3 miles of over 60 acres of a waterfront park with beautiful trees, open space, and paths. Would you know what this is? It’s the Mystic River and Macdonald Park, an underutilized gem near Station Landing and Mystic Valley Parkway.

The public is invited to attend and participate this Saturday in the celebration of the renaming of the Otis Playground in honor of Deanna Cremin.

By Tom Bannister

A ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the completion of the Otis Playground renovation and its much anticipated renaming as Cremin Playground, in honor of Deanna Cremin, a wonderful Somerville teen who was a positive inspiration for all will take place this Saturday, October 22.

The 4th Annual Sean Collier Memorial Fundraiser Weekend is happening at Lyndell’s Bakery!

From doors open on Friday Oct. 21 to doors close on Sunday, Oct. 23, $1 from every half moon cake sold will go directly to the Somerville Auxiliary Police Sean Collier Memorial Fundraiser which helps Somerville High students interested in pursuing a career in law enforcement.

By Jim Clark

Police were dispatched to P.A. Lounge last Saturday night on reports of a possible assault with injury.

Upon arrival, the officer met with the victim of the alleged assault who told them that a short time earlier he was on the dance floor inside the bar listening to a live band and slam dancing in a mosh pit when he felt a hard object hit his head from behind. The man said that he felt intense pain and what felt like sand pouring down from atop his head. When he checked his head it was gushing blood from where he felt the impact.

SCATV will join other community media centers across the country for the newly sanctioned free speech holiday called “Community Media Day”

Thursday, October 20th — 12:00 – 6:00 p.m.

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)

Soon you should see signs popping up around Somerville announcing that the citywide speed limit is 25 mph, unless otherwise posted. We are working to drop the speed limit from 30 to 25 on most roads for one simple reason: Because the data show that slowing down saves lives.

~Photos by Kevin Dickinson

On Saturday, Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone, the city’s SomerViva Immigrant Outreach & Service program and the Somerville Arts Council hosted a festival to mark “Día de la Raza.”