Wondering about the residents of this historic Cemetery dating back to 1804? 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. If interested in being a Docent, joining the Friends of the Milk Row Cemetery, or for more information, please contact bwilson@somervillema.gov or 617-625-6600 x2532 or Barbara Mangum at info@historicsomerville.org or 617-331-7726. *Also check www.somervillema.gov/historicpreservation for other Fall 2016 openings.

Vinyl rules at the Annual Somerville Rock and Roll Yard Sale, hitting Union Square this Sunday.gd

On Sunday, September 11, 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Union Square Plaza, What Cheer produces ArtsUnion’s annual Rock And Roll Yard Sale showcasing New Englands’s top vinyl dealers.

Vintage clothing peddlers and DIY craftsters will join record vendors, making for a unique shopping experience! There will be all sorts of music-related formats—including vinyl, CDs, cassettes and 8-tracks—and audio gear, music magazines, silk-screened posters, promotional items and vegan snacks. Of course, vinyl will be spinning for your aural enjoyment. This is a perfect way to support DIY & independent small businesses!

The City’s annual vigil walk, in honor of the victims of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, will be held on Sunday, September 11, 2016, at 6 p.m. The vigil will begin with a procession from the Cedar Street end of the Community Path, and conclude with a short ceremony in Davis Square. The entire Somerville community is invited to participate. For more information, please call Nancy Aylward in the Mayor’s Office at 617-625-6600, ext. 2100.

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)

Perhaps because I write a column, I am regularly asked—or told—what my political orientation is. It happens more frequently during election season.

I’m always at a loss for an answer. Taking on a term like “conservative,” “liberal,” or “progressive” feels like putting on a rigid and grossly ill-fitting suit that is painful to wear, disfigures appearance, and distorts movement.

September 8, 2016  State Primary
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— Photo by Donald Norton

State Senate – 2nd Middlesex – (D)
46 of 50 Precincts Reporting – 92%
Jehlen, Patricia (i)  14,434 80%
Cheung, Leland   3,634 20%

State House – 26th Middlesex – (D)
13 of 13 Precincts Reporting – 100%
Connolly, Mike   2,926 54%
Toomey, Timothy (i)   2,532 46%

Join in the fun at Riverfest this coming Saturday at Baxter Park.

Riverfest is the culmination of a summer of activity at Assembly Row. In partnership with The City of Somerville and DCR, celebrate all that is great about the neighborhood. Join us for a day full of live local music, dozens of local artists, free children’s activities, a sidewalk sale, and of course the annual fireworks show over the Mystic River at sundown.

The Somerville Foundation for Animals announces the 7th Annual Somerville Dog Festival: DogFest 2016, to be held on Sunday, September 11, 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. at Trum Field, Broadway and Cedar St., Somerville.

Admission is free but donations will be gladly accepted. All well-mannered dogs on leash and current on their vaccinations are invited.

By Jim Clark

A police officer assigned to monitor traffic for the first day of school last week in the vicinity of Broadway observed a pickup truck with a commercial Massachusetts registration, go past with a rejected inspection sticker on the windshield.

Taking a closer look at this month’s notable city data
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By Mayor 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)

Data-based decision making is at the core of how we develop policy and set priorities here at City Hall. Every day I check the latest 311 stats, and throughout the week we meet for in-depth review of departmental data and city trends. So from now on once a month rather than writing a traditional op ed I’d like to share some of the data I’ve been reviewing recently.